Leh is already at approximately 3,500m. Rest and a controlled acclimatization hike come before the approach through Sara, Markha and Hankar to Base Camp above approximately 5,000m.
Technical Winter Mountaineering · 6,250 m
Winter Kang Yatse II
Winter Kang Yatse II is a ten-day, 6,250m expedition through Ladakh’s Markha Valley for experienced climbers, with acclimatization, Base Camp technical training and a condition-dependent summit attempt.
Expedition fee per person₹1,25,000 / US$2,200
Expedition overview
Winter Kang Yatse II at a glance
Kang Yatse II rises above Ladakh’s Markha Valley. The winter programme combines acclimatization in Leh, an approach through Markha and Hankar, Base Camp training, Summit Camp and a condition-dependent attempt at 6,250m. Participants need strong endurance, previous high-altitude experience and the ability to use climbing equipment safely in extreme cold.
Altitude
016,250m
Duration
0210 days
Season
03Dec-Jan
Difficulty
04Extreme Winter Mountaineering
Kang Yatse II
Winter Kang Yatse II Expedition (6250m)
The story
Markha Valley in winter
Snow transforms Markha Valley, the approach and the high camps into a demanding alpine environment. Snow-covered trails, frozen water sources, shorter daylight hours and severe wind chill require careful planning.
Expedition story
A mountain journey shaped by terrain, weather, and summit-day decisions.
Ascent notes
What the climb feels like on the mountain.
The Base Camp day combines rest, acclimatization and practical technical training. This preparation supports the summit attempt; it does not replace previous high-altitude experience or technical readiness.
The Expedition Leader may delay, change or cancel the summit attempt, alter camps or return to a lower camp whenever conditions require. Reaching a summit is conditional; returning safely governs the plan.
Winter difficulty
A serious winter climb for experienced mountaineers
Altitude, prolonged extreme cold, strong winds, snow and ice can make this significantly harder than a conventional-season ascent.
Field note
Readiness comes before the summit.
Training and guide support do not remove mountain risk. The team assesses each participant and changes the plan whenever conditions require it.
Altitude above 6,000m
Acclimatization and individual readiness govern progression to the high camps and summit attempt.
Extreme cold and wind
Prolonged sub-zero exposure and severe wind chill demand suitable insulation, strong endurance and disciplined cold management.
Snow, ice and fixed ropes
Participants should be comfortable with crampons, ice axe, harness, jumar/ascender, rope movement and safe travel on snow and ice.
Changing route conditions
Deep snow, hard ice, frozen streams, visibility and shorter daylight can slow the approach and change the climbing plan.
No beginner shortcut
Previous high-altitude experience is strongly recommended, with experience above 5,000m preferred. The team assesses fitness, technical ability and suitability before confirming participation.
Route & approach
Expedition Route & Approach
Leh acclimatization, Sara roadhead, Markha and Hankar homestays, Kang Yatse II Base Camp, Summit Camp, summit attempt and return to Leh. Camps and timing depend on actual conditions.
Route rhythm
Approach, acclimatize, move high, summit, return.
Browse the route manually
Itinerary
Ten-day winter itinerary
Scan the short plan first, then open the detailed view for the field notes behind each expedition day.
10 days / short
Short day plan
10 days
Day 1
Arrival in Leh (3,500m)
01Day 2
Leh acclimatization hike · Shanti Stupa
02Day 3
Leh to Sara · Trek to Markha
03Day 4
Markha to Hankar (approximately 4,000m+)
04Day 5
Hankar to Kang Yatse II Base Camp (approximately 5,000m+)
05Day 6
Base Camp rest, acclimatization and technical training
06Day 7
Base Camp to Summit Camp
07Day 8
Kang Yatse II summit attempt (6,250m) · Descend to Base Camp
08Day 9
Weather buffer, recovery or descent
09Day 10
Return to Leh
10Safety system
Weather, acclimatization and guide decisions
The Expedition Leader has final authority over route safety, camps, itinerary and summit attempts. Weather, snow, wind, road access, altitude-related risks, remote terrain and limited communication can change the plan.
- 01
Certified mountain guides with a 1:1 guide-to-client ratio
- 02
Initial and final gear inspections in Leh, with winter clothing assessment
- 03
Rest and acclimatization in Leh and Base Camp; continuous guide monitoring
- 04
Base Camp technical training, route assessment, weather monitoring and emergency planning
- 05
Backup medical oxygen up to high camps and first-aid support; oxygen does not replace acclimatization or evacuation arrangements
- 06
Mandatory insurance appropriate to high-altitude mountaineering, emergency treatment, evacuation, search and rescue and mountain accidents
- 07
Unsafe conditions may require delaying or cancelling a summit attempt, changing routes or camps, or descending
- 08
An alternative 6000m-class objective may be considered only if weather, access, permissions, local conditions and guide assessment allow; no alternative mountain or summit is guaranteed
Best fit
Experience and readiness before joining
For experienced high-altitude participants with strong endurance and basic climbing skills. Winter Kang Yatse II is not recommended for beginners.
