Kang Yatse II is a 6,250m (20,505 ft) trekking peak in Ladakh's Markha Valley, graded Alpine PD+. The Vertical Tribe runs it as a 9-day Leh-to-Leh expedition: two nights in Leh to acclimatise, a Markha Valley approach via Markha and Hankar villages to base camp, a rest-and-training day, a glaciated summit attempt, and a Kongmaru La pass crossing on the way out. Since Stok Kangri closed from the 2020 season, Kang Yatse II has been the most popular non-technical 6,000er in Ladakh.
Highlights
- No prior mountaineering experience needed. The route is a snow walk-up at Alpine PD+. You'll fix-rope a short summit ridge and use crampons and an ice axe. We teach both at base camp.
- The approach is the full Markha Valley trek: monasteries, mani walls, river crossings, and a final climb to the meadows under Kang Yatse's south face.
- It's the natural successor to Stok Kangri, closed from the 2020 season after a December 2019 announcement by the Stok Village Committee and the All Ladakh Tour Operators' Association to let the glacier and the village's water source recover. Kang Yatse II offers the same accessibility at higher altitude, on a less-trafficked route, with intact glacial conditions.
Kang Yatse II Expedition at a glance
- What is Kang Yatse II?
- A 6,250m (20,505 ft) trekking peak in Ladakh's Markha Valley. It has been the most popular non-technical 6,000er in Ladakh since Stok Kangri closed from the 2020 season.
- How hard is it?
- Alpine PD+: a snow walk-up with one fixed-rope summit ridge. No prior mountaineering experience needed. We strongly recommend arriving with one Himalayan trek behind you on which you slept at 4,500m or higher.
- How long does it take?
- 9 days Leh to Leh, including two acclimatisation nights in Leh, the Markha Valley approach, summit day, and a built-in buffer day for weather.
- How much does it cost?
- ₹54,000 per climber. That covers transport, all stays, meals from Day 3 lunch, all permits, technical gear, and certified NIM/HMI-alumni guides. Insurance and Leh meals are extra.
- When is the best time to climb?
- Mid-July to mid-September. Peak conditions are late July through August: stable weather, hard snow, dry approach trails.
How difficult is Kang Yatse II, really?
No, not technical. It is also not a walk. Alpine PD+ means a long glaciated snow ascent with one steep summit pyramid where we fix a rope. You need crampons, an ice axe, and the ability to move roped on a glacier. No prior mountaineering experience is required; we teach the skills at base camp. What we strongly recommend is altitude: one Himalayan trek on which you slept at 4,500m or higher. A night up there, not an hour touching that height on a pass, is what shows how your body handles thin air while it is trying to sleep and recover.
- Terrain
- Valley trail for three days through Markha and Hankar. Above base camp it changes: moraine to the glacier toe, a sustained snow slope, then a fixed-rope finish on the south-west ridge.
- Altitude
- 6,250m summit, sleeping at 4,900m. Two nights in Leh at 3,500m, a staged approach at 3,800m and 3,950m, then a full rest day at base camp before summit night. Descent crosses Kongmaru La at roughly 5,260m.
- Summit day
- Pre-dawn start from base camp, rope up at the glacier toe, snow ascent to the fixed-rope ridge. Back at base camp by mid-afternoon, so the descent is on tired legs at altitude.
Overview
Kang Yatse II is a Markha Valley expedition with a summit on top. After two nights in Leh to acclimatise, you drive to the road head and walk into the valley. Trail days carry you through Markha and Hankar villages to base camp under Kang Yatse's south face. A full rest-and-training day at base camp covers crampon fit, ice axe self-arrest, and fixed-rope ascent before summit night. The summit attempt goes via the south-west ridge: a long snow slope topped by a short, fixed-rope summit pyramid. The descent crosses Kongmaru La at roughly 5,260m, the highest pass in the Markha Valley, then drops to Chokdo for the drive back to Leh. A buffer day is built in for weather delay and for a delayed flight in or out of Leh.
