
Sachin Lama
Founder & Lead Expedition Leader
NIM Advanced Mountaineering (Grade A) · Wilderness First Responder · guiding since 2013

6,000 M EXPEDITION STANDARD
Situated within Hemis National Park in the heart of Ladakh’s iconic Markha Valley, Kang Yatse I rises to an imposing height of 6,400 meters and stands out as one of the region’s most demanding technical peaks.
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
A high-altitude objective for prepared trekkers and climbers ready to be assessed honestly against the route, terrain and technical demands.
THE ROUTE
The Kang Yatse I Peaks is a 15-day 6,000 m mountaineering expedition in Ladakh that reaches 6,400 m. Kailasa grades it Difficult. The best time to go is July to September. The published price with Kailasa Treks is ₹94,999.
Situated within Hemis National Park in the heart of Ladakh’s iconic Markha Valley, Kang Yatse I rises to an imposing height of 6,400 meters and stands out as one of the region’s most demanding technical peaks. The mountain features two prominent summits—Kang Yatse I and Kang Yatse II. While Kang Yatse II, at 6,240 meters, is relatively easier and commonly climbed by trekkers, Kang Yatse I is far more complex and intended only for seasoned mountaineers.
Towering above the barren, high-altitude landscape of Markha Valley, Kang Yatse I first comes into view around the sixth day of the approach trek. The peak presents a striking contrast against the valley’s rugged terrain of scree, loose rocks, and dry mountain slopes. Its sheer presence in the midst of this stark environment makes it an unforgettable sight.
The journey begins in Leh, Ladakh’s high-altitude capital, where the beauty of the region is evident from the very start. The drive to Skiu takes you to the dramatic meeting point of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, each flowing in distinctly different hues. As the expedition progresses through the valley, trekkers may encounter wildlife native to the region and pass through remote villages that offer insight into the simple yet resilient lifestyle of the local communities. Along the route, ancient monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, stupas, and religious shrines dot the landscape, adding color and spiritual depth to the otherwise muted surroundings. Scattered ruins, abandoned forts, and age-old structures blend seamlessly into the valley’s unique geological formations, lending an air of mystery to the region.
Unlike its more accessible counterpart, Kang Yatse II, Kang Yatse I is designed for climbers with prior high-altitude mountaineering experience and strong technical skills. The ascent involves ice and snow climbing, negotiating crevasses, crossing moraines, tackling technical rock sections, and ascending a steep couloir that demands exceptional endurance and strength. The use of advanced mountaineering equipment is essential, and participants must be in peak physical condition.
Reaching the summit rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of prominent peaks such as Stok Kangri, Dzo Jongo, and the distant, formidable Karakoram Range. The ideal season for attempting Kang Yatse I is from July to September, when conditions are most favorable. Explore this page further to learn more about the route, detailed itinerary, and additional insights into the Kang Yatse I expedition.
| Region | Ladakh |
|---|---|
| Starts from | Leh |
| Highest point | 6,400 m |
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Best season | July to September |
| Price | ₹94,999 |
Route details last reviewed 23 September 2026. Terrain, weather and permits can change the plan on the mountain.
DAY BY DAY
Tap a day to see the route, distances and camps. The schedule can change with acclimatisation, weather and team safety.
Arrive in Leh and settle into accommodation
Rest and acclimatize to high-altitude conditions
Explore Leh’s market and local culture
Group debrief: schedule, dos & don’ts, environmental guidelines
Short acclimatization walk around town
Scenic drive along the Indus and Zanskar rivers
Set up camp, have lunch, and evening acclimatization walk
Trek through Marka Valley’s arid landscapes
Cross small streams and wooden bridges
Overnight at Sara campsite
Pass through Markha Village (largest village in valley)
Gradual ascent with easy terrain; afternoon acclimatization walk
River crossings and monastery visit (Tacha Gompa)
Trek through wheat fields and scattered villages
Overnight at Thochungtsey campsite with evening acclimatization walk
Gradual ascent through Upper Hunkar and Twin Lake
Scenic views of Kang Yatse I & II, Mani stones, and prayer flags
Reach Base Camp, set up tents, overnight stay
Distribute climbing gear and equipment
Practice techniques: ice axe usage, roping, ascending/descending on snow
Acclimatization walk in the nearby slopes
Acclimatization rotation: carry load to Advanced Base Camp, descend back to Base Camp
Occupy Advanced Base Camp
Rope fixing and route preparation
Overnight in tents
Launch pad for summit attempt
Acclimatization and preparation for technical climb
Start around midnight
Technical climb: steep slopes, ice walls, knife ridges, vertical ice wall at final 500 m
Exceptional summit views
Descend carefully back to Base Camp
Reserved for a second summit attempt in case of bad weather or unforeseen conditions
Cross Kongmaru La pass with spectacular views of Kang Yatse I & II
Descend to Chokdo and drive back to Leh
Evening arrival in Leh
Expedition ends with a summit celebration
Optional: explore Leh and Ladakh if extending stay
Plan spare days before travel home due to unpredictable high-altitude weather
UNDERSTAND THE PRICE
The published price is ₹94,999. Here is what it covers and what it does not, so nothing surprises you later. Your written quote confirms the final amount for your dates and nationality.
GETTING THERE
The expedition starts in Leh. Day 1 of the itinerary: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m).
Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed in your trip briefing.
PACKING LIST
Technical gear listed under “Included” is provided by Kailasa; bring your own only if you prefer it.
WHO CLIMBS WITH YOU
Every Kang Yatse I Peaks team is led by certified Kailasa guides. You meet your assigned expedition leader at the technical briefing three weeks before departure.

