Enter Kang Yatse II, Stok Kangri’s bigger cousin tucked away a few valleys over at the head of Markha Valley, and very possibly the new “it” trek of Ladakh. From statistics alone, these two peaks don’t seem to be terribly different on paper, but several things set them worlds apart when it comes to the experience.
Follow along as the two giants of Ladakh come head-to-head in what’s sure to be an interesting competition in coming years. It’s the underdog versus the reigning champion- let’s see how they stack up against one another…
1. Altitude
When it comes to an altitude comparison, both are monstrous, as far as trekking is concerned. Stok Kangri towers at 6,152 meters (20,180ft), with the summit of Kang Yatse II extending beyond that by just over 320ft at an altitude of 20,500ft. For anyone who has ever aspired to reach that 6,000-meter mark, these two peaks will both provide the opportunity to achieve this impressive benchmark in your mountaineering journey.
2. Expedition Days and Route
This is where the two begin to immediately distinguish themselves from each other. Kang Yatse II, which lies at the head of Markha Valley, is far more remote and requires a few extra days to reach. The expedition begins with a trek through the infamous Markha Valley itself, allowing for gradual acclimatization to occur as you pass through the cultural heritage of this special region. Throughout this route, you will encounter the ruins of three palaces, Skiu, Markha and Hunkar Palace, as well as Lhatos (religious shrines for local deities) and Mani walls (stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers). During peak season, a number of tented teahouses will be open for refreshment.