Kang Yatze II Expedition 6250m

Markha valley trek

The Markha valley is part of the Hemis National Park, home to snow leopard and other wild animals.
The Markha valley trek is a very famous trek and all the villages in the valley offer homestay which is a nice opportunity for travellers to catch a glimpse of the daily lives of the villagers.

Optional Extension

Day 17: Drive to Agra and visit Agra Fort / Overnight hotel in Agra

Day 18. Early morning visit to Taj Mahal and drive back to Delhi / Overnight hotel in Delhi

Day 19: Trip ends- Departure

Recommended preparation: 

To ensure you fully enjoy the majesty of the Himalayas and a maximum possibility to stand triumphantly on the summit, a good level of physical conditioning is essential. Success on a 6,000m peak is built on stamina, consistency, and prior altitude experience.

Our Recommended 6-Month Preparation Plan:

Aerobic Endurance: We recommend a consistent running routine of 45 to 60 minutes, at least twice weekly. To simulate mountain conditions, focus on undulating outdoor terrain or utilize a treadmill with a sustained incline.

Cardiovascular Variety: To build a robust heart and lung capacity, cross-training through cycling or swimming is highly encouraged as an excellent low-impact supplement.

The “Weekend Warrior” Routine: Nothing prepares the body for the trail better than the trail itself. Dedicate your weekends to long-distance day hikes in variable weather conditions, carrying a weighted day pack to build functional strength and mountain resilience.

Prerequisite Experience: Given the sustained nature of this expedition, previous experience trekking at high altitudes is a mandatory requirement for your safety and enjoyment.

A Day On Your Trek:

Life on the expedition follows a well-orchestrated rhythm designed to balance physical exertion with deep relaxation. While the pace of each day is naturally influenced by the weather and the group’s comfort, a typical day unfolds as follows:

A Gentle Awakening

The day begins between 6:00 and 6:30 AM with “bed tea” or coffee brought directly to your tent, followed by a bowl of warm water for your morning wash. While you enjoy the early mountain light, you’ll pack your duffel for our porters and prepare your daypack for the journey ahead.

The Morning Trek & Picnic

A hearty breakfast is served in the dining tent, after which we “hit the trail.” The morning walk typically lasts 3 to 4 hours, winding through Ladakh’s spectacular terrain. Around midday, we pause for a scenic picnic lunch. We allow an hour of rest here—a perfect time to hydrate, soak in the views, and recharge.

Afternoon & Camp Serenity

The afternoon walk continues for another 3 to 4 hours until we reach our next camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with fresh tea, coffee, and snacks. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy—explore a nearby village, capture photographs, or simply lose yourself in a book amidst the Himalayan silence.

Mountain Gastronomy & Hydration

We believe that high-altitude success begins in the kitchen. Our dedicated culinary team prepares a sophisticated, balanced diet designed to sustain your energy levels.

Breakfast: A nourishing start with eggs, cereals, and freshly baked breads.
Lunch: Nutrient-rich “tiffin” style meals, portable yet satisfying for the trail.
Dinner: A refined three-course meal served around 7:00 PM. Our chefs pride themselves on variety, serving everything from fresh local vegetables and pastas to surprise treats like mountain-baked pizzas and cakes.

Nutritional Balance: We ensure an optimal intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins to fuel your ascent. Our supplies include fresh produce, eggs, cereals, and quality canned meats and fish.
Pure Hydration: Water is the lifeblood of acclimatization. We provide boiled and treated water three times daily, ensuring you remain perfectly hydrated throughout the expedition.

High Altitude

On this expedition, we reach a peak of 6250m. At this height, understanding altitude is essential for your safety and success. The biggest risk is climbing too high, too fast. We have carefully designed our itinerary to prevent this. We move slowly and surely, giving your body the time it needs to adapt.

What to Expect

It is very common to feel a bit breathless or have a mild headache. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases, these symptoms can develop into Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Your Guide is highly trained to spot the early signs of AMS, such as:

• Severe, persistent headaches
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Extreme lethargy
• Shortness of breath even while resting

Your Safety is Our Priority

Our team keeps a close watch on everyone. If a trekker shows serious symptoms, they must descend to a safer altitude immediately. The Group Leader’s decision regarding safety and evacuation is final.

Tips for Success

Move Slow: A steady, “leisurely” pace is the secret to reaching the top.

Hydrate: Drink 3 to 4 liters of water every day.

Communicate: Never medicate yourself without talking to your guide first.

You will likely feel the thin air while climbing, but don’t let it worry you. Our expert team is with you every step of the way to ensure you are safe, healthy, and ready for the summit.

The Team Behind Your Journey

On every expedition, you are supported by a hand-picked crew who treat you like family. Here are the people who make the magic happen:

Your Guide: The Guardian of Your Experience

Your Guide is the most vital member of our staff and your primary point of contact. More than just a guide, they are highly trained specialists in high-altitude medicine, first aid, and emergency procedures. With a deep passion for conservation and local history, they don’t just lead the way—they bring the stories of the mountains to life while keeping your safety as their absolute priority.

