The story of Kang Yatse and Himalayan High is one that goes back to a time when this peak was an undiscovered gem, known only to a few dedicated mountaineers and adventurers. Unlike today, when Kang Yatse has become a popular trekking peak, the route to its summit was once a silent and serene journey, trodden by just a handful of foreign climbers and hardcore Indian trekkers who often kept its beauty and challenges to themselves.
My personal fascination with Kang Yatse began in 2008, when I stumbled upon its grandeur while reading mountaineering journals. The sheer elegance of this peak instantly captured my heart. However, it wasn’t until 2012, during my first trek to the Markha Valley, that I saw Kang Yatse in person. Standing before its awe-inspiring presence, I realized that photographs and stories could never do justice to the aura and magnetic beauty of this peak.
For Himalayan High, our journey with Kang Yatse began in 2012 with our first expedition to climb it. Despite meticulous planning, our attempt ended in failure due to soft and dry snow conditions that compromised our anchoring tools. However, that setback only deepened our resolve. Back then, the base camp of Kang Yatse was a tranquil spot, untouched by the influx of trekkers that we see today. The peak remained a challenge for rare enthusiasts, far removed from the bustling trekking routes of Ladakh.
In 2015, we achieved our first successful summit as a team, and from that moment onward, Kang Yatse became a significant part of Himalayan High's legacy. Over the years, we’ve guided countless climbers from around the world to its summit, helping them experience the exhilaration of standing atop this magnificent peak. Our rigorous planning, a guide-to-trekker ratio of 1:2, a structured acclimatization regime, and careful selection of trekkers have ensured an average success rate of over 85%. For the past four consecutive years, we’ve maintained an impeccable 100% success rate, a testament to our commitment to safety and excellence.
While we celebrate our journey with Kang Yatse, we also feel a deep sense of sadness as the trail begins to face the same issues that plagued the once-popular Stok Kangri. The overcrowding, littering, and careless trekking practices have begun to tarnish this pristine peak. With local authorities banning Stok Kangri due to ecological concerns, we hope that Kang Yatse does not suffer the same fate. This mountain, with its unparalleled beauty and serene trails, deserves respect and love from all who set foot on it.
Kang Yatse is not just a peak for us at Himalayan High; it is a symbol of perseverance, adventure, and our connection to the magical mountains of Ladakh. We remain committed to preserving its sanctity and sharing its wonders responsibly with those who truly value the spirit of mountaineering.