Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

Climbing Mt. Kang Yatse - a 6401 meter technical peak - the highest and most elegant peak in the Markha Valley, Ladakh

📅
Duration
14 Days, 13 Nights
🔼
Highest Altitude:
6401m
🛑
Grade:
Challenging +
👍
Best Time:
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
🌞
Temperatures:
-10 to 10 on higher camps
🚩
Starts From:
Leh
🛪
Airport:
Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport ( IXL)
🚉
Railway:
Katra, (KEA), Jammu Tawi ( JAT)

Key Geographical Highlights

8 Popular Peaks:

Kun ( 7077m ), Nun ( 7135m ), Saser Kangri I ( 7672m ), Saser Kangri II ( 7513m ), Saser Kangri III ( 7495m ), Kang Yatse 1 ( 6400m ), Kang Yatse 2 ( 6200m ), Stok Kangri ( 6153m )

2 High Passes:

Kongmaru La - 5130m ( 5130m ), Ganda La ( 4970m )

3 Rivers:

Markha River, Zanskar, Indus

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Hemis National Park

Reach Leh find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayLeh 3500m
Arrive In Leh
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Leh
Day 1
220 - Delhi
Day 1
3500 - Leh
2hrs.
▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayLeh 3500m
Walk To Tsemo Monastery & Shanti Stupa and Shanti Stupa. Return To Leh. Explore Khardungla Top & Nearby. - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Tsemo Monastery & Shanti Stupa
Day 2
3600 - Shanti Stupa
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
5400 - Khardungla Top
Day 2
3500 - Leh
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayRumbak 4050m
From Leh (3500m ) To Rumbak (4050m ), Via - Zinchan (3400m ) - 4-5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Rumbak (4050m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3400 - Zinchan
Day 3
4050 - Rumbak
4-5hrs.
▼ Day 4Pass Crossing DayLeh 3500m
Cross Stok La And Reach Leh - 5 - 6 Hrs.
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 4
4050 - Rumbak
Day 4
4900 - Stok La
Day 4
3500 - Leh
5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayLartsa 4800m
From Leh (3500m ) To Lartsa (4800m ), Via - Chokdoh (3700m ), Chyuskirmo (4140m ) - 3 - 4 Hrs.
Overnight In: Lartsa (4800m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 5
3500 - Leh
Day 5
3700 - Chokdoh
Day 5
4140 - Chyuskirmo
Day 5
4800 - Lartsa
3 - 4hrs.
▼ Day 6Pass Crossing DayNimaling 4800m
Cross Kongmaru La And Reach Nimaling - 5 - 6 Hrs.
Overnight In: Nimaling (4800m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 6
4800 - Lartsa
Day 6
5130 - Kongmaru La
Day 6
4800 - Nimaling
5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 7Trekking DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m
From Nimaling (4800m ) To Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 7
4800 - Nimaling
Day 7
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 8Training DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m
- 2 - 3 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 8
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
Day 8
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
2 - 3hrs.
▼ Day 9Load Ferry DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m
. Return To Kang Yatse 1 BC - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 9
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
Day 9
5600 - Kang Yatse 1 Summit Camp
Day 9
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 10Climbing DayKang Yatse 1 Summit Camp 5600m
From Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m ) To Kang Yatse 1 Summit Camp (5600m ) - 3 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 Summit Camp (5600m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 10
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
Day 10
5600 - Kang Yatse 1 Summit Camp
3hrs.
▼ Day 11Summit DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m
Summit Kang Yatse 1 . Return To Kang Yatse 1 BC - 10 - 12 Hrs.
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All meals
Day 11
5600 - Kang Yatse 1 Summit Camp
Day 11
6400 - Kang Yatse 1 Summit
Day 11
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
10 - 12hrs.
▼ Day 12Contingency Day
Overnight In: Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
This is a planned reserved day to keep a window for bad weather and other contingencies. If unutilized, we can spend this day at any other campsite of our liking. The cost of this day is included in the trek package. If you decide to finish your trek instead of utilizing this reserved day, no money will be refunded and the local resources will be paid in full
Day 12
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
Day 12
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
2 - 3hrs.
▼ Day 13Trekking DayLeh 3500m
From Kang Yatse 1 BC (5100m ) To Leh (3500m ), Via - Kongmaru La (5130m ), Chokdoh (3700m ) - 8 - 9 Hrs.
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
Day 13
5100 - Kang Yatse 1 BC
Day 13
5130 - Kongmaru La
Day 13
3700 - Chokdoh
Day 13
3500 - Leh
8 - 9hrs.
▼ Day 14Departure DayDelhi 200m
Departure From Leh
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Day 14
3500 - Leh
Day 14
200 - Delhi
2hrs.

Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition introduction

Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition - An Elaborate Description

Kang Yatse Summit

Kang Yatse is a beautiful looking Mountain Massif that dominates the entire Markha Valley. It is the highest peak of the valley and has a very high prominence. However, its the beauty of this peak that attracts climbers to it. Its a massif of 4 summits, all of which are above 6000 meters. Kang Yatse 1 is the highest peak of this massif and requires technical skills to climb to its summit.

cornice beneath the summit dome of kang yatse 1

While the second peak is a trekking peak, Kang Yatse 1 is categorized as a technical peak and the summit climb involves some good ice and snow climbing skills. The route is very steep and demands excellent physical stamina and powerful thigh muscles to walk through, especially the ultra-soft and dry snow conditions of Ladakh. The usual route we take to the summit camp of this peak is via the scree zone climbing up straight from below the mountain. There is an alternate route following the glacier, however, that's long and has a crevasse below the dome.

Last few steps to the summit of Kang Yatse 1

There is a very very difficult route from the summit of Kang Yatse 2 to the summit of Kang Yatse 1 via the rocky knife-edge ridge which looks very challenging. In 2018, a team from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute successfully traversed the difficult knife-edge ridge to reach the summit of KY1 from KY2.

Since this route is very technical and challenging, we do not take this route and left it for alpinism. We follow the route which climbs steeply and straight to the summit from the South-East ridge.

knife edge ridge of kang yatse 1 from kang yatse 2 summit

The summit climb to Kang Yatse 1 starts from its Camp 1 before the dawn at around 2 AM. Straight away you are on a steep snow slope of gradient over 65 degrees. Depending on the snow condition, rope may be fixed on the previous night or after covering some distance in the morning. The climb to the summit involves negotiating a broken ridge with good exposure and drop on both sides. After that, it's a steep climb on hard ice/ soft snow beneath the summit cornice, to cover the last 400 meters to the summit of the dome. Hard ice make it easy rather than soft snow. While early June/ July has good amount of snow cover, comparatively, it is much easier to achieve success on this peak during August/ September.

summit dome of kang yatse 1

The views start to open up as you approach Camp 1 and the ranges of East Karakoram are visible towards your back. It's very important to have a focused head to achieve success on this summit. It will be an enriching experience as an aspiring mountaineer to take up other difficult peaks in the future.

Important Information For International Guests:

We require to get climbing permits from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation for this peak and support from a liaison officer. While we can arrange everything for you to be affiliates of IMF, the permit clearance process takes time and it's good if you give us time for that. While getting permits on short notice is possible as well, but not always guaranteed. So to be safe, it's better you connect with us at least 4 months in advance. Permit fees are charged separately on an actual basis.

Photos from Indian Army’s Expedition to Kang Yatse 1 & 2 supported by Team Himalayan High

