Climbing Kang Yatse II(6175m) in Markha Valley

Climbing Kang Yatse II(6175m) in Markha Valley

Christine Pemberton smiling on her way down from the summit of Kang Yatse II

 

As a newbie climber, to get the chance to climb one of India’s lesser known peaks is seriously exciting - and also a little intimidating, if the truth be known. When White Magic Adventure Travel suggested Kangyatse II as my second climbing trip, I instantly hit the internet, to google the mountain for photos and blogs and trip report. “A beautiful climb”…”a fascinating peak”…were the kind of vague descriptions on offer, and all a bit confusing as to whether they were talking about Kangyatse I or II. So, challenge and a mystery. What could be better?  

Kang Yatse 1 and 2 as seen from above Nimaling in Markha Valley. Christine keenly looking at KY II Summit

 

The pundits at WM assured me that I would be fit enough to tackle a 6000m+ peak after a nice long approach trek through the Markha Valley. And so off we went, a group of trekkers and climbers who would walk and chat together until Nimaling, when the trekkers would head downwards and we 4 climbers would head upwards. Nimaling is dominated by the snowy peak of Kangyatse in the distance, so we all saw the mountain for days before we actually started climbing.  

Techa Gompa which lies between Markha and Umlung lies perched high on a hill and is easily  a 45 min climb up

 

Walking through the farm fields of Hangkar Village on the Markha Trail. Seen above is Kang Yatse Peak

 

  The approach along the Markha Valley gave us ample time to get acclimatized and to see some fabulous things – including a heart-stopping moment when a fabulous large flock of blue sheep peered down quizzically from a peak above us. We all reached for our cameras, only to be chivvied along by our guides and porters, who explained that the sheep - despite looking picturesque – could start a small avalanche of pebbles. So the rule is that you do not stop to gaze up at them, but hurry out of their range. Ah well, you live and you learn. And anyway, we had our totally brilliant OTT sheep moment a few days later at Nimaling campsite, when a flock of several hundred sheep thundered past us on the way to their pastures. Everyone piled out of their tents to watch, as wave after wave of animals galloped along, dodging campers, hikers, tents with great skill.  

A huge flock of goats in Nimaling grazing grounds. Kang Yatse at the back.

 

Once we left the Markha Valley, we began gradually climbing up towards what would be our Base Camp and then Advance Base Camp. Base Camp was lovely. We pitched our tents by a stream, watched our ponies roll around in the grass and the camp dog chase birds, and we looked up at the peak above us and gathered our strength and slept and ate. And then did the exact same thing the next day. Luxury.  

Kang Yatse II Base Camp next to a small stream

 

The seriously strenuous work began as we hiked up to Advance Base Camp, a pared down camp on a bed of rocks, with the snow line (finally) just above us.  

Relaxing at the Advance Base Camp of Kang Yatse II

 

Advance Base Camp of KY II as seen from the snow line

 

We tried on our boots, got used to the crampons and ropes, and then suddenly it was summit time. Off we set in the dark, edging our way across the rocks, then the snow and finally the ice. I was the slowest and most definitely the weakest link in the group, and there were moments when I got so exasperated at my own slowness - goodness knows what the others thought. But never once was I made to feel inadequate and everyone waited patiently for me as I slowly huffed and puffed my way to the top.  

Climbing the steep section roped up on Summit Day to Kang Yatse II

 

Almost at the Summit of Kang Yatse II

 

There was one hairy section across the ice and then – oh my goodness me - suddenly there I was. On the summit. All 6200m of it. With a view that was so gorgeous and so breathtaking (no pun intended) and so infinite, under a perfect blue sky, that every agonisingly slow moment of the climb was forgotten. Beauty and a view to fill your heart and your soul were all that mattered. We all sat together on a tiny ledge, shook hands, took photos, left our prayer flags, had a snack - and in my case, as ever, I cried. Tears of joy at being allowed to see the world from such a fabulous perspective.(See Video)  

All smiles at the Summit of Kang Yatse II(6175m) in Markha Valley

 

K2 and other peaks as seen from Kang Yatse 2

 

  And then, all too soon, we started the descent, which is an extraordinary process. Relief that your breathing becomes easier with each step down, but regret at leaving such beauty behind.   For detailed itinerary, dates and cost of the trip - Click here.   WhiteMagic Commentary: Christine Pemberton, one of our most loved clients is a senior citizen who took up climbing and marathon running as part of her Turning 60 Bucket List. Christine and her Indian husband have retired permanently to India, after decades of globe trotting, and she is now busy exploring the Himalaya with us on climbing trips. She is an avid writer and photographer and maintains a blog of her own called Delhi Diary where she documents in her own words – “DAILY LIFE IN INDIA. TRAVELS. AND WHATEVER ELSE CATCHES MY EYE”.  

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