Miyar valley and Kang La 10 Days & 9 Nights Kang La Glacier Traverse Trek Crossing of 24 km long glacier - 8 days trek

Miyar valley and Kang La
Overview

The Miyar Valley, located in the Indian part of the Great Himalaya Range, stretches for over 100 km from Udaipur to the Kang La pass. The locals - the Tharanga people - are mainly shepherds and farmers, much like the Gaddis, but follow a curious mix of Hindu/Buddhist religion.
It is the westernmost of the Lahul valleys on the watershed between the Lahul & Zanskar in Ladakh. It's known for its profusion of wild flowers and medicinal herbs, especially during July and August and its breathtaking landscape of quaint villages and rolling meadows, which are replaced by glaciers and big rock walls as you move deeper into the valley. In recent years, the valley has also attracted a lot of climbing teams (Teams from Slovenia, Poland, Italy, the US, the UK & India and Spain too). It hosts hundreds of peaks that are, by Himalayan standards, accessible and low in altitude, with very few exceeding 6000 m. As a result, Alpine-style routes are possible here that have a technical standard not normally seen in the Himalaya. The wealth of climbing possibilities here led Chris Bonington to dub it “the Yosemite of India”
Famous peaks in the area are: Menthosa 6,443mtrs / 21,260 ft is the largest peak in the area. For trekkers, the Udaipur (Urgus roadhead) -Kang La -Padum (Zanskar traverse) is quite popular. Another viable option is to link up the Chandra Valley and Miyar via the Taralumsa pass. Another interesting option would be the crossing of the Poat La pass, which would link up the Kishtwar Region to the Miyar Valley.

ITINERARY - KANG LA GLACIER TRAVERSE TREK
Day 1:  Manali to  Udaipur (2,650m) - Urgos (3,300m) - Khanjar (3,600m) drive 138 km. 
Day 2:  Trek to Tharang (3,750m) - Yolithang (3,760m).
Day 3:  Trek to Zardung (3,880 m).
Day 4:  Trek to Palphu (3,950m), Kesar Yon Chhap (4,000m) /Snout of glacier.
Day 5:  At Kesar Yon Chaap, Rest & acclimatisation.
Day 6:  Trek to Camp 1 (4,200 m), Miyar Glacier camp.
Day 7:  Trek to Camp 2 (4,750 m) Base Camp Kang La.
Day 8:  Cross Kang La pass/jot (5,468 m) – Temasa Tokpo (4,800m).
Day 9:  Trek to Burdan (3,670 m), Drive to Purne (3,800 m).
Day 10: Purne - Phuktal monastery, Purne - Shinkun La - Manali.


Pics: Miyar Valley | Himachal Pradesh | Potala Adventurers


KANG LA GLACIER TRAVERSE TREK - TRIP DOSSIER

Day 1:  Manali to  Udaipur (2,650m) - Urgos (3,300m) - Khanjar (3,600m). Drive 138 km. 5-6 hours.
Starting the trip from Manali, at the head of the lush green Kullu valley. The road slowly winds up the Lahaul valley. The landscape changes dramatically, the greenery being replaced by barren hillsides, where the village with its bountiful fields of barley, peas and potatoes, stands out in stark contrast. On entering Lahoul, the Buddhist influence is visible in the many monasteries crossed on the way. The people here have distinct Tibetan features. Today we drive along the Chenab River. On the way, we visit the famous Trilok Nath temple and the Mrikula Devi temple at Udaipur. From Udaipur, follow a road to Khanjar - the last village in the Miyar Valley, which has recently been constructed. Urgos is at the confluence with the valley leading to the Mt. Menthosa (6,443m), Overnight home stay.


Urgos

 

Day 2:  Trek from Khanjar to Tharang (3,750m) - Yolithang (3,760m). 6 to 7 hours.
Leaving Khanjar, the last village. above the village on a beautiful alpine meadow, carpeted with edelweiss and catmint. It is not rare to see the Himalayan Gryphons and Lammergeyers.
There are lovely pastures all along the trek up to the camping site. The trek continues to the left side of the stream. A side stream coming from the Tharang group of peaks is forded to reach a camping site. A side stream mingles here with the Miyar nullah. The camp is established here.