Context Why this peak replaced Stok Kangri
Stok Kangri (6,153m) used to be every Indian climber's first 6,000er. The closure was announced in December 2019 by the Stok Village Committee and the All Ladakh Tour Operators' Association, effective from the 2020 season, as originally a three-year rest for the peak, citing over-tourism, depletion of the Stok glacier that feeds Stok village's water source, and waste accumulation. It has held ever since: a District Administration Leh order dated 19 December 2023 keeps the peak closed with no reopening date, and there is no commercial Stok Kangri operation in 2026 (verified 2026-06-24). Operators redirected demand to two peaks: Kang Yatse II (6,250m, this expedition) and Yunam Peak (6,111m, in Himachal). Kang Yatse II has emerged as the consensus successor: similar accessibility, slightly higher altitude, longer and more rewarding approach, healthier glacier.
Who climbs with us
KY II batches are a mix. Some are first-time 6,000ers: software engineers, doctors and designers from Indian cities, using KY II as their introduction to high-altitude climbing. Others are climbers coming back for their second or third TVT expedition. The base-camp skills clinic bridges the gap for trek-fit climbers new to snow. What every climber shares is a willingness to follow the schedule and the guides' calls on summit night.
The route, point by point
| Point | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leh | 3,500m | Two nights to acclimatise before the trek |
| Markha | 3,800m | Largest village in the Markha Valley |
| Hankar | 3,950m | Last village before high meadows; ruins of an old fort |
| Base Camp | 4,900m | High meadow under Kang Yatse south face |
| Summit | 6,250m | South-west ridge, fixed-rope summit pyramid |
| Kongmaru La | ~5,260m | Highest pass on the Markha trek; descent route |
| Chokdo | 3,800m | Road head; drive back to Leh |
Itinerary
9 days, Leh to Leh.
Download the full itinerary- Day 1: sleeps at 3,500m .
- Day 2: sleeps at 3,500m .
- Day 3: sleeps at 3,800m .
- Day 4: sleeps at 3,950m .
- Day 5: sleeps at 4,900m .
- Day 6: sleeps at 4,900m .
- Day 7: sleeps at 4,900m , climbing to 6,250m.
- Day 8: sleeps at 3,500m , climbing to 5,260m.
- Day 9: sleeps at 3,500m .
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Day 1 Arrival at Leh
Acclimatise 3,500mFly into Leh in the morning. Take it slow — altitude hits even seasoned trekkers. Hydrate, rest, light meals. Welcome briefing in the evening.
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Day 2 Acclimatisation at Leh
Acclimatise 3,500mEasy acclimatisation walk in Leh. Final gear check and expedition Q&A. Early dinner, full rest.
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Day 3 Drive to road head, trek to Markha
Approach 3,800mDrive from Leh to the trek road head. Cross into the Markha Valley and walk to Markha village — the largest in the valley. First night on the trail.
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Day 4 Markha to Hankar
Approach 3,950mWalk along the Markha river through small Buddhist hamlets to Hankar — the last village before the high meadows. Watch for blue sheep and lammergeier on the cliffs above the trail.
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Day 5 Hankar to Base Camp
Approach 4,900mClimb onto the high pasture and continue to base camp under Kang Yatse's south face. Establish camp; rest the afternoon.
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Day 6 Rest and training day
Climb 4,900mSkills clinic at base camp: crampon fit, ice axe self-arrest, fixed-rope ascender technique. Short acclimatisation walk in the afternoon. Early dinner. Summit briefing in the evening, sleep early.
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Day 7 Summit attempt — Kang Yatse II (6,250m)
Climb 6,250msummit, return to base camp
Pre-dawn start with headlamps. Cross moraine, rope up at the glacier toe. Steady snow ascent to the summit pyramid. Fix rope on the final ridge. Summit, then long descent back to base camp by mid-afternoon.
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Day 8 Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La, drive to Leh
Descend ~5,260mpass, 3,800m road head
Climb to Kongmaru La — the highest pass in the Markha Valley — and descend the gorge to Chokdo. Vehicle waiting; drive to Leh. Hot shower, real bed, group dinner.
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Day 9 Buffer day
Descend 3,500mContingency day held back for weather, or a delayed flight in/out of Leh. If unused, an extra day in Leh at no additional cost — bazaar, monasteries, cafes.
