Detailed Route
Kang La Expedition Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
Begins in the lush Miyar valley, transitions to the massive Miyar Glacier, and descends into the stark Zanskar desert.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
8 Days
Total Distance
80 KM
Max Altitude
16,440 FT
Trek Type
linear
Altitude Profile
👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Keylong / Manali
Documents
Passport/Aadhar, Medical Fitness Certificate
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners may require PAP depending on the exact exit route through Zanskar/Ladakh.
Foreigner Process
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Spiti — obtain from Shimla or Kaza DC office.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
One-Way Traverse Logistics
⚠️ Point of No Return
After Day 5, evacuation is only possible forward towards the destination valley.
Day by Day Breakdown
Drive Manali to Shukto (Miyar Valley)
A long drive from Manali crossing the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul, turning into the beautiful and remote Miyar Valley.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Shukto to Thanpattan
An easy walk through the incredibly flat and wide Miyar Valley, often compared to Yosemite for its towering granite walls.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Thanpattan to Kesar Yon Chhap
The trail gets rockier as you approach the snout of the Miyar glacier. Seven sacred streams (Kesar Yon Chhap) mark the end of the meadows.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Kesar Yon Chhap to Miyar Glacier Camp 1
Step onto the Miyar Glacier, one of the longest in the Himalayas (28km). Navigation becomes tricky over hard ice and moraine.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Glacier Camp 1 to High Camp (Kang La Base)
A long, exhausting day walking entirely on the glacier. Crevasses become more frequent as you approach the base of Kang La.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Pass Day: High Camp to Kang La to Temasa Tok
Start at 3:00 AM. A steep climb over the vast snowfield to Kang La (17,940 ft). The descent drops dramatically into the Zanskar region.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Descent: Temasa Tok to Bardan / Padum
Descend following the Temasa Nala. The landscape changes to the arid, colorful mountains of Zanskar. Reach the roadhead near Bardan monastery.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Drive: Padum to Kargil / Leh
A long, spectacular drive out of Zanskar valley towards Leh or Kargil, marking the end of the expedition.
Key Landmarks
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Pin Valley Wildlife Extension
+3 DaysAdd 3 days before the pass crossing for a dedicated Snow Leopard observation camp at 16,500 ft with an experienced Spiti wildlife guide.
Camp-by-Camp Details
Shukto
Start Town
Water
Piped Water
Night Temp
5°C
Toilet
Western/Dry Pit
Miyar Glacier Camp 1
intermediate_camp
Water
Glacier melt
Wind
High
Night Temp
-5°C
Toilet
Leave No Trace
High Camp (Kang La Base)
High Camp
Water
Glacier melt
Wind
High
Night Temp
-12°C
Toilet
Leave No Trace
Temasa Tok
recovery_camp
Water
Stream
Wind
Medium
Night Temp
-2°C
Toilet
Dry Pit
Navigation & Route Data
Key Waypoints
Critical Navigation Notes
Miyar glacier is 24km long. Navigating the crevasses requires expert route finding. Do not rely solely on GPX.
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Help us keep this data ground-truth accurate.
This encyclopedia entry for Kang La Expedition is curated from a mix of public survey records, first-hand climber accounts, and official permit logs. However, mountains are dynamic. If you have been on this route recently and noticed a change in terrain, water availability, or local regulations, we want to hear from you.
Community Vetted
Last Verified: May 2026
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