Audience
01Experienced high-altitude participants
Previous trekking or mountaineering at altitude, preferably above 5,000m, with strong fitness and endurance. This expedition is not recommended for beginners.
Audience
02Climbers with basic technical skills
Comfort with crampons, ice axe, harness and fixed-rope instructions, plus safe snow and ice movement.
Audience
03Prepared for prolonged cold
Suitable winter clothing, footwear and gloves, mental readiness for extreme cold, and willingness to follow guide decisions.
Audience
04Insured and medically cleared
Appropriate high-altitude mountaineering insurance is mandatory. Obtain required medical clearance and confirm any fitness certificate requirements with the team.
Planning notes
Expedition details before you arrive
Practical planning for the winter programme. Confirm individual suitability, the current calendar and final travel arrangements with the expedition team.
01
Meeting Point
Leh, Ladakh
02
Starting Point
Leh
03
Ending Point
Leh
04
Maximum Altitude
6,250m
05
Duration
10-day programme, including the Day 9 weather buffer
06
Accommodation
Premium heated hotel in Leh on double sharing; basic Markha and Hankar homestays with dry toilets; Base Camp and Summit Camp accommodation
07
Meals
Breakfast and dinner in Leh; lunch in Leh excluded. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks during the mountain phase, including Base Camp and higher camps.
08
Best Way To Reach
Plan to fly to Leh. Winter road access and flights are weather-dependent; allow time for acclimatization and potential delays.
09
Onward Travel
Return to Leh and hotel rest on Day 10. Confirm included hotel nights, final checkout and onward flight timing with the team before booking.
10
Technical Equipment
Major climbing equipment provided, subject to availability and participant requirements; personal winter clothing and equipment must be brought by participants.
11
Insurance
High-altitude mountaineering insurance mandatory; required medical clearance must be in place before joining.
12
Scheduled Batches
26 December 2026 (New Year batch)
13
Expedition Fee
₹1,25,000 / US$2,200 per person
Why us
Winter expedition support from Leh to the mountain
Certified mountain guides, 1:1 support, equipment checks and Base Camp training prepare the team for condition-dependent winter climbing.
01
1:1 guide support
Certified guides provide individual climbing support and monitor participants through the mountain phase.
02
Acclimatization and training
Dedicated preparation in Leh and Base Camp, with readiness assessment before the summit push.
03
Equipment and logistics
Major technical equipment, permits, mountain accommodation, meals and offloading support up to Base Camp as listed in the package.
04
Condition-led decisions
The leader adjusts the route, schedule and objective whenever weather, snow, road access or safety require it.
Trip details
Inclusion, exclusion and carry
A quick reference for what is covered, what stays personal, and what you should pack for the climb.
What is included
21 items
Group 01
Accommodation and meals
Premium heated hotel in Leh, double sharing
01Basic Markha and Hankar homestays with dry toilets
02Base Camp and Summit Camp accommodation
03Breakfast and dinner in Leh; lunch excluded
04Mountain-phase breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks, including Base Camp and higher camps
05
Group 02
Expedition support
Required expedition permits and permissions
01Certified mountain guides with a 1:1 guide-to-client ratio
02Full expedition team and high-altitude support
03Base Camp technical training
04Route and summit planning, weather monitoring and expedition logistics
05Offloading support up to Base Camp
06Emergency planning
07
Group 03
Technical equipment
High-altitude winter mountaineering boots
01Crampons, ice axe, climbing harness and mountaineering helmet
02Locking carabiners, jumar/ascender and gaiters
03Other essential climbing equipment as required
04Allocation subject to availability and participant requirements
05
Group 04
Medical and safety support
Backup medical oxygen up to high camps
01First-aid support, emergency planning and continuous guide monitoring
02Technical climbing support
03Oxygen is an emergency backup, not a substitute for acclimatization or medical evacuation arrangements
04
Policies
Payments and cancellation
A simple reference for confirming your seat, clearing the balance, and understanding cancellation windows before the climb.
Payment policy
Confirmation schedule
2 steps
Advance
0130% booking payment
Confirm the current departure, fee and eligibility with the team before payment. The website calendar supplies the applicable booking advance.
Balance
0270% balance payment
Confirm balance timing and applicable terms with White Expedition before booking.
Cancellation policy
Refund and weather windows
3 rules
Confirm applicable cancellation terms before payment.
01Winter weather, snow, wind, road and route conditions may require changes to the itinerary, camps, summit timing, return schedule or expedition objective.
02The Expedition Leader makes the final route, summit and safety decisions. Neither the main summit nor an alternative summit is guaranteed.
03
Policies balance climber safety, logistics, and expedition fairness in high-altitude Himalayan conditions.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions about Winter Kang Yatse II Expedition (6250m), training, weather, and completion.
Winter Kang Yatse II gallery
Mountain views supplied for Winter Kang Yatse II. Actual snow, route and weather conditions vary by departure.
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