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate +

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging +

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 14 Days / 13 nights of trekking and climbing cost Ex. Leh
Accommodation In Leh: 5 nights of Stay in a Premium hotel in Leh with guided acclimatization walks and sightseeing road trips with an emphasis on local food and culture. Only Breakfast and Dinner Included while in Leh
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy and High-Quality All Season Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with very good quality Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Supersoft Down Sleeping Bag Inners, For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and camping tables for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat. 1 Toilet tent for every 5 trekkers will be provided.
Meals: All meals (except for lunch in leh), specifically curated for high altitudes will be provided from breakfast in Leh on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 14 in Leh. 3 meals (B, L, D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks and extra energizers/juice for summit days. Nutritious, Soupy, Balanced nutritious meal which is light on the stomach.
Common Climbing Gears: All required climbing gears like rope coils, pitons, ice screws, snow stacks, pulleys, zumars, etc.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner, and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied by a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Climbing Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:2. That is 1 guide for every 2 trekkers.
Rope fixing and recee team: Experienced rope fixing team will reccee the route and pre-fix the rope for climbing safety
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local route guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Trekking Permits: All required forest and other local association permits as per the prevalent rules of Local administration and our Country.
Climbing Permits: IMF climbing fees and peak royalties.
Transfers: Return transfers from Leh to for trek in 4X4 offroader for the trekking team and support crew. Also, airport pickup and drop on Day 1 and Day 14.
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 10 members. You can make any batch a private batch by paying a little extra over the base trek fees.
Personal Load Offload: allowed up to 12 Kg only. Common equipment will be carried over mules or HAPs.
Free Cloakroom in Leh: for extra leftover luggage while leaving for the trek.
Personal Trek Equipments: Essential trek gear for complimentary use. ( read below)

Personal Trekking Equipment For Free Use:
(No Rent will be charged. A refundable security amount of Rs. 5000 needs to be deposited. You may use what you need and also bring your personal gear. )

1 Gaiter pair
1 Microspikes / Ice Tracktion Crampons
1 Clean and Sanitized Down Sleeping Bag Inner
1 Helmet
1 Seat Harness
1 Climbing Boot
1 Climbing Crampon
1 Screw Carabiner
2 Open Carabiner
1 Walking Ice Axe
1 Sling
-20 deg waterproof expedition down jackets

ADD ONS:

Single Supplement For Tent & Hotel. ( @ INR 35000 )
Porterage For More Than 10 Kgs On Trek. (@ INR 15000)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Personal Travel and Climbing Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears
Lunch in Leh
Bottled Water or Any Other Drinks
Liaison Officer Expenses For International Climbers (Fixed Fee of USD 500 + additional travel/food allowance to be shared by the group) (ONLY IF APPLICABLE)
Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 6000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

Must Read - Important Pre-Booking Information

from Rs. 150000 to Rs. 360000/-
+5% GST PER PERSON

Batch Size:
25-40 <10

Fixed Departure Dates

JUL

Jul 19, 2025 -to- Aug 02, 2025
(open)

AUG

Aug 15, 2025 -to- Aug 29, 2025
(open)

SEP

Sep 13, 2025 -to- Sep 27, 2025
(open)

Customize This Trek

+91 8017216725

+91 9434062849

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Summit News

Difficult conditions breed hard trekkers. For 4 years in row, we have maintained 100% summit success rate on this peak. Thanks to our critical policies and efficient leaders to make it possible. After a good 2024, dates for 2025 are Live!

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Posted by Suman Chowdhury Sunday, November 10, 2024 4:22:55 PM Categories:

Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

Climbing Mt. Kang Yatse - a 6401 meter technical peak - the highest and most elegant peak in the Markha Valley, Ladakh

Key Geographical Highlights

Daywise Itinerary For Kang Yatse 1 Climbing Expedition

▼ Day 1Arrival DayLeh 3500m

▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayLeh 3500m

▼ Day 3Trekking DayRumbak 4050m

▼ Day 4Pass Crossing DayLeh 3500m

▼ Day 5Trekking DayLartsa 4800m

▼ Day 6Pass Crossing DayNimaling 4800m

▼ Day 7Trekking DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m

▼ Day 8Training DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m

▼ Day 9Load Ferry DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m

▼ Day 10Climbing DayKang Yatse 1 Summit Camp 5600m

▼ Day 11Summit DayKang Yatse 1 BC 5100m

▼ Day 12Contingency Day

▼ Day 13Trekking DayLeh 3500m

▼ Day 14Departure DayDelhi 200m