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kang la pass trek

Duration
12 Days/11 Nights
Altitude
5320 meters
Difficulty
Hard
Temperature
-5°C To 16°C
Distance
86 Km
Location
Himachal Pradesh

Kangla Pass Trek Complete Guide

Kangla pass top

One of the most challenging hikes in the Himalayas, Kang La (5,320 meters), features stunning scenery and a 28-kilometer climb over a glacier. It is one of the Himalayas' tallest passes. Perfect for a seasoned hiker seeking a challenge. The Kangla pass links the Miyar valley in Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar valley in Ladakh. In June and July, the Miyar Nala in Lahaul, covered by the walk, is renowned for its wildflowers. Shepherds and travelers have crossed over Kang La from Lahaul into Zanskar and vice versa for generations. Trans-Himalayan Pass that is. The expedition is an incredible adventure because of the walk across a 28 km long glacier full of crevasses.

The Kang La was the usual route Lahaulis (people from Lahaul) took to enter Zanskar and then continue to Ladakh. When you travel from Himachal into Ladakh or the Trans Himalaya, it is one of the high crossings on the Great Himalayan range. To get to this pass, we hike across a 86 km-long glacier riddled with crevasses. This walk, which is exceedingly secluded and rarely travelled, rewards its participants with a breathtaking landscape. 

A few highlights from the walk before crossing the Kang La include vast meadows covered in wildflowers, Gaddi shepherds tending to their enormous flocks, glittering streams, pure glacial lakes, Snow Mountains all around, and a long glacier. Once you do, we reach an entirely new world: the Kingdom of Zanskar, with its parched landscapes, monasteries carved out of mountainsides, and inhabitants so archaic that it feels as though we have just travelled back in time. 

The Miyar river, which empties into the Chandra Bhaga river in Udaipur about 50 kilometres below the Miyar Glacier, forms an exceptionally long valley known as Miyar Nala. The 24 km long Miyar glacier must be crossed as part of the Trek to Kang La (pass), which begins in the wildflower-filled Miyar valley and climbs to a height of 5468 m.

Best Time to do Kang La Pass Trek

July's end to mid-October is the best time to go on this walk. Snow makes it difficult to access the pass for the remaining months. It is crucial to check the weather before starting this walk because conditions can quickly change at such a high altitude.

Short Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Manali. Walks for acclimatization

By 10am, arrive in Manali. Our guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. You can take in some local sightseeing after lunch. In the evening, explore Manali's Mall Road. There are lots of Indian tourists there in all arround the year. Manali hotel for the night

Day 02: travel from Manali to Shukto

It's been a long day of driving. We get going early and travel across the 3980-meter-high Rohtang Pass to enter Lahaul Valley. The Chandra and Bhaga Rivers, from the Baralacha La, pass in J&K state and meet at Tandi, where we continue on the Manali-Leh Highway. Once at Udaipur, where the Miyar River falls into the Chandra-Bhaga, we turn west and continue driving along the Chandra-Bhaga River. Raja Udai Singh of Chamba is the name-giver of Udaipur, which is the subdivisional administrative center of Lahaul. Its previous name, Margul, was changed in 1695. Trilokinath and Margul Devi are two distinctive temples that are famed for them. From here, we turn northeast and go along the Miyar River until we reach Urgus. From there, we continue to the roadhead at Shukto. Nightly Guest House.

Day 03: Trek from Shukto to Thanpattan

It is a short climb up to Khanjer, the final settlement in the Miyar Valley, once we pass over on the wooden pedestrian bridge to the left side.

 

Shukto and Khanjar are located across one another, separated by a tiny bridge over a river. To get to Tharpatan, we walk the entire length of the left bank, passing by some lovely campgrounds at Doksa. (5 to 6 hrs) Nighttime Camp.

Day 04: Trek to Zardong

The grade changes gradually, and most campsites are large, grassy, and covered with numerous tiny flowers that give the impression of a carpet of flowers.

We turn northwest from Gumba Nala and follow the Miyar Nallah till we arrive at our lovely camp spot at Zardung.

(5 to 6 hrs) Nighttime Camp.

Day 05: Trek to Phalpu, the glacier's snout

We continue to Kesar Yon Chhap, which translates to "7 Holy Waters," another lovely camping. Along the route, there are numerous stream crossings and peaks in the background. We set up camp at Phalpu, which is near the Miyar Glacier's snout. The campground is bordered by mountains and a glacier lake and is located on a dried-up lake bed. (4 to 5 hrs) Nighttime Camp.