What's included
Included
- Transport — Leh to last road head and Chokdo to Leh
- Accommodation — stay from Day 1 to last day in Leh (sharing)
- Food — all meals from Day 3 lunch to lunch on the last day
- Permits — all trekking permits and camping charges
- Trekking and safety equipment — tents, sleeping bags, and technical equipment
- Certified trek leaders, guides, and support staff
- Buffer day: if unused, an extra day in Leh at no additional cost
Not included
- Backpack offloading charges
- Any kind of personal insurance and rescue expenses
- Meals during Leh stay and road journey
- Personal expenses of any kind, and anything apart from the inclusions
- Emergency evacuation and hospital charges
How it compares to other peaks
| Peak | Altitude | Grade | Best for | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kang Yatse II | 6,250m | PD+ | Most popular non-technical 6,000er in Ladakh | The benchmark: accessible altitude, intact glacier, iconic summit ridge. |
| Dzo Jongo East | 6,217m | PD | Quieter alternative to KY2 | Pick this if you want a less-trafficked summit at the same difficulty. |
| Yunam Peak | 6,111m | PD | Shortest itinerary of the Indian 6,000ers | Pick this if you want the shortest 6,000er: the roadhead at Bharatpur puts base camp within hours rather than days. The trade-off is that the short approach gives less gradual acclimatisation than the Markha Valley, so it still expects a real altitude history. |
| Stok Kangri | 6,153m | PD | Closed since 2020 | No commercial expeditions since the 2020 closure. Kang Yatse II is its successor. |
Dates & availability
2 departures scheduled. All Leh to Leh.
- JUL 18–26 2026Sold out₹54,000 per climberSold out
- AUG 1–9 2026Open₹54,000 per climber
Need different dates? Private departures are possible through Mid-Jul – Mid-Sep with a minimum of 4 climbers — message us on WhatsApp.
Your guides
Subodh Bhadauriya ITRA
Expedition Leader · Mountain Athlete · 8+ years
What climbers said
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Did Kang Yatse II & Dzo Jongo expeditions with The Vertical Tribe team and the experience was amazing. Special thanks to our Expedition leader Subodh and our guide Ajay, who took care of us at every step and made sure we have a memorable journey and successful summit.
Pooja Solanki Google
What we don't do
- We don't fabricate summit success rates
- No '85% summit rate' marketing line. Conditions and weather decide too much for a number to mean anything honest. We tell you what we control, and we turn around when conditions don't support a safe attempt.
- We don't pad the itinerary
- Nine days is what the climb actually needs: two acclimatisation nights in Leh, a clean Markha approach, summit and descent, plus one buffer day. No invented "extra rest" days that exist only to inflate the price.
- We don't run rolling weekly departures
- We climb in small groups, 8 to 12 climbers depending on batch, with named guides we've worked with for years, not a rotating roster. If the dates don't fit your calendar, climb with us next season.
Permits, rules and cancellation
Permits
- All trekking permits and camping charges, handled by TVT and included in the expedition cost
- No Inner Line Permit required for Indian nationals on this route
- Expedition permits in Ladakh are issued to registered Mountaineering Tour Operators, by the office of the Assistant Director (Tourism), Leh, at least 30 days before the expedition starts (Ladakh Mountaineering Policy 2024, section X)
- Permit fee for peaks below 6,500m, the band Kang Yatse II sits in at 6,250m: Rs 1,000 per member for domestic teams. Foreign teams pay USD 50 per member in a group of up to five, plus USD 40 for each additional member up to 14
- Peaks below 6,500m are capped at 100 permits per peak per calendar year, with a maximum of 14 members per expedition and no more than 40 climbers on the peak at any one time
- Foreign nationals: we file the additional paperwork well ahead of the 30-day minimum
Budgeting permit fees yourself? Use our IMF permit & India trek cost calculator — every figure quoted from its source.
Cancellation
- More than 60 days before departure — 80% refund
- 60 to 30 days before departure — 50% refund
- Less than 30 days before departure — no refund
Rules on the mountain
- No alcohol or smoking during the trek
- Don't litter; do not disturb the flora and fauna
- No loudspeakers
- Leave No Trace
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Kang Yatse 1 and 2?
