The Kang Yatse II Expedition takes you into the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh, combining the scenic Markha Valley trek with a challenging high-altitude summit attempt.
Standing at approximately 6,250 metres, Kang Yatse II offers an opportunity for experienced high-altitude trekkers to progress towards mountaineering objectives. The approach follows the Markha Valley through traditional Ladakhi villages, barren mountains, and alpine meadows before reaching the mountain’s base camp.
The summit attempt involves steep snow slopes, glacier travel, and a long day at extreme altitude. Participants must have excellent physical fitness, previous high-altitude trekking experience, and the ability to learn and apply basic mountaineering techniques under professional guidance.
Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the expedition. Signing it is mandatory..
Arrive in Leh and transfer to the hotel. The day is reserved for rest and initial acclimatisation. The expedition team will conduct a gear check and help identify any missing equipment. If conditions permit, take a gentle evening walk around Leh Market.
Altitude: 3,500 m
Undertake a gentle acclimatisation hike towards Shanti Stupa and the surrounding area. Return to Leh for the expedition briefing, covering the route, safety protocols, equipment requirements, and summit expectations. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and final preparations.
Altitude: 3,500 m
Drive from Leh towards Skiu, following the scenic Indus and Zanskar valleys. Begin trekking through the rugged terrain of the Markha Valley, passing rocky cliffs and river landscapes before reaching Sara for the overnight camp.
Drive: Approximately 3 hours
Trekking time: Approximately 1–2 hours
Continue along the Markha Valley trail, crossing streams and wooden bridges while passing traditional Ladakhi settlements and open mountain landscapes. Reach Markha village and settle into camp for the night.
Trekking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Continue deeper into the valley, gradually gaining altitude through open meadows and rocky mountain terrain. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you approach the higher camps beneath Kang Yatse.
Trekking time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Trek through high-altitude terrain towards Kang Yatse II Base Camp. The trail climbs through barren landscapes with increasingly impressive views of the surrounding peaks. On arrival, settle into camp and prepare for the summit phase.
Trekking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Spend the day at base camp acclimatising and preparing for the summit attempt. The mountain guide will conduct practical training in the use of crampons, ice axe techniques, harnesses, ropes, and movement on snow, as appropriate to the route and conditions. The team will also check equipment and discuss summit-day procedures.
Altitude: 5,100 m
Begin the summit attempt during the night or very early morning, depending on conditions and the guide’s assessment. The ascent involves steep slopes, possible glacier travel, snow sections, and sustained effort at extreme altitude.
After reaching the summit, descend carefully to base camp with the expedition team. This is the most physically demanding day of the expedition. The summit attempt may be modified or cancelled if weather, snow conditions, or participant safety requires it.
Summit altitude: 6,250 m
Duration: Approximately 10–14 hours, subject to conditions
Leave base camp and trek towards Chokdo via Kongmaru La Pass. The route crosses high mountain terrain before descending into the valley. Meet the vehicle at the designated roadhead and drive back to Leh.
Highest point: Approximately 5,200 m at Kongmaru La
Trekking time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Drive to Leh: Approximately 3 hours
Transfer to Leh Airport for your onward journey. Please book flights with sufficient flexibility, as mountain weather can affect road and flight schedules.
Altitude: 3,500 m
A reserve day is included to accommodate possible weather delays, acclimatisation requirements, or changes to the summit schedule. If the day is not required, the expedition may conclude according to the original itinerary.
Additional expenses may apply if the buffer day is used, as specified in the expedition’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation
Accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Leh on a twin-sharing basis, as per the itinerary.
Guesthouse or camping accommodation during the trekking and expedition phases, depending on the route and location.
Twin-sharing expedition tents, including at base camp.
Meals
Meals during the trekking and expedition period, as specified in the itinerary.
Nutritious vegetarian meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening tea with snacks, soup, and dinner during the trekking and expedition phase.
Specialised high-altitude meals during the base camp and climbing phases.
Hotel breakfast in Leh, as specified in the final itinerary.
Transportation
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Leh, as per the itinerary.