Day 3:  Trek to Zardung (3,880m). 5 to 6 hours.
Now gradual ascent over rich grazing pasture, during summer, these areas are carpeted with wild flowers. Arriving at Gumba Nala and crossing the stream by a bridge, we take the Northwest and again continue over the grassy meadows to reach the stunning campsite at Zardung




Day 4:  Trek to Palphu (3,950m), Kesar Yon Chhap (4,000m) /Snout of glacier. 4 to 5 hours.

Leaving early, Takdung Nala is to be crossed this morning. After crossing an easy trail below the castle peak to Kesar Yon Chhap. Pimu nala and Pimu la can be seen across the Miyar nala. After lunch at Palphu, another stream coming from the Chhudong glacier is to be crossed. It's not so far from the campsite here. A crystal clear lake, short before our wonderful campsite at the foot of Kang La glacier. For those who are interested in bouldering, there are several boulders suitable for rock climbers. The entire Miyar valley is a favourite grazing area, and Shepherds can be seen all across the valley, who know many trails that are not yet marked on maps. Arriving at camp, relax and explore around. Kesar Yon Chaap, which means seven sacred waters at  the snout of the Miyar glacier


Palphu, base camp kang la


Day 5:  Rest & Acclimatisation.
A rest and acclimatisation day at Kesar Yon Chhaap and final preparation before heading to Miyar glacier.




Day 6:  Trek to Camp 1 (4,200 m), Miyar glacier camp. 7 to 8 hours.
Today from camp, a short climb and steep along the slopes for about an hour, then along the left side of the glacier for hours. From today, the trail from vast meadows is replaced with moraine and scree as the trek becomes tougher. Occasionally some grassy slopes with wild flowers to relax with a glacier view below.
Finally descend to the Jungpar glacier coming down from the true left of Miyar glacier and cross it to reach the main Miyar glacier and the campsite. The first view of Kang La glacier can be obtained from here.




Day 7:  Trek to Camp 2 (4,750 m) Base Kang la Jot. 6 to 7 hours.
An early start today to make walking on the snow easier, a gentle ascent right up the middle of the glacier. A spectacular & amazing view of snowy mountains all around while walking towards base camp. Miyar glacier, which is 28 km long from the camp at the snout glacier, offers a choice of routes. Walk across the terminal moraine to the left side of the glacier, route tiring ups and downs along an increasingly ill-defined trail. Demanding terrains for the first 7/8 km until the confluence with a glacier flowing from the East side. Easy going from here with a gradual ascent over smooth black ice. An occasional well-exposed crevasse to negotiate. Camp just above the confluence with the side glacier, there are 3 passes, and the centre one is the actual pass.




Day 8:  Cross Kang la jot (5,468 m) – Temasa Tokpo (4,800m). 8 to 9 hours.
Leaving early from camp with first daylight, we walk along the middle of the huge snow-covered glacier at a gentle pace. Magnificent views down the valley to Menthosa 6,443m. At the head of the glacier, a large snow field curves to the East side of the base of the pass. The 250 m ascent from the snowfield to the pass is not hard. Better to rope up to crossing crevasses than the 1.5 km long Kang la pass (5,468m), enclosed by rock cliff to the north and snow walls to the south. You will be rewarded with with spectacular view of snow-capped peaks and glaciers all around. We descend along the right side of the valley to the river junction. After crossing Kang La pass, camp near the confluence of the 2 valley streams.



Day 9:  Trek to Burdan (3,670 m) 4 hrs, Drive to Purne (3,800 m), 2 hrs.
Now follow the true right side of the valley. After crossing the many side streams and grassy campsites, 2/3 km down the valley, following the Temasa River. Arriving at the rocky plateau, the trail descends steeply in places through meadows and boulder fields. Temasa Tokpo remains on the right bank; it flows down to a grassy meadow above the Tsarap River. Continue for 2 hrs to reach Burdan roadhead, we will board our vehicles for Purne approximately for two hours. Overnight homestay or camp.





 

Day 10: Purne – trek to Phuktal monastery, 2-3 hrs, Drive Purne (3800m) - Shinkun La (5090m) – Keylong (3100m) – Atal Tunnel - Manali, 5-6 hrs.
Today, leaving Purne, the road to Phuktal monastery (3,900 m) goes along the Tsarap Chu River for 30 minutes, arriving at the wooden bridge, a short hike to Phuktal monastery and visiting the most spectacular sight in Zanskar, retrace back to the bridge and drive back to Purne. Post lunch, drive to Shinkun La by passing the mighty Gumbak Rangjun and continue to Keylong – Sissu and finally to Manali. 