The Sirdar: Our Master of Logistics

The Sirdar is the “engine room” of the trek. He manages the entire operation on the ground, from overseeing staff duties to selecting the perfect, most scenic campsites. His expertise ensures that the camp runs like clockwork, allowing you to relax the moment you arrive.

Our Sherpas: Your Pathfinders and Pillars

Sherpas are the backbone of the climbing industry. Our Sherpas are there to ensure you never have to worry about the trail. They lead the way, assist in managing the camp, and help with the pack animals. Most importantly, always by your side to offer a helping hand—or a steadying arm—whenever the terrain gets challenging.

On the mountain, they are your climbing buddy. They not only secure the climbing route and fix ropes but also guide you safely to the summit and back down.

The Horsemen & Their Team: Our Mountain Strength

Behind the scenes, our skilled horsemen and their hardy teams of horses and mules carry the heavy luggage and equipment. These handlers have an intuitive bond with their animals and navigate the rugged passes with incredible grace, ensuring your gear arrives safely at every camp.

Please note: In our Ladakh trips, we do not use porters.

Weather

The ideal window for this expedition is June through August. During these summer months, Ladakh is lit in beautiful high-altitude sunlight. However, mountain weather is famous for its sudden shifts, and we want you to be prepared for every mood of the sky.

Daytime Warmth & Sun: In the valleys between 3500m to 4000m it can feel quite tropical, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C in the sun. Because the mountain air is thin, the sun’s rays are very strong—protection is key here. Above 4000m, daytime temperatures will be between 15C to 20C

Ladakh is a land of dramatic contrasts. You might be hiking in a T-shirt in 28°C+ heat, but as soon as the clouds roll in, you feel the temperature plunge below 10°C within the hour. Carrying a light layer in your daypack is the essential to staying comfortable.

Crisp Mountain Nights: Once we move above 4,500m, the air turns crisp. While the days remain pleasant, night-time temperatures can dip just below freezing.

The Rain Shadow: While Ladakh sits in the rain shadow protected by the Great Himalayas, we are trekking during the monsoon season. You might encounter a brief, refreshing mountain shower, but these are usually short-lived.

Summit Day: The Final Push begins around midnight. Expect true alpine conditions. Temperatures typically hover between -2°C and -5°C, but the wind-chill factor can make it feel much colder. We will guide you on exactly how to layer up so you stay warm and focused as you head toward the top.

Gear recommendations:

Head:

• Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
• Sunhat
• Glacier sunglasses with side shields
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions

Upper Body:

• 2 cotton t-shirts for warm days
• 2 polypropylene or wool mix long sleeve t-shirts
• 2 long sleeve thermal underwear shirts, lightweight preferably woolen
• 1 polar fleece pullovers medium weight or 1 heavy wool thermal underwear
• 1 polar fleece jacket, OR Primaloft/ Down light weight jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Please note: We provide 1 very warm goose-down jacket with hood for high altitude.

Hands: 

• 1 pair light weight wind stopper gloves
• 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the warm polar Fleece mitt liner

Lower Body:

• 1 pair walking shorts
• 1 to 2 pair walking trousers for trekking
• 2 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair Primaloft OR light weight down trouser for evenings at Base Camp
• 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, Waterproof/breathable with side zips

Feet:

• 1 pair trek/climb boot preferably for 6000m+
• 1 pair trainers (running shoes) and/or sandals for Delhi, Leh and in camp
• 2 pair med-heavy preferably wool socks
• 2 to 3 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool
• 2 to 3 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool

Sleeping:

We provide the following:

• 1 down sleeping bag (rated to – 20 Centigrade or -4 F )
• 1 polar fleece liner
• Exped Down 7W mattres and foam kari-mats.

Rucksack and Travel Bags:

Please note: We provide one Hi On Life Expedition (85 litres) duffle bags for each member.

• 1 medium rucksack (30-35 litres)
• Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.

Accessories:

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit
• Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also
• 2 Water bottles (1 litre each)
• Books, playing cards, games etc
• Adequate amount of batteries, etc.
• Money belt
• Toiletries: Your essentials. We provide toilet papers
• Towel: Quick dry travel towel
• Penknife
• Disposable lighter
• Medical kit: As per your prescriptions.

Our guide carries a comprehensive medical kit at all times

This includes essential outdoor medicines, professional first aid supplies, and specialized high-altitude medications. We also carry medical oxygen to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the journey.

Optional

• Walking sticks ( highly recommended)
• Cameras
• Knee guard for those with bad knees.
• Daytime snack (chocolates/ dry fruit trail mix)

Healthy and trouble free holiday

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is mandatory

We require all guests to carry comprehensive travel insurance. Please ensure your policy covers baggage loss, flight delays, and medical expenses. Most importantly, it must include emergency evacuation at high altitudes.

Health & Vaccinations: We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic at least two months before departure regarding vaccinations for Typhoid, Meningitis, Polio, and Hepatitis.

Prescriptions & High Altitude: If you are on any regular medication, please bring a sufficient supply for the entire journey. Some medications—including certain anti-malarials—can have side effects at high altitudes. We suggest discussing your trekking plans with your doctor to ensure your prescriptions are mountain-friendly.

