Overview
Dzo Jongo East Peak Expedition is a thrilling journey through high altitude peaks in Markha valley, Ladakh, India. Dzo Jongo East has an elevation of about 6,217 meters (20,397 feet) and belongs to the Zanskar Range. Dzo Jongo East is recognized as a destination for adventurous and exciting expeditions due to its remote location, scenic mountain landscape, and breathtaking view of Himalayan mountain ranges.
The trek starts in Leh and passes along the path of the Markha Valley through various villages like Markha and Hankar before arriving at the pastures of Nimaling. As one moves higher up, the terrain changes into stony ground, glacial moraines, and large snowfields. The trek allows enough time for acclimatisation and preparation before attempting to summit.
As the climb towards the peak begins, there will be snow slopes, glacier climbing, and ascending to reach the broad summit ridge. Even though Dzo Jongo East can be seen as less technical than its surrounding mountains, it is still a challenging high altitude mountain that needs proper preparation and equipment.
With its remote wilderness, beautiful scenery of the mountains, and the rewarding journey to the top of the mountain, the Dzo Jongo East Expedition is a chance for visitors to discover Ladakh without following traditional trekking trails.
Photos And Videos
Highlights
- A 6
- 000-metre Himalayan peak
- Markha Valley scenery
- Nimaling plateau
- Kang Yatse massif
- Mountaineering significance
Trek Details
Seasons
Departure Cities
Terrain
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive in Leh
Altitude: 3,500 m (11,500 ft) Arrive in Leh by 1:00 pm and check into your hotel. There is a briefing at 5 pm. Take it easy and drink plenty of water.
- 2
Acclimatisation in Leh
Altitude: 3,500 m This is a rest and sightseeing day, and the sightseeing is not included in the package. You can visit the monasteries at Shey, Thiksey, Sangam and Hemis. Avoid high passes and high-altitude excursions, and skip river rafting until after the trek. A gentle downhill cycling tour around Leh is the only suggested activity.
- 3
Drive Leh to Skiu, then trek to Sara
Altitude: Skiu 3,400 m (11,150 ft) → Sara 3,600 m (11,800 ft) Distance: 70 km drive (2–3 hrs), then an 11 km trek (5–6 hrs) You drive to Skiu, the trailhead in the Markha Valley, and walk to Sara through villages, wheat fields and monasteries. The altitude gain is small.
- 4
Sara to Markha
Altitude: 3,700 m (12,200 ft) Distance: 10 km (5–6 hrs) You follow the valley upstream through river crossings and Ladakhi villages. It is an easy day at a modest altitude.
- 5
Markha to Hankar
Altitude: 4,100 m (13,400 ft) Distance: 13 km (7–8 hrs) A longer day with a gain of about 400 m. The valley becomes more remote as you head toward the high country.
- 6
Hankar to Nimaling
Altitude: 4,800 m (15,800 ft) Distance: 12 km (7–8 hrs) This is the biggest altitude gain of the approach, about 700 m. You climb out of the villages to the high pastures of Nimaling. Watch for headaches, nausea or poor sleep, and tell your guide early.
- 7
Nimaling to Dzo Jongo East Base Camp
Altitude: 5,200 m (17,100 ft) Distance: 4–5 km (4–5 hrs) A short, steady climb of about 400 m. You arrive early at Base Camp and can rest, eat and hydrate.
- 8
Rest and training day, then the summit night
Altitude: 5,200 m In the day you rest and are trained in crampons, ropes, harnesses and gaiters. The summit push starts at about 10 pm, though the timing may change. Rest as much as you can, because you will be awake through the night.
- 9
Summit day
Altitude: Summit 6,250 m (20,500 ft), then back to Base Camp at 5,200 m Distance: 14 km round trip (11–12 hrs) This is the hardest day. You climb in the dark and cold over rock, scree and some snow, using crampons, ropes and harnesses where needed. The summit-day ratio is 1 guide to 2 trekkers. If conditions allow, the summit gives a 360° view of the Zanskar and Karakoram ranges, the Stok range and the Kang Yatse peaks. You then descend to Base Camp. The team will turn back if weather or your health requires it.
- 10
Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La, then drive to Leh
Altitude: Kongmaru La 5,200 m (17,300 ft) → Chokdo 3,900 m (12,900 ft) Distance: 16 km trek (about 8 hrs), then a 60 km drive (2–3 hrs) You cross the Kongmaru La pass at about the same altitude as Base Camp, then descend roughly 1,300 m to the roadhead at Chokdo. You then drive to Leh. It is a long day, but you lose altitude steadily, so most people find it easier on the body.
Things to Carry
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