Dzo Jongo, a twin-summit peak located in the stunning Markha Valley of Ladakh, offers a unique adventure for trekkers and climbers. The East summit is a relatively simple trekking peak, standing at 6197 meters, while the West summit, the true pinnacle of the Dzo Jongo massif at 6280 meters, presents a semi-technical challenge with a few crevasses and tricky moraine sections along the way.
The trek begins on the same route as the popular Markha Valley Trek or the Kang Yatse 2 Summit. Starting from Chilling, the trail winds through picturesque villages such as Skiu, Markha, and Hankar, before ascending to the serene meadow of Nimaling at an altitude of 4800 meters. From Nimaling, the route diverges towards the base camps of Dzo Jongo, following a stream originating near Gapo Ri, another 6226-meter peak in the same valley.
The base camps for the East and West summits are distinct. Both trails initially pass through verdant meadows, transitioning into scree and moraine terrain. While the walk to the base camps is relatively straightforward, the high altitude demands proper acclimatization for a successful climb.
The Dzo Jongo East summit is a straightforward but exhausting trek. The final steep stretch tests endurance, but the effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking views of neighboring peaks like Kang Yatse 1 and 2, Gapo Ri, Shaldor Ri, and even the distant Saser Kangri and Rimo Peaks of the East Karakoram.
The Dzo Jongo West summit, at 6280 meters, presents a greater challenge. The initial section is manageable, but climbers must navigate treacherous moraine and cross simple crevasses on the ascent. Though the views from the West summit are similar to those of the East summit, the journey demands a higher level of technical skill and perseverance, making it a rewarding experience for seasoned climbers.