Founder & Lead Expedition Leader
NIM Advanced Mountaineering (Grade A) · Wilderness First Responder · guiding since 2013

Sardar & fixed-rope team leader
22+ years on Himalayan expeditions · 16 Everest summits · Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri
CANCELLATION
What you get back depends on how long before the start date you cancel. You can take a refund or a credit for a future Kailasa trip, valid for one year.
| Before start | Refund | Future credit (same participant) | Future credit (another participant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 85% | 100% | Not stated |
| 60 to 30 days | 70% | 85% | 75% |
| 30 to 10 days | 40% | 70% | 65% |
| Less than 10 days | No refund | 50% | 40% |
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Kang Yatse I rises from the center of Markha Valley inside Hemis National Park in Ladakh. It is one of the most prominent peaks in the region and is visible from Nimaling.
The summit stands at 6,400 meters, making it a serious high-altitude, technical expedition.
Kang Yatse I is the higher, more technical peak, requiring advanced mountaineering skills. Kang Yatse II, at 6,240 m, is a non-technical trekking peak, often attempted by fit trekkers.
Yes. The peak involves snow and ice climbing, negotiating crevasses, ascending steep gradients, and using fixed ropes. Technical expertise is essential.
Only experienced mountaineers or trekkers with prior high-altitude climbing experience should attempt Kang Yatse I. Familiarity with equipment and glacier movement is mandatory.
YOUR EXPEDITION STARTS HERE
Share your preferred dates, nationality and climbing history. Kailasa can assess route fit, then confirm the current itinerary, field support, permits, equipment and final amount in writing.
Reply within 24 hours · No payment to enquire · Written quote before you pay. Review the cancellation, privacy and booking terms before paying.
KEEP EXPLORING
THE KAILASA STANDARD
No blind checkout. No one-size-fits-all promise. Your enquiry begins with the route, your experience and the questions that matter before you commit.
Start a private planning conversationYour climbing history and readiness are discussed before the team recommends a route.
Acclimatisation, conditions and field decisions take priority over a fixed summit promise.
Ask for the current itinerary, inclusions, equipment plan and written final quote.
Confirm your expedition leader, support team and departure-specific safety arrangements.