Kang Yatse I (6,400m) is technical Alpine AD: mixed rock and ice with a fixed-rope crux. Kang Yatse II (6,250m) is Alpine PD+, a snow walk-up with one short technical section. Both share a base camp under the same massif. Climb KY II first, KY I second.
Can you see K2 from Kang Yatse?
No. K2 sits far to the north-west in the Karakoram, with the Saser and Saltoro ranges in the way.
What's the temperature at Kang Yatse II base camp?
We do not publish a temperature range for base camp or summit day, because we have no measured record of our own to publish and a figure copied from a general forecast is not worth planning against. What we do share on confirmation is a gear list graded for the conditions we actually pack for at 4,900m in July and August, and on summit day above it. Ask us and we will talk you through it.
What gear do I need to bring?
Personal: B2-rated mountaineering boots (broken in), down jacket, base + mid-layers, gloves (light + heavy), headlamp, glacier sunglasses. Technical climbing gear, tents, and sleeping bags are provided. Full personal-gear checklist shared after enquiry.
How do I prepare for Kang Yatse 2?
Give it 8 to 12 weeks. The bar we look for on arrival: run 5 km in under 35 minutes, and walk 10 km with an 8 kg pack without strain. Build to that with three cardio sessions and two leg-strength sessions a week, and do at least one long weighted hike a fortnight so your feet and boots are ready. We also strongly recommend arriving with one Himalayan trek on which you slept at 4,500m or higher. We send a week-by-week plan on confirmation.
What happens if weather turns on summit day?
The lead guide makes the final call, and we turn around if conditions don't support a safe attempt. The itinerary carries one buffer day, which absorbs a weather delay in the days before the summit window or a delayed flight in or out of Leh. Whether a second attempt is possible depends on where the delay falls in the schedule, so ask us on your batch's dates rather than assuming one is held in reserve. If the weather does not open, we descend without a summit. Mountains decide, and we don't fabricate success rates.
Can I climb Kang Yatse II solo, without a guide?
In practice, no, and the reason is the permit rather than the mountain. Under the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy 2024, notified by the Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, expedition permits are issued to registered Mountaineering Tour Operators, who must apply "at least 30 days before the start of the expedition". Those operators are in turn bound by the policy's operating instructions, which state: "No solo expedition shall be allowed." There is no route left to a permitted solo ascent. A separate clause, filed under the policy's Advisory heading, adds that solo expeditions "are strongly discouraged due to safety concerns and potential difficulties with rescue operations" and that climbers "shall explore the mountains and peaks with a qualified and registered local guide/ s only". One caveat on dates: the policy dates from 2024, so accounts of unguided Kang Yatse attempts published before it were not wrong at the time, they have been superseded.
I've done Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun and Hampta Pass. Am I ready for Kang Yatse II?
You have the trail fitness. What you have not had yet is a night high enough to tell you how you sleep at altitude, and that is a normal place to be rather than a judgement on you. Kedarkantha tops out at 3,810m, Har Ki Dun at 3,566m and Hampta Pass at 4,287m, all below the 4,500m sleeping altitude we recommend before Kang Yatse II. The gap is structural: no trek in our own beginner dataset reaches 4,500m at all, and the highest of them, Valley of Flowers, stops at 4,329m. So three good treks can leave you short through no fault of your own. Here is what we would suggest doing first, and it is one thing rather than a menu: add one season on a trek that puts you to sleep at 4,500m or higher. That is the missing piece, and no 6,000er substitutes for it. It is worth saying that the gentler-looking peaks do not get you around this. Our own readiness data lists a prep trek above 4,500m as the preparation focus for Yunam Peak too, and notes that Yunam's short roadhead-to-base-camp approach makes altitude uncertainty more visible, not less. Once you have that night behind you, our matcher at /first-6000m-peak-match/ will work through which peak fits you. A Basic Mountaineering Course covers the same ground, though it is not required here, since we teach crampon, ice axe and fixed-rope skills at base camp.
