Arrival in Leh

• Altitude: 3,500 m/11,500 ft.
• Check-in Hotel.
• Briefing about the trek at 5 pm (mandatory).
• Bring a copy of your ID proof and 2 photographs. Foreigners need to bring copy of passport and visa.
• The network is available (only post-paid).
• ATM is available.
• Can purchase or rent trekking equipment from Leh.
• Visit to any very high altitude place or pass is not advisable.
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited.

The Twin Peak Expedition begins from Leh. Arrive in Leh by flight or train. Your stay will be in the hotel after you reach. Our representatives will pick you up from Leh Airport and drive you to your hotel or guesthouse. Leh is already at a height of 11,500 ft, hence you should be acclimatized pretty well. Use this day as an opportunity to rest and get your body acclimatized to high altitudes. Leh is a popular tourist destination and as such, it is accessible quite easily, it is also a hub for high-altitude mountaineering. 

Good phone connectivity is available in Leh. You can use this day to shop for anything that you might have missed out on or rent trek equipment. Strictly stay away from alcohol and smoking. Today’s day is reserved for trekkers to arrive at Leh and get settled in their accommodation. If you arrive late, you can rest for the day. You can additionally roam around and get adapted to the culture. Leh is quite popular for its cultural treasures, monasteries, places, and temples. Try to keep it low and easy on the body as most of you will be coming from sea level to such a high altitude and your body will need time to adjust.

Acclimatisation in Leh

• Acclimatization and sightseeing in Leh.
• Can visit monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis.
• Avoid River Rafting, You can plan it after your trek.
• Visit any very high altitude place or pass is not advisable.
• Stay in a hotel.

 This is an extra day added to the itinerary to help you get acclimatized better. Therefore utilize this day and try to stay outdoors. Acclimatization days in our treks are used to give your body time to adjust to the thinning air at high-altitude conditions. Several changes occur in your body while trekking in high-altitude regions and the purpose of acclimatization is to allow your body to operate optimally in a decreased oxygen-level environment.

Leh is a major hub for adventure as well as a culturally rich center. It presents innumerable opportunities for sightseeing starting from the monasteries and temples, the local market as well as many places serving delicious local cuisine. Today, you can hike up to the Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Thiksey Gompa to experience the Buddhist culture. Thiksey Gompa is the largest in central Ladakh, located on a hill. Avoid gaining height by hiking to nearby passes or valleys. This is only to avoid stressing your body, as it may hinder the process of acclimatization.

Additionally, you can interact with the locals and fellow travellers to gain some knowledge about the adjacent areas. Roam in the Leh City and the Leh Bazaar. You can collect souvenirs from a variety of shops. You must spend the sunset at the Shanti Stupa, which is known for its dazzling lights in the evening. In the evening, rest in your hotel. Your actual trekking day begins tomorrow.

Drive Leh to Skiu then trek to Sara

• Altitude:
• Skiu- 3,400 m/ 11,150 ft.
• Sara- 3600 m/11800 ft.
• Drive Distance: 70 km | 2-3 hrs.
• Trek Distance: 11 km | 5-6 hrs.
• Accomodation: Tent

Today unfolds a new part of your trek, bringing you closer to the essence of your adventure. This long yet captivating day promises an array of great experiences as you trek through skillfully paved roads and landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass military camps adorned with large rocks, adding to the rugged charm of the route.

Keep an eye out for iconic landmarks. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on one side and Magnet Hill on the other side. You will get to see the Stok range during your journey until you reach Hemis National Park.

Your first highlight of the day is Sangam, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet in a mesmerizing confluence. Both rivers, with their distinct bottle-green hues, merge seamlessly in a display of natural elegance. From here you will turn towards Chilling, and the landscapes will change magically, the open terrains beside the road will slowly turn into stunning valleys. The valleys are beautiful with shades of purple, black and gray. Juniper and other trees will border the route as you cross the Zanskar river over green iron bridges and get closer to Skiu.

Skiu is a beautiful village divided into Upper and Lower sections. Lower Skiu features a cluster of few houses, while Upper Skiu is adorned with Mani stones, white stupas, an old monastery, and the ruins of a palace. The serene charm of Skiu is the perfect prelude to your Himalayan adventure.

You will begin trekking from Skiu, as you start, the trail is quite evident and well-paved. You might also spot birds and animals, as Markha valley harbors enormous wildlife. Magpie birds can be spotted easily. As you trek, the Markha river will accompany you and after some time walk you will spot a cafe. You can take a short break here and then again get back on the trails. Along the trek, you will cross the Markha river a few times, passing through winter settlements with Lhatos (religious shrines) and Mani walls (stone walls with prayer inscriptions). You can also witness fields of Barley and wheats and little patches of greenery around the river banks.

