This trip is offered by Trek The Himalayas.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport connects Leh to several cities within India. You can fly directly to Leh from Delhi, Srinagar or Mumbai. To get to the city center, take a bus or a taxi.
The nearest train stations are Chandigarh, Udhampur, Jammu, and Pathankot. From the rail stations, you’ll …
Leh has a variety of accommodations zones, which you can choose at a reasonable price. Many guesthouses are located in Karzoo, Changspa, and the neighboring areas. The accommodations in Changspa are surrounded by agricultural fields, offering a great view of the region. It takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to …
The Dzo Jongo East Peak is one of the hidden gems of the Markha Valley, standing tall at 6240 meters in close proximity to the Kang Yatze peak. It is a less-frequented peak that has got two summits- the steep and challenging one beckons thrill-seekers and adventure-enthusiasts from far and wide who want to demonstrate their skills and accomplish the feat of climbing this non-technical yet difficult summit. Though the climb is non-technical, the steep ascent requires crampons and roping up, and hence it is ideal for those looking to summit a 6000-meter peak without the process being much tedious. You can also summit the Dzo Jongo Peak if you are looking to gain considerable experience in high-altitude mountaineering. Apart from this, you could simply summit the Dzo Jongo Peak if you are looking for aesthetic views of other peaks and high-mountain passes spread across the Markha Valley.
After spending considerable time acclimatizing, you can climb the Dzo Jongo summit (6240 meters). It is graded as a difficult summit that takes place for 10 to 13 days and covers a distance of approximately 41 kilometers. However challenging and steep, the climb is non-technical, although you will need the assistance of ropes and crampons. Thus, the fitness requirements for this adventure are pretty comprehensive. You need to be adequately fit to embark on this difficult journey and accomplish it. For this, you can create a custom training regime that includes cardiovascular endurance training combining swimming, cycling, skipping, running, stair climbing without any breaks, etc. Before the trip, make yourself appreciably fit to run at least 5 kilometers in 30 minutes or cycle at the speed of 15 to 20 kilometers an hour. Apart from aerobic fitness, you should also stress on core and muscular strength, flexibility, and lower body conditioning. Apart from the above speed and distance targets, you can start with squats and muscular stretching to make you more flexible and build lower body strength. You can also run with some weight on your shoulders across some undulating terrain or consider doing the same while climbing stairs twice a week for at least three months before undertaking this journey.
Most of Ladakh falls in a rain shadow region or the leeward side of the mountains. Thus, when the rest of India encounters Monsoon, it is one of the most pleasant and trekkable seasons in Ladakh. The Markha valley is no exception. Hence, the best time for summiting the Dzo Jongo Peak is from mid-July to September. The temperatures are pretty low at this altitude, and you need considerable acclimatization time at Leh, Skiu, Chilling, and Hangkar, or else Acute Mountain Sickness (“AMS”) could play spoilsport with your adventure aspirations. Other than that, the weather is quite pleasant and ideal for embarking on these adventures.
Your gear and equipment checklist should consist of some basic mountaineering equipment like ropes and crampons to successfully climb to the Dzo Jongo Summit. Apart from these, for the rest of the trip across the Markha valley, you require a backpack (50-60 liters), a daypack (20-30 liters) for offloading, hydration kits and water bottle, headlamps with spare batteries, torches, personal medical kit and first-aid kit, snacks for the course, etc. Your clothes should be ideal for beating the cold. Take full-sleeve, quick-dry t-shirts, thermal inners for top and bottom, quick-dry track pants, fleece jackets, woollen sweaters, down feather or padded shell jackets, windcheaters, waterproof pants, synthetic gloves, woollen gloves, neck gaiters, suncap, woollen cap, balaclava, and extra pairs of cotton and woollen socks. Other accessories include sunglasses, a sturdy walking stick, and high-quality waterproof trekking shoes with micro-studs for a super grip. Your toiletries should consist of moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizers, antibacterial and antifungal powder, toothbrush, toothpaste, quick-dry lightweight towel, excess toilet paper, and wet wipes, biodegradable soap, etc. Avoid littering these splendid eco-friendly zones and try to follow every instruction of your trip leader.
In case of any unprecedented or unexpected situation, keep the following Leh emergency numbers handy.
