Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and Fly to Leh (3,500m) / Duration: Flight-1-1.5 hrs

After arriving at Delhi International Airport, our team will assist you with the connecting flight to Leh, the gateway to Ladakh. The flight is incredibly scenic, offering amazing aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Leh (3,500m), you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude, it’s very important to rest today and allow your body to begin acclimatizing.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

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Day 2: Acclimatisation day in Leh

Today is a full day dedicated to acclimatization in Leh. We recommend light walking. For gentle activity, we may explore nearby attractions such as Leh Market, Leh Palace, or walk up to Shanti Stupa, which offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley and Stok Kangri range. Our guide will also conduct a briefing session to go over the upcoming trek and check all your equipment.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 3: Sightseeing around Leh / Duration: Half day

After breakfast, we set out for a short sightseeing tour to explore some of Ladakh’s cultural treasures. We begin with a visit to Shey Palace and Monastery, once the royal residence of Ladakhi kings. It features a massive golden Buddha statue and overlooks the green fields of Shey village. Next, we visit the magnificent Thiksey Monastery, built in the 15th century, perched on a hilltop and resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is one of the most beautiful and active monasteries in Ladakh. After soaking in the spiritual energy and scenic views, we return to Leh for a relaxed afternoon and prepare for the start of the trek.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 4: Drive to Thinlespa & Trek to Markha (3,700m) / Duration: Drive – about 3 hrs, Trek – about 1 hr

After breakfast in Leh, we start our journey with a beautiful drive through the Indus Valley, passing by remote landscapes and small Ladakhi settlements. The road takes us alongside the Zanskar River, with occasional glimpses of snowcapped peaks and rugged canyons. After around 3 hours of drive, we reach Thinlespa, the starting point of our trek. From here, we begin a short and gentle walk along the Markha River, following a peaceful trail through open meadows and small stone structures. After about an hour, we reach the village of Markha, a traditional settlement known for its beautiful setting and rich culture. We set up camp near the riverbank, surrounded by mountain views and fluttering prayer flags.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 5: Trek to Upper Hankar (4,070m) / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today’s trail leads us deeper into the stunning Markha Valley. After leaving Markha village, we pass several mani walls and chortens that mark the spiritual importance of the trail. The route follows the Markha River, winding past willow trees, barley fields, and small settlements. We may stop for tea or lunch in a peaceful spot like Umlung or Tacha Gompa, a small monastery perched on a rocky hill. The scenery becomes more dramatic as we get closer to Upper Hankar, with views of rugged cliffs and high mountain peaks. The air becomes cooler as we gain elevation. After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we reach Upper Hankar.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6: Trek to Thachungtse (4,150m) / Duration: 4–5 hrs

We leave Upper Hankar after breakfast and continue toward Thachungtse, steadily gaining altitude. In the distance, we may start to catch first views of Kang Yatse, a towering snow-covered peak. Along the way, we pass ancient stone structures used by yak herders. After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we reach Thachungtse, a grassy campsite surrounded by dramatic cliffs and distant peaks.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 7: Trek to Nimaling (4,720m) / Duration: 3–4 hrs

Today we continue our journey from Thachungtse to the beautiful grazing meadows of Nimaling. The trail climbs gradually and the air becomes thinner as we gain altitude. Along the way, we pass several stone huts used by local herders and see open grasslands filled with Himalayan sheep and yaks. The trail offers wonderful views of Kang Yatse rising sharply in the background. As we approach Nimaling, the terrain opens up into a wide green valley with streams running through it. After about 3-4 hours of trek we reach Nimalung.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8: Acclimatisation Walk to Kongmaru La (5,260m) & Back to Nimaling / Duration: 3–4 hrs

Today is set aside for acclimatization. After breakfast, we take a slow and steady hike up to Kongmaru La, a high mountain pass with incredible views of Ladakh and the distant peaks of the Zanskar range. The trail to the pass is steep and rocky, but the walk is taken slowly to help your body adjust to higher elevations. From the top of the pass, we can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Kang Yatse, the Indus Valley, and snowy peaks in the distance. After spending some time at the top, we descend slowly back to Nimaling.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 9: Trek from Nimaling to Kang Yatse Base Camp (5,150m) / Duration: 2–3 hrs

Today, we leave the meadows of Nimaling behind and trek toward the Kang Yatse Base Camp. Today’s walk is shorter but takes us into a more remote and rugged part of the mountains. The trail climbs gently across rocky terrain and open spaces, with Kang Yatse coming closer into view with each step. The peaceful surroundings and the impressive presence of the mountain create a special atmosphere. Once we reach base camp, we settle into our tents and rest. Our team will check all the climbing gear and begin preparing for the summit attempt.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 10: Load Ferry to Kang Yatse I Advance Base Camp / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today is a logistics day as we begin transferring climbing gear and supplies from Base Camp to Kang Yatse I Advance Base Camp. The route climbs steadily over rocky slopes, loose gravel, and patches of scree. Our support team will carry most of the heavy loads. The trail provides ever-closer views of Kang Yatse’s dramatic glacier faces and jagged ridgelines. After reaching the site of Advance Base Camp, we leave the equipment and return to Base Camp for the night. This load-ferry helps reduce strain on the summit day and also supports further acclimatization.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 11: Move to Kang Yatse I Advance Base Camp (~5,300m) / Duration: 4–5 hrs