Day 06: Trek to Camp 1 (4400m) on the glacier.

We hike for nearly an hour to reach the glacier's snout before continuing via challenging moraine and massive snowfields. We camp on the glacier and pass by many glacial lakes—a challenging 7-hour day. Snow-capped peaks may be seen all around us. Nighttime Camp.

Day 07: Trek to Kang La Jot Base Camp 2 (4780m).

Getting going early will make the snowy walk simpler (4hrs). The ascent is easy, and the length required to reach our campground at the base of Kangla Jot can vary depending on the snow conditions and open crevasses. With snow-covered mountains and glaciers, we set up camp in a field on the glacier. Fantastic view of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and snowfields. 6 - 7 hrs. Nighttime Camp.

Day 08: Overcome Kang La (5,320m) and descend to another base (4400m)

Before the first light, leave the camp. After almost three hours of gently inclining walking along the centre of the enormous glacier covered in snow, we rope up. A modest summit can be reached after an hour of challenging ascent. We navigate some crevasses in a zigzag fashion to reach Kangla Jot pass (5,320m). You are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of surrounding snow-capped mountains and shimmering glaciers. We make our way down the valley's right side until we reach the river at the intersection of two valleys, where we set up camp in a little meadow. (8 to 9 hrs) Nighttime Camp.

Day 09: Drive to Padum and Trek to Bardan (3670m)

Follow a simple walk beside the Tema River as you descend over rocks and scree, passing through grazing areas and flower-filled meadows. As you approach the Zanskar valley and the beginning of the Trek back to civilization, the environment becomes more desolate and breathtaking. To reach Bardan Gompa, perched dramatically above a riverside cliff, we drive 2 km through a rocky jeep trail. Meet with automobiles and travel to Padum, the Zanskar district's administrative centre (1 hrs). The largest and most impressive monastery in Zanskar is sprawled across a cliffside as we travel to Karsha later. The campground for the Village is where the camp is. Sleeping Lodge.

Day 10: Travel to Kargil (8-9 Hours)

The long journey across the Penzi-La (4400m) on a bumpy jeep track to reach Rangdum, which has a checkpoint. We carry on to Kargil, the center of Islam in Buddhist-dominated Ladakh, passing via Shafat Nala and the lush Suru Valley. The Zanskar Valley is a beautiful drive. (8 to 9 hrs) Staying at a hotel.

Day 11: Travel to Leh or Srinagar

There are two choices available. Either take a right turn to head toward Leh or a left turn to head towards Srinagar. (An 8-hour drive, nonetheless) Staying at a hotel.

Inclusion And Exclusion

Inclusions: 

  1. meals while on the journey.

  2. Camping/Forestry Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)

  3. sleeping bags, mats, and tents
  4. Equipment for Safety
  5. Guides, cooks, and assistance
  6. Porters or mules to transport essential commodities
  7. Trekking team. 
  8. On Days 9, 10, and 11, guests/hotels are booked in Padum, Kargil, and Srinagar.

Exclusions:

  1. Hotel Meals in Srinagar, Kargil, and Padum
  1. meals for the road trip, if any
  2. whatsoever form of insurance
  3. Any personal expenditures
  4. removing one's backpack
  5. any expenditures not listed in the inclusion list

Things to take for Kangla Pass Trek

Trekking Boots: Because the terrain will be rugged, trekking boots of decent quality that are waterproof and anti-skid are necessary. Crampons are also necessary for this walk.

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A 50–60 litre backpack is needed to carry everything you'll need for the hike.

Clothing: It is necessary to wear several layers of clothing, heavy coats, woollen socks, and gloves. Because the temperature is still low, thermals are necessary.

Accessories: Sunglasses, a hat, high-SPF sunscreen, moisturizer, and personal care items.

Safety equipment such as harnesses, ropes, crampons, and ice axes are necessary for this Trek. Please inquire with your organizers about the safety equipment they are offering.

Frequently Asked Question

Where is Kang La Pass located?

Kang La Pass, also known as Kang La, is a mountain pass in Nepal's Gandaki Province's Manang District.

Why is Kangla so well-known?

Several Meetei kings controlledi Manipur from the fort, formerly the state's old capital, Kangla. This fort has been around since 33 AD, when Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, the legendary God-King of Manipur, first ascended the throne.

How much should I bring?

We can include some essentials, such as medications, first aid supplies, and trekking permits. As soon as you book the tour, we will provide you with all the pertinent information.

What to anticipate

Technical excursions like this can have a daily walking time of 7-8 hours and cold temperatures.

 

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