Through the trek keep an eye out for blue sheep, deer and mountain goats along the riverbanks. Continue trekking through the rocky terrains to reach Nagding village, As you get closer to the houses, look up to see meditation caves on the valley walls. The banks of the Markha river here are wider and you can take a walk around and feel the Himalayan sand underfoot.

After hours of trekking from Nagding village, you’ll arrive at Sara village, marked by a grand entrance adorned with skeletons of wild animals like yaks and sheep. These skulls, seen as symbols of pride by the locals, make for a striking first impression. Sara village is rich in heritage, featuring an ancient monastery, a historic castle, and lush wheat plantations. As the day winds down, relish a warm and hearty meal before retreating to your tents. Don’t miss the opportunity to gaze at the night sky, studded with countless shimmering stars, a perfect way to end the day.

Skiu To Markha

• Altitude: Markha- 3,700 m/ 12,200 ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hours.
• Accomodation: Tent

Today, start your day with a beautiful morning in the mountains. Have a warm breakfast with a view, then get ready for the trekking day ahead. The trail from the campsite is quite similar to the previous day. After crossing a few small water bodies and trekking through barren land and cold desert, you will arrive at Chalak village. The village comes after crossing a wooden bridge. Here you can see beautiful tea houses, and the village also has houses placed in small hills with stone protection shelters for domestic animals at the base. You can pause here for a short while, engage in conversation with the locals and re-energize yourself. Here in the village you can also see green fields, primarily planted with wheat, surrounded by barren lands and towering mountains. From Chalak, it is a gradual ascent up towards Markha and you will pass by the section of trail marked by Bharal horns.

As you trek towards Markha, at every small distance you can find Mani stones laid around white stupas. These stones are engraved with Buddhist prayers, some of them in Sanskrit language too. Be humble around these historic symbols, also do not touch them as the villagers believe that these stones are protected by some powers, and any harm to them will cause harm to that person. Make sure to take in the ancient ruins that dot the valley, each one echoing with the rich history of the region. These ruins can be identified by flags atop small temples, marking their significance in the landscape.

Here you will have to cross a running stream of Markha river to reach the Markha village. Crossing the river can slightly be tough when the water is thigh-high. It is better to take off your shoes and socks and pull up your pants to cross the river. The cold water will surely bring back your energy and within 20 minutes of more trekking, you will already be able to spot the hamlet of Markha. Markha is the largest village in the entire valley with some beautiful houses scattered around. You can also visit the monastery here and see the ruins of Markha fort. Markha will be the end for today’s trek and we will camp here for the night.

Markha To Hankar

• Altitude: 4,100m/ 13,400 ft.
• Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hrs
• Altitude Gain: 400m/ 1200 ft.
• Teahouse at Umling Village.
• Last Village Of The Valley.
• View Of A Beautiful Monastery.
• The path will intersect the River several times.
• After Umlung, you will have the first look at Mt. Kang Yatse (6,400 m).
• Packed lunch on the way.
• Accommodation in homestay/ camping.

Take the most advantage of the innocence of the salient villages because today will probably be the last habitats on the route. Today is one of the most beautiful days of trekking and the views start opening up as you traverse the upper Markha Valley. The trail is beautiful and refreshing when it merges with flowing rivers and streams. These water bodies can also be crossed over a bridge. Umlung village is a small village and will serve as the last teahouse of the trek with yet another serene monastery to your sight.

After Umlung you can get the first sight of Mt. Kang Yatse(6400m). It seems as if the peak is calling you! Follow its voice, again overcome the river several times and enter the Hankar village. Try to spot the magically placed Tacha monastery on a mountain. It is the last hamlet of the trek and your refuge place.

Hankar To Nimaling

• Altitude: 4,800 m/ 15,800 ft.
• Trek Distance: 12 km | 7-8 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 700 m/ 2,400 ft.
• An easy trek.
• Amazing view of Kang Yatse.
• Amazing view of Tigu Lakes.
• Packed lunch on the way.
• Accommodation in a tent.

 Get all enthusiastic, after yesterday’s tough trek, today will be an easy and short trek. Start walking and in 1 km you will find diversions or paths separating out. The other route goes to Rupshu and Zanskar. Keep walking on the left path until a stone bridge. This marks that you are on the right trail. Henceforth, you can see many diversions, please be careful and follow the trek leader/guide. In the next 2 hours, the pastures of Thochuntse become visible. There are camping sites and tea houses here. Thochnugtse also has some lovely green fields which are quite a contrast to the aridness of the desert in Ladakh. Keep walking slowly, enjoying the view. The trail is quite steep for like an hour after which becomes a gradual incline.

