Twin Peaks Expedition: Kang Yatse I (6,400m) & Kang Yatse II (6,250m) – Ladakh

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (3,500 meters)

• Rest & Acclimatization

  Your adventure begins with your arrival in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, situated at 3,500 meters. Take the day to rest and allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude. You’ll be transferred to your hotel or guest house, where you can relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Leh

• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh old town, market visit and Final Preparation

• Morning Hike and Evening Expedition Preparation

  Spend the day exploring the cultural landmarks of Leh. After breakfast, embark on a gentle hike to the iconic Shanti Stupa, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Leh city. You’ll also visit the historic Leh Palace. This light activity is perfect for acclimatization while getting a glimpse of Ladakh’s rich heritage. Take a leisurely walk through Leh’s old town and market, where you can purchase any last-minute essentials for your expedition. Evening is dedicated to final preparations for the expedition, including a detailed briefing and equipment check.

• Highlights: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Leh old town and market for essential shopping. final expedition preparation

• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Leh

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Drive from Leh to Sara and then trek to Thinles-pa (3700 meters)

• Scenic Drive

  After breakfast, depart from Leh and drive to Sara, en route Magnetic Hill and the Sangam (confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers). The drive will take around 3-4 hours. Upon reaching Sara, we begin a 2-3 hour moderate trek towards Thinles-pa. The day’s trek is relatively gentle, allowing time to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region while steadily gaining elevation. Settle into the tents, enjoy a hot meal, and rest after the day’s journey.

• Drive Duration: 3-4 hours

• Highlights: Scenic drive past Magnetic Hill, Sangam (Zanskar-Indus Confluence), Moderate Trek

• Accommodation: Camping at Thinles-pa

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Trek from Thinles-pa to Umlung Village (3850 meters)

• Trekking (3-4 hours)

  Begin the trek through picturesque landscapes to Umlung village. Enjoy the scenic views of the Markha Valley along the way.

• Highlights: Scenic mountain views, altitude gain

• Accommodation: Camping at Umlung village

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Umlung Village to Thachunche (4600 meters)

• Trekking (4-5 hours)

  Trek through picturesque landscapes, gaining altitude. Marvel at panoramic views as you trek through high-altitude landscapes. Reach an elevation of 4600 meters, further acclimatizing and getting closer to Kang Yatse I & II.

• Accommodation: Camping at Thachunche

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Trek from Thachunche to Kang Yatse Base Camp (5100 meters)

• Trekking (5-6 hours)

  Trek towards Kang Yatse Base Camp, with steeper sections and higher altitude.

  Set up camp at Base Camp and rest for the day.

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Base Camp – Acclimatization & Rest Day

• Equipment Practice and Acclimatization Walk

  This day is crucial for acclimatization at Base Camp. You will practice walking with snow boots and mountaineering equipment. A height gain walk will help you adjust further to the altitude and prepare you for the summit push.

• Activities: Snow boot practice, height gain walk

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:  Summit Attempt – Base Camp to Mt. Kang Yatse II (6,250 meters) and Return to Base Camp

• Summit Push

  You’ll wake up around midnight and start the ascent to the summit of Mt. Kang Yatse II. The climb will take around 12 hours, depending on weather conditions and the pace of the group. You will navigate scree section and snow-covered slopes to reach the summit of Kang Yatse II using ropes and other mountaineering gear to ensure a safe climb. After reaching the summit, you’ll take some time to celebrate and take photos before descending back to Base Camp.

• Summit Altitude: 6,250 meters

• Highlights: Spectacular views from the summit, an unforgettable sense of accomplishment

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Rest Day at Base Camp (5,100m)

• Rest day After the Kang Yatse II summit, you’ll spend a full day recovering. Hydrate well, eat nutritious meals, and relax in the sun. This is also a buffer to prepare for the more technical Kang Yatse I climb.

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Load Ferry to Camp 1 (5,400m) and Return to Base Camp

• To ease the next day’s load, we make a carry run to Camp 1 with essential gear, food, and mountaineering equipment. This is also part of your acclimatization strategy.

• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours (round trip)

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Shift to Camp 1 (5,400m)

• You’ll move fully to Camp 1, now carrying personal gear only. The trail passes through glacial moraine and scree zones. Camp 1 is set in a spectacular rocky outcrop at the base of Kang Yatse I’s steeper slopes.

• Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

• Accommodation: Camping at Camp 1

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5,750m)

• Today we move higher up to establish Camp 2, which lies closer to the glacier. The climb involves rope-assisted sections and walking through glacial moraine and scree zones. Camp 2 puts us in prime position for summit night.

• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

• Accommodation: Camping at Camp 2

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Summit Kang Yatse I (6,400m) and Descend to Camp 1

• This is the most demanding day of the expedition. A midnight start leads us over steep snow, ice slopes, and crevassed glacier sections. Fixed ropes and technical skills come into full use. From the summit of Kang Yatse I, enjoy a view that few climbers ever see. After reaching the summit, you’ll take some time to celebrate and take photos before descending back to Base Camp 1.

• Climb Duration: ~12 hours

• Accommodation: Camping at Camp 1

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Descend to Base Camp or Nimaling (5,100m / 4,700m)

• After a successful climb, we descend back to Base Camp or further to Nimaling, depending on team condition and weather. It’s a long, grateful descent after a massive achievement.

• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

• Accommodation: Camping at Base Camp or Nimaling

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Base Camp/Nimaling to Chokdo (3,900m) via Kongmaru La – Drive to Leh

• A scenic and challenging trek over Kongmaru La (5,270m), the highest pass of the trek. Marvel at surreal Himalayan panoramas. Descend to Chokdo where our vehicles await to drive you back to Leh.

• Trek Duration: 5-7 hours

• Drive: 2 hours

• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse in Leh

• Meals: Breakfast at Camp, Packed Lunch, Dinner at Hotel

Days 16 & 17: Buffer Days/Reserve Days (Weather/Rest)

• These are spare days in case of weather-related delays during the summit attempts. (NOTE : If Buffer/Reserve day is used INR 4000/- extra per day will be charged.)

Day 18: Departure from Leh 🛫

• Expedition Ends

  On your final day, you will be transferred to Leh airport for your flight back home. The memories of your adventure and the Twin Summit of Mt. Kang Yatse I & II will stay with you forever.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Twin-sharing basis throughout the expedition. This includes 3 nights in a hotel/guesthouse in Leh and 11-13 nights camping during the expedition.

• Transportation: All transfers and transportation in a comfortable Tempo Traveller or cab.

• Meals: Breakfast and dinner during your stay in Leh.

• Meals: All meals provided are freshly prepared, nutritious meals (veg and non-veg) during the expedition—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Ready to eat meal for higher camps.

• Climber to Guide ratio 3:1

• Mountain Guides & Support Staff: Experienced and certified mountain guides along with a skilled support team throughout the expedition.

• First-Aid & Oxygen: First-aid kit with oxygen backup available for the duration of the expedition to ensure safety at all times.

• Permits & Fees: Includes IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) permit, ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association) fees, and environmental charges.

• Expedition Equipment: All essential mountaineering equipment such as snow boots, crampons, harness, helmet, carabiners, rope, and ice axe (except for personal clothing).

• Camping Equipment: High-quality camping gear, including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and toilet tents.

• Luggage Support: Horses/mules to carry personal and central expedition luggage throughout the trek.

• Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses such as packaged drinking water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, toiletries, and other personal items.

• Single occupancy room or Individual tent (available at extra cost).

• If Reserve Day/Buffer Day is used, INR 4000/- extra will be charged (Per Day Per Person).

• Lunch during your stay in Leh are not included.

• Meals During Transit: Meals during road journeys are not included.

• Unforeseen Expenses: Additional costs incurred due to delays caused by adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

• Non-Included Services: Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the “Inclusions” section.

• Insurance: Travel, health, or mountaineering insurance is not provided.

• Emergency Evacuation & Medical Costs: Any costs related to emergency evacuations, medical treatments, or hospitalisation charges.

• Personal Clothing: Participants are responsible for their own personal clothing and gear.

• Airfare: Domestic or international airfares are not covered.

• Gratuities: Tips for the ground staff, including guides and porters, are not included.

• Valid Government ID: A valid government-issued photo ID or passport for verification purposes.

• Medications: If you are on any prescribed medication, ensure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of the trip.

• Backpack: A comfortable, sturdy backpack (50-60 liters) to carry your essentials during the expedition.

• Daypack: A smaller daypack (20-30 liters) for short hikes or carrying personal items during daily activities.

• Hydration: One thermos and a water bottle (1 liter each) or a hydration bladder to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

• Headlamp: A reliable headlamp with extra batteries for night-time use during the expedition and camps.

• Personal Toiletries: Bring your own toiletries, including any personal hygiene products you may need.

• Curiosity and Enthusiasm: Bring along your curiosity to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the landscapes, and connect with the people.

• Warm Clothing: Pack appropriate warm clothes to suit your personal needs, especially for the cold summit night.

• T-Shirts (Non-Cotton): 2 moisture-wicking, quick-dry t-shirts for trekking.

• Warm Sweater: 1 warm sweater for extra layering during colder conditions.

• Down Jacket: 1 insulated down feather jacket for warmth in low temperatures.

• Fleece Jacket: 1 fleece jacket for added insulation during cold evenings.

• Trekking Pants: 3 pairs of durable, comfortable trekking pants.

• Thermal Base Layers: 1 pair of thermal inner-wear (top and bottom) to stay warm at higher altitudes.

• Rain Protection: 1 raincoat or poncho for unexpected weather conditions.

• Woollen Cap: 1 woollen cap to keep your head warm in cold conditions.

• Gloves: 2 pairs(to be safe incase one gets wet) of warm, insulated gloves to protect your hands during cold weather.

• Neck Gaiter or Bandana: 1 neck gaiter or bandana to protect your neck and face from cold winds and sun.

• Trekking Shoes: 1 pair of sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.

• Flip Flops or Sandals: 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals for comfortable wear at the campsite.

• Socks: At least 3 pairs of breathable socks for trekking.

• Woolen Socks: 2 pairs of warm woolen socks for colder nights.

• Sunglasses and Hat: To protect your eyes and face from strong sunlight at high altitudes.

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+): High SPF sunscreen to shield your skin from the intense sun in Ladakh.