India essentials

Ladakh-Zanskar extras

Kang Yatze expedition

trek and a climb of a 6400m peak

From Nimaling everyone admires Kang Yatze, and lots of people talk about climbing it. Very few do. There is an easier route to the 6100m false summit but getting to the true summit is a real climb; but we can do it.

Itinerary

The itinerary description is short; part of the reason is we have trekked this region many times, but normally in reverse and so don't have anything standard written.

Day 0 - optional arrive Delhi

All the team are arriving on the 22nd (late at night) or before so you should arrive today or before.

Day 1 - arrive Delhi

This is the day the trip is supposed to start but everyone booked is arriving the day before so we will fly to Leh today, early in the morning and that gives more time to recover from long flights etc.

2 - fly Leh 3500m

This is an early morning flight over the Himalaya.

3 - rest Leh 3500m

Time to explore and acclimatize.

4 - Leh 3500m

More time for exploring around this fascinating Central Asian town.

5 - Drive Chilling, trek Skiu 3290m

We start the day with a jeep drive, then trek to camp including crossing a river by cable car.

6 - Trek Sara 3400m

Nice but short and sometimes hot trekking.

7 - trek Markha 3710m

In the Markha Valley we trek to the village that gives the trek its name.

8 - trek Hankar 3900m

Another good days trekking to the village of Hankar.

9 - rest Hankar 3900m

10 - trek Mani Chen 4640m

We turn off the main Markha Valley route, climbing up to a camp with great views.

11-16 exploring

We scout the area properly and acclimatize properly to prepare for our climb. We may climb the easy shoulder of Kang Yatze.

17 - rest Kang Yatze BC

18 - Camp 1 ~5600m

It is likely that we need to establish a Camp 1, a small camp high on the mountain. The first section of the route is up loose rock, no rope needed.

19 - the climb, stay Base Camp

We start very early as this will be a long day. First we gain the glacier half way up. Although this has been climbed without ropes previously, we may need to rope up, depending on conditions. From the summit the view is stunning. Note we are aiming for the true 6400m summit, not the easier 6100m summit.

Highlights

6400m mountain

great crowd-beating trek

Dates

no current departure, 24 days

Cost - US$2680

Taj Mahal option: please ask

Leader

Jamie McGuinness

Nepal mobile: (+977) 98021 49789

on trek satellite SMS: +88216 21273393

Arrival hotel Delhi

Sun Court Hotel Yatri

Chana Market, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

tel: (0091 11) 2586 1395, 2586 1319

contact: Mr. DK Anand, General Manager

mobile: 9312 033 107

Delhi office contact

Basant Giri, Druk Expeditions

Mobile: 98103 52728,
Office: (011) 2373 8359

Hotel Leh

Hotel Tongspon

Ford Road behind the Hi-life restaurant

tel: (01982) 53 196

Leh office contact

Plan Himalaya

Ford Road near the Hi-life restaurant

tel: (01982) 256 070

mobile: (0) 94198 15695

Our service includes

airport transfers

guesthouses in Delhi, Leh and Manali

domestic flights as needed

group transportation by private vehicle

expedition-style trek:

all meals and hot drinks on trek

roomy single tent

Our service excludes

insurance, India visa, meals in Delhi, Leh & Manali

personal climbing equipment

international flights, equipment rental, alcohol and soft drinks, laundry, tipping and other items of a personal nature

For meals and possible tips for the crew allow approx $200-250

20 - high camp / Chukirmo 4070m over Kongmaru La 5150m

21 - trek Shang Sumdo, drive Leh 3505m

22 - Leh

Relax in Leh!

Day 23 - Tuesday 14 August - fly Delhi / optional and depart

We take the Leh-Delhi flight that should get us to Delhi by midday. You could plan on flying out late at night on 14 August, or very early morning 15 August but understand that the Leh-Delhi flight can occasionally be delayed; it is delayed by a day approx 5% of the time, ie one in 20 flights. This could seriously mess you up if you have lots of connecting flights to get you back home.

Day 24 - depart

This is the most cautious approach and then also leaves a little time in Delhi to have a look around.

Early departure option

Day 22 - fly Delhi

Skip the day in Leh to get back to work quickly... You can fly out of Delhi tonight or early tomorrow but understand that the Leh-Delhi flight can occasionally be delayed. The more cautious approach is to stay in Delhi and fly out on 14 August.

Taj Mahal option

Optional day 24 - drive Agra

One person booking is visiting the Taj Mahal and you are welcome to join.

Day 25 - sightseeing then drive Delhi, depart

Visit the Taj Mahal (or perhaps yesterday afternoon) and then Fatehpur Sikri, then return to Delhi about 6-9pm; you could take a night flight out this night, or very early morning of the 17th...