Try to engulf yourself in nature and move slowly just as you focus on the Kang Yatse peak. The peak seems to grow bigger and bigger. Surprisingly, tranquil twin lakes also come along the path. From the lakes, it is a long and gradual descent to the plateau of Nimaling. The trails enter into a huge grassland after a few fights crossing streams of high altitudes. Sheep, mountain goats, and sometimes rabbits are found grazing at Nimaling. It is a pleasant camping place. It is the highest point you will attain on this trek and being the highest campsite Nimalaing offers spectacular views of the Kang Yatse Peak on the right. There are instances of snowfall at this site hence we prepared for that. Above all that, just try to merge into the high world and sleep in peace.

Nimaling to Kangyatse II Base Camp

• Altitude: Kangyatse II Base Camp - 5,100 m/ 16,700 ft.
• Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 4-5 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 300 m/ 900 ft.
• The first half is uphill through loose rocks, the rest is gentle downhill and across the river.
• Don’t exhaust your body, take as much rest as possible.

This will be the smallest trekking day of the entire trek. Hence, chill and try to make the most of the beauty around you. The trek starts from the open grounds of Nimalng and follows an uphill climb to the top of the ridge. The first half of the trek has loose rocks but the stunning views of Kang Yatse will ease the pain. This is where you get to see the views of Kang Yatse in its full glory. The latter half of the trail descends. The trail keeps descending until you reach the other side of the river, which is also the base of the mountain. It takes about 2 to 3 hrs for you to arrive at the base camp at 5,100 meters.

Make sure to remain out of the tent to get acclimatized. Try to not strain your body and relax at the campsite. You can take short acclimatization walks around the campsite in the evening. This is the best time to study the mountains around you, try to capture as much as you can.

Rest And Training Day

• The TTH team will ensure you the technical equipment.
• Learn how to use technical equipment.
•  Briefing and planning for the summit.
• Push for the summit at 11 pm.

This is a thoughtfully added day to help you get acclimatized to high altitudes. Yesterday we gained quite a bit of altitude and also entered a different terrain so you need to give your body adequate time to adjust. You can also consider this as a training day. Our team will be granting training on the usage of technical equipment. You will be taught how to walk on the snow, use crampons, handing an ice ax, and other techniques that are a must for the summit attempt on a nearby slope. This will also help you get accustomed to trekking gear like snow boots, crampons, and ice axes. Ice ax is a very important tool to maneuver across crevass-laden areas. 

Try to grasp as much as you can. In doing so, try not to exhaust yourself as next will be the summit day. The beautiful Kang Yatse Peak will stare at you throughout. Additionally, you can also go nearby for an altitude gain trek. Make sure to give your body enough rest for the summit attempt. Pack your backpack for the summit day and keep it light and easy. You'll have dinner early to wake up at midnight for the last climb. Hence, try to sleep early to get enough sleep.

Summit To Kang Yatse II And Back To Base Camp

• Altitude: 6,250 m/ 20,500 ft.
• Trek Distance: 6km (Both way) | 11-12 hrs.
• Reach the summit by 6 am.
• Reach Base Camp by 11 am.
• Packed breakfast and hot lunch at the campsite.
• Carry enough hot water.

And the most exciting day rises! We will start at midnight for the summit and push to be at the top around 6 am for a glistening sunrise. Carry packed lunch, refreshments, and enough water for the strenuous climb. 

Today you will be rising from 5100 meters straight to 6200 meters. Therefore, being mentally fit is the key. The route to the summit is through the famous Kang Yatse shoulder. The trail starts with loose moraine and scree. Loose rocks make it difficult to set foot on the trail. Use a trekking pole for assistance. The trout upward has crevasses that are covered with snow most of the time. Based on the level of snowfall you have to rope up for safety. Be careful and watch every step. The route goes to the north face through the northwest ridge towards a rocky outcropping.

After a steep climb top, you will find the 360 degrees views of the Zanskar range, Karakoram peaks, and mountains surrounding Kang Yatse. You might also notice the K2 peak (the second-highest peak in the world). You may also spot the distant Tibet mountains. The views are flawlessly satisfactory and will bring back all the energy to climb down.

The entire summit path is 5 km each way. When you retrace your steps, be cautious about the scree and moraines. Make sure you return from the top by 1 pm to avoid further issues due to the weather. Come back to the base camp to rest after the exhausting summit attempt.