A Note on Malaria: The trekking routes in Ladakh are mosquito-free, and there is no risk of malaria in the regions where we spend our time.

Personalized Nutrition: We take great pride in our mountain cuisine. If you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or have a specific allergy, we will ensure your meals are both safe and delicious.

Managing Your Finances

Currency & Exchange: The most convenient currencies to bring are USD or Euro, which can be easily exchanged upon arrival in New Delhi or Leh. You will also find reliable ATMs in both cities if you prefer to withdraw Indian Rupees (INR) directly.
Current Reference Rate: $1 USD is approximately ₹90 INR (Please check for daily fluctuations).

Meal & Personal Expenses

Your expedition is nearly all-inclusive, but you should plan for a few meals in the city:
In Delhi: Please budget for one lunch and one dinner.
Optional Agra Extension: If you are joining us for the Taj Mahal visit, plan for two additional lunch and one dinner.
City Dining: Delhi and Agra offer everything from street food to fine dining. A good meal typically ranges from $10 to $20 USD, plus drinks.
City Transport: If you choose to explore the cities independently, we suggest budgeting $20 to $30 USD for taxis and local transport.
Pocket Money on the Trail: While there are very few places to spend money once we are in the mountains, you may occasionally pass a small trail-side tea shop selling chocolates or soft drinks. We recommend carrying about $5 to $10 USD per day in local currency for these small treats or for making modest donations at the monasteries we visit.

The Tradition of Tipping

Tipping is a heartfelt way to show appreciation for the hard-working team that supports your journey. While entirely optional, the following guidelines help ensure your gratitude reaches the right hands.
In the Cities: For bellboys, waiters, and hotel porters, a small gesture of ₹100 to ₹200 INR is customary.
On the Trek: It is a mountain tradition to thank the field staff at the end of the journey. We suggest a total tip of $200 to $250 USD per guest, depending on the group size.

Our “Farewell Ceremony” Process

To make this easy for you, your Guide will collect the total amount, divide it fairly based on each staff member’s responsibility, and place it in named envelopes. These envelopes are then handed back to you so you can personally present them to the crew during our traditional Farewell Ceremony.

Cultural Etiquette- Do’s and Don’ts

Ladakhi people treat visitors as special guests. Although they will never rebuke you publicly for unknowingly offending them, we must consider their culture. While in Ladakh please observe the following:

• Full or partial nudity is not accepted.
• Over display of affection between men and women, especially in temples and monasteries are discouraged.
• Please remove your shoes before entering monasteries and temples.
• Never point the soles of your feet at a person or shrine.
• Locals walk around the Mani walls and Stupas in a clockwise direction as a respect and they expect you to do the same although it is not compulsory.
• Please ask before taking pics of a person or his/her child

Some useful tips while traveling in Delhi and Agra

Dress code 

Dress sensibly. For men- knee length shorts and t shirts and sandals are best to cope up with the heat but in some temple and mosques you need to wear long trousers. For women it would be wise to cover up and dress modestly to avoid unwanted advances. Light cotton trousers or knee length skirts are ideal. Avoid too high cut shorts and bare back dresses.

Personal space

The concept of personal space is almost nonexistent in almost all over India. Whether you’re standing in a queue or walking in a crowded Bazaar, get used to moving shoulder-to-shoulder.

People in North India tend to stare a lot 

Please don’t be offended because most of them do this out of curiosity. Easy way to deal with this is to not make direct eye contact with strangers and passersby. Get used to it and don’t let this make you uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses helps a lot ignore staring.

Bargaining skills

In shopping malls the prices are fixed and you cannot bargain. However, in rest of your shopping adventure, it is inevitable that you will be exploited to a certain degree. The simple fact is that most vendors know you have money. Skillful bartering takes practice- a beginner’s rule of thumb is to cut the starting price in half and then work your way to a middle ground.

Beware of Pickpockets 

The streets of Delhi can become very crowded, exposing you up to a risk of being easily pick-pocketed. Keep your money in your money belt or in a forward facing backpack. If you need to take money out of your wallet, it is best to do it with least possible exposure of the wallet.

Beggars

You will likely see things that strike your emotional core, but it is important to realize that these are deep rooted problems with no easy fix. Moreover if you give money to one beggar, within seconds you will find yourself surrounded by a dozen other beggars from children to adults. Also keep in mind that beggar mafias control much of the inner city.

Street Hawkers 

When you walk out of the sightseeing points you will meet several hawkers trying to sell you small souvenirs from pics and all sorts of things. Do not engage in a bargain or conversation unless you really want to buy them. They can be very pushy sometimes.

Go With the Flow

Despite the fact that the cities in India can be tiring with all the staring, crowded streets, beggars, pestering hawkers’ etc. try not to care about the small stuff. If you get caught up and stress about the little things, you will miss out on the bigger picture, which is that you are in one of the most distinctive and important cities in the world. The city will often come to feel like another planet entirely.

“TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO… GET ON YOUR WAY!”
DR. SEUSS