Today we make our move from Base Camp to Advance Base Camp (approx. 5,300m). The path follows the same route we took yesterday, climbing steadily across rocky terrain. The air is thinner, and we pace ourselves with regular rest stops. On reaching Advance Base Camp, we set up tents and begin to feel the serious mountain environment of Kang Yatse I. The camp is set on a wide, open slope with incredible views of surrounding peaks. After settling in, we rest and begin preparing for climbing practice the next day.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 12: Acclimatisation Day and Technical Preparation

Today is a vital day for both acclimatization and technical preparation. We stay at Advance Base Camp, where the thin air and high altitude help our bodies prepare for the summit push. In the morning, we practice using climbing gear such as crampons, harnesses, ascenders, and ropes under the guidance of our experienced climbing guides. You will also learn safety techniques and get familiar with how to move on snow and ice. If weather permits, we may do a short climb on a nearby snowfield for hands-on experience. The rest of the day is for rest, hydration, and mental preparation for the next big stage reaching Camp 1 closer to the summit route.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 13: Ascend to Kang Yatse I Camp 1 (~5,950m) / Duration: 5–6 hrs

Today we ascend to Camp 1 of Kang Yatse I, situated at approximately 5,950m. The route becomes steeper and more demanding, with sections of loose scree, rock, and snow depending on the season. As we climb higher, the landscape becomes more glaciated and alpine, with magnificent views of surrounding peaks and valleys. We move slowly and steadily to adapt to the altitude, using crampons and ropes where needed. The camp is set up on a narrow snow ridge or rocky outcrop, depending on conditions. Once we reach Camp 1, we rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit attempt the following day. The views from here are unforgettable far below lies Nimaling Valley, and all around rise the majestic peaks of Ladakh.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 14: Summit Attempt – Kang Yatse I (6,400m) & Return to Camp 1 / Duration: ~10 hrs

This is the most important and challenging day of the expedition. We begin our summit push very early, usually around 1–2 a.m., using headlamps to light the way. The climb starts on steep snow and ice slopes, and we’ll be roped up with our guides for safety for an hour or so and then we will begin climbing on fix rope. After 6–7 hours of steady climbing, we reach the summit of Kang Yatse I (6,400m), where panoramic views stretch across the Ladakh Range, Zanskar Range, and even to distant Karakoram peaks. After enjoying briefly, we begin our careful descent back to Camp 1, taking 3–4 hours depending on conditions.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 15: Descend to Base Camp / Duration: 4–5 hrs

After a good night rest at Camp 1, we pack up and descend back to Kang Yatse Base Camp. The trail retraces our steps down the rocky and snowy slopes, offering more relaxed views now that the summit is behind us. We move slowly and carefully, especially on the steep sections, using trekking poles or crampons as needed. Once we return to Base Camp, the environment feels more comfortable and breathable.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 16: Reserve Day

This day is kept as a reserve day, in case of delays caused by bad weather, health issues, or other unexpected conditions during the climb. If we have already summited Kang Yatse I, this day can be used to rest and recover at Base Camp or slowly begin packing and cleaning up the campsite. If the summit attempt was postponed due to weather, this extra day gives us another opportunity to reach the top safely. If unused, we may return to Leh earlier or spend more time exploring the beautiful Leh town.

Overnight at Tent (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 17: Trek to Chokdo & Drive to Leh / Duration: 4–5 hrs trek & 2–3 hrs drive

After breakfast we begin our ascent to Kongmaru La pass and then we start descending down towards Chokdo.. After about 4–5 hours of trekking, we reach Chokdo, where our vehicle will be waiting. From here, we drive back to Leh, enjoying the changing landscape as we leave the high mountains behind. Upon arrival in Leh, we check into our hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore Leh Market.

Overnight at Hotel (Including Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 18: Fly from Leh to Delhi / Duration: about 1 hr 15 mins

After an early breakfast, we transfer to Leh Airport for our flight back to Delhi. The short flight over the Himalayas offers a final chance to admire the mountain ranges from above. Upon arrival in Delhi, our program ends. You can either catch your international flight home or continue with further travel plans in India. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Kang Yatse I expedition and the natural beauty

Overnight at Hotel (Including Bed/Breakfast)

Day 19: Final Departure (250m) / Duration: Airport transfer

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. After breakfast, our Travel Footsteps staff will assist with your transfer to the international airport for your final departure. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of the mountains, culture, and people you encountered along the way. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you again for another adventure in the Himalayas.