Kang Yatse II Base Camp to Dzo Jongo East Base Camp

• Altitude: Dzo Jongo East Base Camp - 5,200 m/ 17,100 ft.
• Trek Distance: 6 km | 4 hours.
• Altitude gain: 100m.
• Difficult level of ascent.
• Night stay in a tent (twin sharing).

As we set our sights on a new summit, we are embarking on a journey from Kang Yatse Base Camp 2 towards Dzo Jongo Base Camp. Our departure is scheduled for the early morning to ensure we reach our destination promptly. Along the trail, we will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the majestic barred mountains, as Dzo Jongo Base Camp awaits us at an impressive altitude of 5200m.

Rest Day + Training Day (Summit Night)

• The TTH team will issue you the technical equipment.
• Learn how to use technical equipment.
• Briefing and planning for the summit.
• Don’t exhaust your body, take rest as much as you can.
• Push for the summit at 10 pm (timings may get change).

 Today we will rest and accumulate our energy for the summit. Our team will issue technical equipment and also demonstrate their uses for the trek. Today you will practice using the technical equipment for the summit trek. After practising, take enough rest so that you can be ready for the summit at night.

Our team usually pushes for the summit by 10 PM so that we can reach the summit by early morning and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Gear up in the equipment youre received and get ready for the biggest climb so far, the climb to the Dz Jongo Summit.

Summit(Dzo Jongo East) and Dzo Jongo East Base Camp

• Altitude: 6,250 m/ 20,500 ft.
• Trek Distance: 14km (Both way) | 11-12 hrs.
• Reach on the summit by 5-6 am.
• Reach base camp by 11 am.
• Packed breakfast on the way and hot lunch at the campsite.
• Carry enough hot water, not many water points at the glacier (very cold).

The summit climb to the Dzo Jongo Peak is going to be long and hectic but once you make it to the summit, you will understand that all the arduous climb was worth it. It is 6 km on both sides and thus one of the longest and most challenging climbs, which only gets steeper and steeper as you climb.

The first 20 to 30 minutes of the trek involves only a fairly easy walk on the levelled ground and you arrive at your first rest point. The climb from here becomes steeper and after 40 minutes of climbing, you will arrive at the Advanced Base Camp. The trail becomes even steeper and while the trail is not technical, the snow can make the climb quite difficult.

You will spot crevasses on the way to the summit and move slowly and cautiously as the climb to the summit is very steep. You will reach the summit by 5 to 6 AM. From the summit, you can spot peaks like Kang Yatse I and II as well as the Changthang Valley mountains.

As you go through each rest point the path becomes steeper and steeper until you make it to the summit at an altitude of 6250 meters. The sunrise at such a high altitude is almost a surreal experience and one of the biggest defining moments of the trek. After enjoying the spellbinding views from the summit, we will head towards the base camp once again and reach the camp by noon. Have lunch at the campsite and rest for the remaining day at the base camp.

Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La & drive to Leh

• Altitude: Kongmaru La: 5200 m/ 17300 ft | Chokdo: 3900 m/ 12900 ft.
• Trek Distance: 16 km | 7 - 8 hrs.
• Drive Distance: 60 km | 3hrs.
• The highest altitude pass crossing makes it a difficult day.
• Takes 3 - 4 hrs for Kongmaru La Pass.
• A steep descent and rocky terrain offer amazing views of the Indus Valley and Ladakh Range.
• Stay in the hotel.

Day 14

• Buffer day will be used if unable to summit due to of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Opting a buffer day will be a team decision not an individual.
• Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
• Buffer day is not included in the cost.
• Buffer Day Cost entire group per day (Rs 30,000).
• Please make any further travel plan on Day 15.
• If buffer day is not used in the Expedition then it can be used to explore Leh.
• Rafting in Zanskar
• Mountain Biking
• Motorcycle Tour
• Khardung La visit
• One day trip to Pangong lake
• full day sightseeing
• Zip line

Our return journey starts today as we descend from Dzo Jongo Base Camp to Chokdo and cross even another high pass, the Kongmaru La Pass. The Kongmaru La Pass is located at an altitude of 5200 m and crossing the pass makes today’s trek a little difficult. From the Pass, you can enjoy stunning views of the Ladakh Range as well as the Indus Valley. The views of Indus Valley are quite different and you will spot reddish copper and basalt trails leading up the mountains. This is quite a different view as compared to earlier.

The descent from the Kongmaru La Pass is quite steep and it may require roping to descend safely. Further climbing down a rocky terrain will bring you to Chokdo and from here you will drive back to Leh which is approximately at a distance of 60 km.