Ground transportation between Leh and the trek’s starting and ending points.
Expedition-related vehicle transfers specified in the itinerary.
Trek Leadership and Expedition Staff
Experienced Boots & Crampons trek leader and mountain guides.
High-altitude climbing guides for the summit phase.
Expedition cook, kitchen staff, camp setup team, and logistics crew.
Porters, mules, or horses for group equipment and expedition logistics, as arranged by the team.
Camping and Expedition Equipment
Expedition tents on a twin-sharing basis.
Sleeping bags and foam mattresses.
Dining and kitchen tents.
Toilet tent, where applicable.
Kitchen equipment, cooking gear, and utensils.
Technical Climbing Equipment
Climbing ropes and anchors, as required for the route.
Climbing Boots, Crampons, Gaiters, Ice Axe, Harnesses and Helmets, as specified in the expedition equipment plan.
Fixed ropes and associated climbing safety equipment, where required.
Permits and Documentation
Applicable trekking, environmental, forest, and expedition permits.
Relevant administrative and climbing fees covered by the package.
Safety and Medical Support
First-aid medical kit carried by the expedition team.
Emergency oxygen support where required.
Expedition safety coordination and emergency response support.
Additional Benefits
Expedition coordination and logistics management by Boots & Crampons.
Exclusive participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products.
Expedition completion certificate, where applicable.
Travel to Leh
Airfare or other travel expenses to and from Leh.
Personal Equipment and Gear
Personal trekking clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Personal porter or mule services for carrying individual luggage, available at additional cost where arrangements permit.
Additional load-ferry arrangements between base camp and higher camps, where required and chargeable.
Personal Expenses
Meals during road journeys unless specified in the itinerary.
Bottled water, beverages, snacks, and personal food purchases.
Phone calls, internet usage, laundry, and other personal expenses.
Insurance and Emergency Costs
Personal adventure travel insurance covering high-altitude mountaineering.
Emergency rescue, evacuation, helicopter evacuation, hospitalisation, and medical treatment expenses.
Accommodation Upgrades
Single-occupancy hotel accommodation in Leh at additional cost.
Individual tent accommodation during the trekking or expedition phase at additional cost.
Unforeseen Expenses
Additional costs arising from adverse weather, landslides, road closures, political or environmental conditions, acclimatisation delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Expenses resulting from an early exit due to personal or medical reasons.
Additional accommodation, meals, transportation, and staff costs arising from itinerary changes.
Buffer Day / Reserve Day Policy
If the buffer day is not used, the expedition will be completed according to the original itinerary.
If the buffer day is used due to weather, operational, acclimatisation, or safety requirements, additional costs for accommodation, meals, staff, and logistics may apply.
Any additional stay requested by participants beyond the confirmed itinerary will be chargeable.
Staff Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for trek leaders, mountain guides, porters, and expedition staff.
General Exclusion
Any service, facility, equipment, or expense not explicitly mentioned under inclusions.
At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for. Kang Yatse II requires excellent physical fitness, previous high-altitude trekking experience, and the ability to handle demanding mountain conditions.
Physical Fitness
Participants must follow a structured fitness routine for at least 2–3 months before the expedition.
Build strong cardiovascular endurance through regular jogging, cycling, and brisk uphill walking.
Practise uphill walking and stair climbing while carrying a progressively weighted backpack.
Focus on lower-body and core strength through squats, lunges, step-ups, and other strength exercises.
Build endurance for prolonged activity, as summit day may involve 10–12 hours of climbing and descending.
Previous Experience
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is mandatory.
Experience on mountains above 5,000 metres is strongly recommended.
Participants must be comfortable with consecutive days of trekking, long ascents, and sustained physical effort at altitude.
Familiarity with crampons, ice axe use, and basic rope techniques is beneficial. All participants must be able to follow the mountain guide’s technical instructions.
Mental Preparation
Be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, basic camp facilities, and long days in remote mountain terrain.
Patience, discipline, and the ability to manage fatigue are essential.
All decisions made by the expedition leader regarding route changes, summit attempts, or turnaround times must be respected.