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101 and 132
- Ambulance: 102 and 108
- Tourist Information Center, Leh: +91 198 2252297
- Foreign Registration Office: +91 198 2252200
- SNM Hospital, Medical Superintendent: +91 198 2252014
The bountiful Markha Valley is slowly rising in popularity for its offbeat peak treks. The famous Kang Yatse 1 and 2 peaks are located here. The trekkable Dzo Jongo Peak of 6240 meters also lies here, just behind the Kang Yatse peaks. The climb is non-technical, but it is quite an arduous challenge for expert trekkers, making it the perfect alternative to the Stok Kangri peak trek.
Breathtaking views from Dzo Jongo:
When trekkers attempt the summit during the best time for Dzo Jongo peak climbing from May to September, they are rewarded with clear skies. The summit offers breathtaking views of Stok Kangri, Kang Yatse 1 and 2, Changthang Valley mountains, and even the Karakoram range in the distance.
The adventurous Dzo Jongo:
The Dzo Jongo peak climbing is the perfect adventure for experienced trekking enthusiasts. The wild winds here sometimes cause dust storms in the Markha Valley, and their ferocious intensity makes trekkers give it their best to protect their tents. The thrilling affair of experiencing snowstorms during the summit push gives the trekkers just the right amount of adrenaline rush. The extreme temperatures add to the challenges that the trekkers need to overcome on this trek.
Trekking the three high-altitude passes:
Another major highlight of the trek is that it takes the trekkers to three high passes of the Ladakh region. The Shiul, Chak, and Kongmaru La passes are all over 5000 meters. This trek is a unique opportunity for trekkers to hike through these passes and witness the rugged Markha Valley sprawling beneath them.
Location and basic information:
The hidden gem of Markha Valley, the Dzo Jongo Peak, is located close to the Kang Yatse in the Indian province of Ladakh. It is often compared to the Stok Kangri peak trek, but Dzo Jongo is more of an offbeat trail. It is tucked away from the cacophony of crowds, unlike other treks. This trek serves as a quiet getaway for trekking enthusiasts and everyone who loves the rush of adrenaline.
Duration and length:
The Dzo Jongo trek starts from Leh and ends at Leh, covering a stretch of 41 km by foot and an additional distance of 70 km each way between Leh and Lato by car. It takes around 10 days and 9 nights to complete the trek. This estimate includes buffer days and acclimatization days which the trekkers and their instructors can decide whether they need or not.
Budget:
The Dzo Jongo trek cost is around USD 388 to 429 (INR 29000 to 32000). It covers the trekkers' tent accommodations and food for the trek duration. The trekkers will also have to hire an experienced trekking instructor to aid them in navigating along the trail. These hiring charges are also included in the budget.
For those doing the Dzo Jongo trek solo, the cost will be on the higher side of the range given here. Usually, in a group of trekkers, the typical expenses like tent accommodations, food supplies, standard gear and equipment, and trekking instructor charges are divided amongst themselves. Solo trekkers have to bear this all on their own.
ATM availability and cell phone connectivity:
It is best to go for BSNL and Airtel SIMs with post-paid service for network and cell phone connectivity. Local prepaid SIM cards bought in Ladakh and the Jammu and Kashmir region also provide commendable service. However, the network will only be available till Leh. Beyond Leh, there is hardly any cell phone network available. You will find ATMs in Leh, and hence it is advised to withdraw cash there and pay your travel agency or tour operator in advance.
The Dzo Jongo trek is not technical, but it challenges the experienced trekkers to test their limits. It has been categorized as a challenging trek, and the trekkers attempting this must have prior experience in high-altitude trekking. The steep ascent on almost vertical slopes requires crampons and the help of ropes to climb, so the trekkers must know how to use these tools.
The trekkers will need a trekking instructor, especially if they are doing the Dzo Jongo trek solo. Experts consider this an alternative to the challenging Stok Kangri peak climb. People looking forward to preparing for more extraordinary mountain expeditions in the future should scale this six-thousander to gain more experience.
The best time for Dzo Jongo peak climbing is from May to September. The Dzo Jongo West peak lies in the rain shadow region of Leh, so it is suitable to trek here in the monsoon. The day temperatures stay around 10-15 degrees Celsius, but they might fall to sub-zero levels at night. The snow levels at the top are the lowest this time, easier for navigation during summer, monsoon, and early autumn seasons. The late autumn season should be avoided since it may start snowing early at such a high altitude.
