Brief Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)
Day 2 : Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)
Day 3 : Leh (3,500M) to Skiu (3,500M). (Click to View GPS data)
Day 4 : Skiu (3,500M) to Sara (3,500M). (Click to View GPS data)
Day 5 : Sara (3,500M) to Umlung (3,901M). (Click to View GPS data)
Day 6 : Umlung (3,901M) to Thochungtsey (4,298M). (Click to View GPS data)
Day 7 : Thochungtsey (4,298M) to Kang Yatse Base Camp (5,100M). (Click to View GPS data)
Day 8 : Rest and Acclimatization at Basecamp (5,100M)
Day 9 : Base camp (5,100M) to KY II Summit (6,250M) to Base Camp (5,100M)
Day 10 : Rest Day at Base Camp (5,100M)
Day 11 : Base Camp (5,100M) to Advanced Base Camp (5,425M) to Base Camp (5,100M)
Day 12 : Base Camp (5,100M) to Advanced Base Camp (5,425M)
Day 13 : Advance Base Camp (5,425M) to Summit Camp (5,700M)
Day 14 : Summit Camp (5,700M) to KY-I Summit (6,400M) to Base Camp (5,100M)
Day 15 : Base Camp (5,100M) to Chokdo (3,900M) via Kongmaru La (5,200M) to Leh
Day 16 : Departure from Leh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)
The trek starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh that is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence fairly accessible. If you need guidance on how to get to this high-altitude hub of mountaineering, this article (Travel options from around Leh) might be useful.
Day one is reserved for the climbers to make their way to Leh and get settled into their accommodation. Since climbers will be coming to this altitude from sea level, the body will need time to get comfortable with the mountain air.
Day 2
Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)
Day two is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the altitude, too. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the city market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain city and visit some places nearby.
While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group for a debriefing session.
Day 3
Leh (3,500M) to Skiu (3,500M)
Distance: 35 kms
Time Taken: 3 hour drive
The drive from Leh to Skiu is the perfect introduction to the terrain.
Day 4
Skiu (3,500M) to Sara (3,500M)
Distance: 11 km
Time Taken: 6 hours
A long day across the dry Markha valley terrain.
Day 5
Sara (3,500M) to Umlung (3,901M)
Distance: 15 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Trail continues via Markha village.
Day 6
Umlung (3,901M) to Thochungtsey (4,298M)
Distance: 8.5 kms
Time Taken: 5 hours trek
Steady altitude gain.
Day 7
Thochungtsey (4,298M) to Kang Yatse Base Camp (5,100M)
Distance: 8–9 kms
Time: 6–7 hours
Approach to base camp.
Day 8
Rest and Acclimatization at Basecamp (5,100M)
Acclimatization day.
Day 9
KY II Summit Push (6,250M)
Time Taken: 11–12 hours
Midnight summit push.
Day 10
Rest Day at Base Camp
Recovery day.
Day 11
Rotation to Advanced Base Camp
Distance: 5–6 km
Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Day 12
Move to Advanced Base Camp
Preparation for summit.
Day 13
Advance Base Camp to Summit Camp
Final staging camp.
Day 14
KY-I Summit (6,400M)
Summit push and return.
Day 15
Reserve Day
Buffer for weather.
Day 16
Return to Leh via Kongmaru La
Long descent and drive.
Day 17
Departure from Leh
End of expedition.