PRICE INCLUDES
·         All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.  
·         Hotel/Homestay accommodation in Purne.
·         All camping gear:  Accommodation in quality 4-season tents, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, trekking poles & safety gear.
·         Meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), Tea, snacks during the trek
·         Qualified & well-trained English-speaking trekking guide and experienced crew.
·         Porters for porterage of trekking gear & your duffel bags
·         Camping fee, trekking permits and fee, and park fee.
·         First aid medical kit, Oximeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
·         Goods and services tax. 

Package Itinerary
  • Day 1 Manali to Udaipur (2,650m) - Chamrat (2,090m) - Urgos (3,250m). Drive.

    Starting trip from Manali, at the head of the lush green Kullu valley. The road slowly winds up the Lahaul valley. The landscape changes dramatically, the greenery being replaced by barren hillsides, where the village with their bountiful fields of barley, peas and potatoes, stand out in stark contrast. On entering Lahoul the Buddhist influence is visible in the many monasteries crossed on the way. The people here have distinct Tibetan features. Today we drive along the Chenab River. On the way we visit famous Trilok Nath temple and Mrikula Devi temple at Udaipur. From Udaipur follow a road, which has recently been constructed, through the narrow gorge making the entrance to Miyar valley. Cross the wooden bridge before Chamrat and continue on the true left bank of the valley. The village of Chamrat is with Mani walls and prayer flags, is the first village in the Miyar valley. Now road leads through flowered meadows and peas and millet fields to the village of Karput. Urgos is at the confluence with the valley leading to the Mt. Menthosa (6,443m), overnight home stay.

  • Day 2 Urgos to Shukto Drive, Trek to Khanjar - Tharang (3,450m). 6 to 7 hours.

    Leaving Urgos, we drive 6 kms to Shukto - Khanjar bridge, across a stony moraine stretch and some side streams to Khanjar, the last village. above the village on a beautiful alpine meadow, carpeted with edelweiss and catmint. It is not rare to see the Himalayan Griffins and Lammergeyers.
    There are lovely pastures all along the trek up to the camping site. The trek continues to the left side of the stream. A side stream coming from the Shinkun La is forded to reach at a camping site. A side stream mingles here with the Miyar nullah. The camp is established here.

  • Day 3 Trek Zardung (3,900m). 5 to 6 hours.

    Now gradual ascent over rich grazing pasture, during summer these areas are carpeted with wildflowers. Arriving at Gumba Nala and crossing the stream by a bridge we take Northwest and again continue over grassy meadows to reach the stunning campsite at Zardung.

  • Day 4 Trek Palphu (4,000m) Kesar Yon Chhap /Snout of glacier. 4 to 5 hours.

    Leaving early Takdung Nala to be crossed this morning. After crossing an easy trail below the castle peak to Kesar Yon Chhap. Pimu nala and Pimu la can be seen across the Miyar nala. After lunch at Palphu, another stream coming from the Chhudong glacier is to be crossed. It's not so far from the campsite here. Crystal clear lake short before our wonderful campsite at the foot of Kang La glacier. For those who are interested in bouldering, there is a number of boulders suitable for rock climbers. The entire Miyar valley is a favorite grazing area and Shepherds can be seen all across the valley, know many trails that are not yet marked on maps. Arriving at camp, relax and explore in around. Kesar Yon Chaap which means seven sacred waters. at the snout of the Miyar glacier.

  • Day 5 Rest & Acclimatization.

    A rest and acclimatization day at Kesar Yon Chhaap and final preparation before heading to Miyar glacier.

  • Day 6 Trek to Camp 1 (4,200 m) Miyar glacier camp. 7 to 8 hours.

    Today from camp a short climb steep along the slopes for about an hour then along the left side of the glacier for hours. From today the trail from vast meadows is replaced with moraine and scree as the trek becomes tougher. Occasionally some grassy slopes with wildflowers to relax with a glacier view below.
    Finally descend to Jungpar glacier coming down from the true left of Miyar glacier and cross it to reach on the main Miyar glacier and to the campsite. The first view of Kang la glacier can be obtained from here.

