Kang Yatse II above the Markha Valley

Overview

Kang Yatse II is the summit that turns Ladakhi trekkers into mountaineers. The 6,250 m western top of the twin-headed massif rises straight off the Nimaling plain at the head of the Markha Valley, and its northwest face is a single sweeping snow slope — steep enough to demand crampons, axe and a rope, forgiving enough to be many people's first 6,000er. The approach is half the point: a week walking the Markha Valley through Hemis National Park, sleeping in whitewashed villages and parachute-tent teahouses, crossing rivers below ruined forts while blue sheep watch from the scree. From high camp at 5,200 m the climb starts at 2 a.m.; six hours later the Zanskar range is a frozen ocean below you and, on the clearest mornings, the Karakoram giants crowd the northern horizon. July to September is the window — Ladakh sits in the monsoon's rain shadow while the rest of the Himalaya drips. Trips run 9 to 12 days out of Leh — fly from Delhi and spend two nights acclimatising at 3,500 m first; hurrying is what fells people here. A guided climb with permits, ponies and full camping runs about £1,400. Kang Yatse I is far more serious; check which head your itinerary names.

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Prefilled for 1 July 2027 — the next best-season window. Search on partner sites — opens in a new tab.