Total Trekking Distance: 80 Kms Highest Altitude: 6400 mts
  • Trek Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions / Exclusions
  • FAQ
The Markha valley trek runs very close to the mighty Kang Yatse peak. A short one hour detour from the trail takes you to the base camp of Kang Yatse. Kangyatse 1 (6400mts) is a proper technical peak and poses a stiff challenge for all serious climbers. Kang Yatse (6250 mts), also known as the shoulder of Kang Yatse, is a semi technical climb perfect for people looking to get into mountaineering.The approach of these peaks is through the Markha valley.

The Area

Ladakh is bordered by the Greater Himalayas in the west and south, the Karakoram in the north and the Tibetan Plateau in the east. These ranges form a natural barrier and does not allow clouds to enter this valley making it a rain shadow region and thus a cold desert.

The term Ladakh translates to land of high passes.Some of the highest motorable roads in the world are here. Ladakh is a major tourist destination in the summers.

Expected Weather 

  • Chances of Rain/Hail – Chances of rain is very less. One can expect a mild occasional drizzle.
  • Ladakh is a rain shadow region and hardly gets any rainfall
  • Snow on trail – Possible in June/July
  • Minimum Temperatures –  The temperature is a lot cooler in Leh as compared to other areas in the Himalayas.
    Afternoon – upto 30 degrees (Afternoons can be hot sometimes)
    Nights – around zero degrees (June) -5 to -7 degrees (September)
  • Day 1: Arrive in Leh (3300 mts)
    Check into Hotel.
    Evening walk to Shanti Stupa for acclimatization.
    Overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
  • Day 2: Acclimatization day at Leh.
    Gear check in the morning. Rock climbing in the evening.
    Trek briefing in the evening.
    You can devote free time of the day for local sightseeing. A vehicle can be arranged for you at an additional cost.
    Overnight stay in Hotel at Leh.
  • Day 3: Drive from Leh to Sara (3500mts)
    Time: 5 hours
    Trek from Sara to Markha (3700 mts)
    Trek Distance - 8 Kms, Trek Time - 3-4 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 4: Trek from Markha to Thachungtse (4150 mts)
    Trek Distance - 13 kms, Trek Time - 8 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 5: Trek from Thachungtse to Base camp (5150 mts)
    Trek Distance - 8 kms, Trek Time - 6 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 6: Rest day and training day at Base Camp
    Issuing of technical gear, practice rope systems, and acclimatization walk.
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 7: Kang Yatse 2 Summit attempt and back to Base Camp
    Summit around 7am and back to base camp by lunch;
    Trek Distance - 10 kms, Trek Time - 10 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 8: Rest day at Base camp
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 9: Trek from Base Camp to Kang Yatse 1 Camp 1
    Trek Distance - 5 kms, Trek Time - 4 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 10: Trek from Camp 1 to Camp 2 (Summit camp)
    Trek Distance - 3 kms, Trek Time - 5 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 11: Kang Yatse 1 Summit attempt and back to Base Camp
    Summit around 7 am and back to Base camp by lunch
    Trek Distance - 20 kms, Trek Time - 14 hours
    Overnight in camps.
  • Day 12: Buffer day
  • Day 13: Trek from Base camp to Shang Phu;
    Trek Distance - 14 kms, Trek Time- 8 hours
    Drive to Leh.
    Overnight stay in Leh
  • Day 14: Trek ends today.
    Check out after Breakfast.
    Drop arranged for airport

Trip price includes:

  • Complete Stay, Food (except lunch in Leh) and accommodation (Twin sharing basis) for the entire trek
  • Hotel stay in Leh
  • Airport Pickup and Drop. (On trek specific dates only. Note you have to manage your travel yourself if you come early or leave later)
  • Rentals for all common gear provided to you like tent, sleeping bags, crampons etc.
  • Technical gear provided to you like Ropes, harness, carabiners and crampons
  • Forest entry permission and camping charges
  • Guide and expertise charges
  • Trek insurance

Trip price excludes:

  • 5% GST
  • Meals or drinks purchased by participants during the travel or trek (example biscuits, fruits etc)
  • Rentals for personal gear (Refer things to get section)
  • Any extra government charges.
  • IMF charges for foreign nationals.
  • Flight/Train/Bus ticket till Leh.
  • Backpack offloading charges. You are expected to carry your own backpack. Trekkers unable to do so can opt for a porterage service at ₹400/day

One can fly to Leh. Note, our pick up vehicles will reach the airport Leh at 8.30 and 11.30. Request you to book your flight accordingly. Leh is well connected by road from both Srinagar and Manali in the summers. One can get buses and shared jeeps to Leh from both the locations. If you decide to take a private vehicle from Srinagar you can reach Leh in a day. From Manali it is advisable to halt at Jispa or Sarchu (for acclimatization) for the night.

Yes, but you are expected to reach the hotel on day 1 of the trek by dinner.

Yes, one can go to these places providing you are acclimatizing well. We can arrange a cab at an additional cost for all the participants that are interested.

It is not advisable to go to that altitude on your second day at Leh. You can visit it after the trek.

Yes. This is almost a semi technical climb. This involves long walks on glaciers, through crevasses.

Ideally you need mountaineering boots for this climb. But you can use crampon compatible, high quality trekking boots (Salomon or Forclaz trek 900) but not hiking shoes. You can wear a good layer of socks inside it.

You can rent one from Leh. Rent cost is approximately 200/day