Apparel and footwear:
Remember to pack light yet carry enough warm clothes for this high-altitude trek. In such extreme temperature conditions, layering clothes helps conserve body heat. It would be best to maintain a set of thermal innerwear, 3-4 full-sleeved, quick-to-dry, polyester t-shirts, and 2-3 pairs of sweatpants or joggers to layer and change as and when required.
Among warm clothes, layering fleece sweaters, pullovers, or hoodies under a thick down jacket would be wise. To maintain an optimum temperature of the head, the trekker can wear a balaclava, ski cap, or a beanie under the hood of the down jacket. Ensure to cover up your neck using a woolen scarf or a thick muffler so that you do not catch a cold. There will be snow on the summit day, so it is advised to carry waterproof gloves and jackets.
For day treks carrying quick-to-dry synthetic socks will be ideal, but as temperatures drop at night, it is best to wear woolen socks to protect your feet. Set aside some amount from your Dzo Jongo trek cost for buying proper, fitting trekking shoes that are sturdy and come with a firm grip and ankle support. Water-resistant gaiters will prevent your shoes from getting wet in the snow and any loose stones from getting into your shoes.
Additional accessories:
Some other accessories will also be necessary for the trek, like a battery-operated torch and its spare batteries for the torch, camera batteries and charger, and a pair of sturdy trekking poles. The intense sun rays reflecting on the surface of the snow can be quite harmful so remember to take a sun cap, sunscreen lotion, and UV-protection sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin. Bring a thick sleeping bag for sleeping comfortably at night.
The trekkers will also need to carry some essential mountaineering equipment like ropes and crampons for the trek. These can be rented from Leh. However, most trekking companies include these equipment within their list, so you might not need to purchase or rent those at all.
Baggage and waterproofing:
One would need a backpack of at least 60 liters capacity to fit all the things they need to bring on this trek. The trekker can also carry a day pack of 20 liters to access the essentials during the day treks easily. Carry water-resistant backpack covers to protect your belongings during sudden snowfall or snowstorms. Waterproof bags will also be useful to put in your electronics in the case of poor weather conditions.
Toiletry:
For maintaining personal hygiene, a set of toiletries should contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, biodegradable soap, moisturizer, deodorant, and hand sanitizer. Tissue rolls and wet wipes will also help you freshen up quickly without using the freezing water again and again. However, remember not to litter here as it can harm the ecosystem of the mountains.
To maintain menstrual hygiene, women should carry sufficient sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups.
Medicines and first-aid kit:
Fever, flu, cough, cold, various allergic reactions, stomach ache, and nausea problems are common illnesses that can occur. Remember to carry paracetamol, antibiotics, antihistamines, antacids, and anti-nausea medications.
It is common to get minor cuts, sprains, and bruises while taking on such a challenging feat. This is why it is imperative to carry a simple first-aid kit. It should contain bandaids, crepe bandages, cotton gauze rolls and swabs, antiseptic liquid, antifungal powder, antibacterial ointment, insect repellent cream, and a pain-relieving spray. Water-borne diseases can be avoided by carrying water-purifying tablets to add to your drinking water.
Important documents:
For identification and verification purposes, carry a few passport-sized photos, your identity proof with address details, and several photocopies of the same. You will also need these to rent equipment and tools, make various reservations, and obtain trekking permits. Foreigners should keep their passports and visas safe for hassle-free processes.
The Dzo Jongo trek is an adventurous expedition for which the trekker needs to build their core strength and stamina. Running, jogging, brisk walking, skipping, swimming, climbing up and down stairs without a break, and doing squats regularly will help you stay in top shape. Alongside these daily exercises, it will be best to attend gym sessions at least 3-4 times a week.
The trekker should also build and develop their grit and determination to summit the peak, especially if they are doing the Dzo Jongo trek solo. Meditation, pranayama, and yoga exercises will help in this regard.
The Dzo Jongo trek cost is worth the thrilling expedition to one of India's most challenging yet non-technical six-thousanders. This Ladakh peak is a hidden gem for experienced trekkers and one of the few summit treks that a trekker can do without any technical training. It is important to follow the instructions of the trekking guide to have a safe and memorable experience of a lifetime.
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