  • Day 7 Trek to Camp 2 (4,750 m) Base Kang la Jot. 6 to 7 hours.

    An early start today to make walking on snow easier, a gentle ascend right up the middle of the glacier. A spectacular & amazing view of snowy mountains all around while walking towards base camp. Miyar glacier, which is 28 km long, from camp at the snout of the glacier there is a choice of route. Walk across the terminal moraine to the left side of the glacier, route tiring ups and downs along an increasingly ill-defined trail. Demanding terrains for the first 7/8 km until the confluence with a glacier flowing from the East side. Easy going from here with a gradual ascent over smooth black ice. An occasional well-exposed crevasses to negotiate. Camp just above the confluence with the side glacier, there is 3 passes and the center one is the actual pass.

  • Day 8 Cross Kang la jot (5,450 m) – Temasa Tokpo (4,800m). 8 to 9 hours.

    Leaving early camp with the first daylight, we walk along the middle of the huge snow-covered glacier at a gentle pace. A magnificent view down the valley to Menthosa is 6,443m. At the head of the glacier, a large snow field curves to the East side to the base of the pass. 250 m ascent from the snowfield to the pass is not hard. Better to rope up to crossing crevasses, than the 1.5 km long Kang la pass (5,450 m) enclosed by a rock cliff to the north and snow walls to the south. You will be rewarded with a spectacular view of snow-capped peaks and glaciers all around. We descend along the right side of the valley to the river junction.  After crossing Kang la pass camp near the two confluences of the 2 valley streams.

  • Day 9 Trek to Burdan (3,670 m) 4 hrs, Drive to Purne (3,800 m), 2 hrs.

    Now follow the true right side of the valley. After crossing the many side streams and grassy campsites, 2/3 km downs the valley following the Temasa River. Arriving at rocky plateau, trail descends steeply in places through meadows and boulder fields. Temasa Tokpo remains on the right bank, it flows down to a grassy meadow above the Tsarap River. Continue for 2 hrs to reach Burdan roadhead, we wil board our vehicles for Purne approximately for two hour. Overnight homestay or camp.


  • Day 10 Purne – trek to Phuktal monastery, 2-3 hrs, Drive Purne (3800m) - Shinkun La (5090m) – Keylong (3100m) – Atal Tunnel - Manali, 5-6 hrs.

    Today, leaving Purne, the road to Phuktal monaster (3,900 m) goes along the Tsarap Chu River for 30 minutes, arriving at wooden bridge, short hike to Phuktal monastery and visiting the most spectacular sight in Zanskar, retrace back to bridge and drive back to Purne. After lunch drive to Shinkun La by passing might Gumbak Rangjun and continue to Keylong – Sissu and finally to Manali.

Inclusions

PRICE INCLUDES
·         All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.  
·         Hotel/Homestay accommodation in Purne.
·         All camping gear: Accommodation in quality 4-season tents, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, trekking poles & safety gear.
·         Meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), Tea, snacks during the trek
·         Qualified & trained English-speaking trekking guide and experienced crew.
·         Porters or mules for porterage of gear & duffel bags
·         Camping fee, trekking permits, park fee.
·         First aid medical kit, OxyMeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
·         Goods and services tax.

Exclusions

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
·         Domestic flight.  
·         Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali transfer.
·         Hotel in Delhi, Manali.
·         Travel insurance.
·         Soft or hard drinks.

·         Equipment rentals 
·         Personal tip to staff: Guide, cook & porters.
·         Any unforeseen cost arising from natural hazards, such as rain, snow, or road blockages, which require extra lodging & boarding beyond the trip Schedule.

Review


TRIP FACTS

Activity - Trekking expedition
Region: Lahaul & Zanskar

Difficulty level - Strenuous
Max Altitude - 5,450 m
Max sleeping altitude - 4,750 m
Lowest trek altitude - 3,850 m

Trip Length - 10 days Manali to Manali
14 days Delhi to Delhi
8 days trekking
7 nights camping
1 night homestay
Best time - June end to Sept. end.

DATES
14 Sept. to 23 Sept. 2026
10 days Manali to Manali




























Similar Packages