Trekkers arrive in Leh, where altitude immediately becomes noticeable. The dry air, intense sunlight, and reduced oxygen levels require conscious rest from the moment of arrival. Terranova Expedition strongly emphasizes minimal movement on this day.

The day is spent hydrating, resting, and allowing the body to begin acclimatization naturally. A short evening briefing introduces the Kang Yatse II route, altitude strategy, and expectations for the expedition ahead.

A full acclimatization day allows the body to adapt before entering the Markha Valley. Light walks around Leh or nearby viewpoints provide gentle altitude exposure without fatigue.

From Terranova Expedition’s experience, this day significantly improves comfort during the long trekking approach. Equipment is checked thoroughly, loads are optimized, and trekkers are briefed on pacing and hydration for the days ahead.

The expedition begins with a scenic drive to Skiu, followed by the first trek into the MarkhaValley. The trail to Sara is relatively gentle, allowing trekkers to settle into a steady walking rhythm.

This day focuses on movement efficiency rather than speed. The landscape introduces trekkers to Ladakh’s wide valleys, river crossings, and traditional settlements.

The trek continues deeper into the Markha Valley. The trail undulates gently, crossing streams and passing through villages where traditional Ladakhi life continues unchanged.

Altitude begins to make itself felt by the end of the day. Markha village provides a comfortable yet important acclimatization stop before moving higher.

This is a longer and more demanding trekking day. The landscape opens dramatically, vegetation thins, and the valley begins to feel more alpine.

Breathing slows naturally, and pacing becomes important. Thochungtsey sits at a noticeable altitude, and the cold at night prepares trekkers for higher camps ahead.

The trek to Base Camp marks the transition from trekking terrain to expedition environment. The route climbs steadily into a wide glacial basin dominated by Kang Yatse’s massive slopes.

Base Camp is established carefully. Sitting above 5,000 meters, even basic tasks require effort. Rest, hydration, and nutrition are prioritized immediately.

A full rest and acclimatization day allows the body to stabilize at extreme altitude. Short hikes toward the snowline help prepare trekkers for summit terrain.

Terranova Expedition uses this day to conduct basic snow and movement training, reinforce summit pacing strategy, and assess individual readiness. Early rest is encouraged.

Summit day begins very early. The ascent follows long snow slopes that require steady pacing and mental resilience rather than technical skill.

As altitude increases, progress slows significantly. Terranova Expedition emphasizes rhythm, rest steps, and constant hydration. Reaching the summit of Kang Yatse II offers breathtaking views across the Markha Valley and surrounding Ladakhi ranges.

After a brief summit halt, the team descends carefully back to Base Camp, managing fatigue and prioritizing safety.

The final day is both challenging and rewarding. The trek crosses Kongmaru La, offering panoramic views and a sense of completion. The descent to Chokdo is long but steady.

A drive back to Leh marks the end of the expedition. This final journey is often filled with reflection—on long valley walks, silent mornings at Base Camp, and the shared effort of summit day. With Terranova Expedition, Kang Yatse II becomes not just a peak climbed, but a journey remembered—ending with warm goodbyes and the quiet understanding that the mountains will call again.