Acclimatisation and Health
Follow the acclimatisation schedule and avoid unnecessary exertion during the initial days in Leh.
Stay hydrated, eat adequately, and get sufficient rest.
Inform the expedition leader immediately if you experience persistent headaches, nausea, dizziness, unusual breathlessness, or other symptoms of altitude illness.
Participants should disclose relevant medical concerns to the expedition team before departure and obtain medical advice where appropriate.
Final Preparation
Ensure that your trekking and mountaineering equipment is suitable for high-altitude conditions.
Practise using your boots, clothing layers, backpack, and other personal equipment before the expedition.
Attend the pre-expedition briefing and complete the required gear checks.
Be mentally prepared for the possibility that the summit attempt may be cancelled for safety reasons.
Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.
For rental bookings and additional equipment support, visit our contracted business partner — Summit Yak Official Website
Kang Yatse II reaches approximately 6,250 metres above sea level. At this altitude, low oxygen levels, cold, and weather exposure make acclimatisation and proper preparation essential.
Kang Yatse II is a demanding high-altitude mountaineering objective. Although the approach follows a trekking route, the summit attempt can involve steep snow slopes, glacier travel, technical equipment, and a long day at altitude. Participants need excellent fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is mandatory, and experience above 5,000 metres is strongly recommended. Participants must be prepared to learn and use mountaineering equipment under professional guidance. Advanced technical climbing experience may not be essential for every itinerary, but suitability depends on the route and prevailing conditions.
The usual climbing season is July to September, although the website lists the broader period as July to October. Actual climbing conditions depend on snowfall, weather, and the condition of the mountain. Confirm the suitable departure window with Boots & Crampons before booking.
The planned itinerary is 11 days, including acclimatisation in Leh, the Markha Valley approach, base-camp preparation, the summit attempt, and a buffer day. Weather or operational changes may affect the schedule.
Participants need strong cardiovascular endurance, lower-body strength, and the ability to trek for consecutive days at altitude. Summit day may involve approximately 10–12 hours of climbing and descending, depending on conditions.
A snow and equipment training session is scheduled at base camp. It covers relevant techniques and equipment, such as crampons, ice axe use, harnesses, and rope procedures. Participants should not treat this single session as a substitute for previous high-altitude experience or mountaineering preparation.
Depending on the route and conditions, technical equipment may include mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness, a helmet, and other equipment specified by the expedition team. Confirm which items are included in the package and which must be carried personally.
The package lists hotel accommodation in Leh and camping or expedition-tent accommodation during the trekking and climbing phases. Room and tent arrangements are subject to the confirmed package details.
Meals are included during the trekking and expedition phases as specified in the itinerary. Please confirm the exact hotel meal arrangements and the meals included on arrival and departure days with the team.
Water sources may be available along parts of the route, but water must be treated or filtered before drinking. Carry a reusable water bottle and follow the expedition team’s instructions regarding water collection and treatment.
Mobile connectivity can be unreliable or unavailable in remote sections of the Markha Valley and at base camp. Inform family members of the communication arrangements before the expedition.
Yes. Participants should have appropriate insurance covering high-altitude mountaineering, emergency rescue, evacuation, and medical treatment. Check the policy carefully to ensure that climbing above 6,000 metres is covered.
Yes. The expedition leader may postpone or cancel the summit attempt if weather, snow conditions, altitude-related illness, or other safety concerns make climbing unsafe. Reaching the summit cannot be guaranteed.
The buffer day provides flexibility for weather delays, acclimatisation needs, or changes to the climbing schedule. Additional accommodation, meals, staffing, or logistics costs may apply if it is used, according to the expedition’s terms and conditions.
The Boots & Crampons team will share preparation instructions, equipment requirements, and coordination details before departure. Briefings will cover the itinerary, technical expectations, safety protocols, and participant questions.
The Kang Yatse II Expedition is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding high-altitude climb. With proper preparation, acclimatization, and respect for mountain conditions, it offers unparalleled Himalayan views and personal achievement.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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