Dzo Jongo East Peak With Markha Valley Trek

Himalayan Trekking

Difficult

Dzo Jongo East Peak With Markha Valley Trek

 
 
 
 

 

Max Altitude
 10 Days
 81 Km
 Ladakh
 India
 

Overview

Trek Name: Dzo Jongo East Peak With Markha Valley Trek

Days: 10

Adventure Type: Trekking

Base Camp: Leh

Season:Summer | Monsoon |

Month:July | August | September |

Country: India

Altitude: 20500 Ft.

Grade: Challenging

Rail Head: –

Stay: Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse (Separate male & Female)

Food: Meals while on trek

Location: Ladakh

Distance: 81 Km.

Trail Type: Summit, Cross over trail | Scale a peak, Start in one valley, traverse the pass, and ends in another valley.

AirPort: Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee)

Highlights:

  • Services Leh to Leh | Included Transport
  • 1:2 Guide/Trekker Ratio on Summit Day

Who Can Participate

  • Age Requirement:
    • Minimum 16 years
  • Fitness Criteria:
    • The Trekker should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without stress or 10 km of distance by jogging in 70 minutes without stress.
    • If the trekker prefers cycling he/ she should be able to cycle 20 km of distance in 55 minutes.
    • First-time trekkers are welcome, provided they meet the mentioned fitness requirements.
  • If the trekker wants to carry a backpack then he/she should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack. If opt Off-load option then the Trekker should be able to carry 3-5 kg backpack.
  • If a trekker’s BMI is more or less than the normal range (18-26), please consult our Trek Coordinator before booking.
  •  

Itinerary

Day-1: Arrival Leh

  • Altitude: 3500 m/ 11500 ft.
Note:
  • The Dzo Jongo Peak expedition is 10 days and touches an altitude of 20,500ft. If you are looking for an adventure in Leh with less altitude but & exciting challenges you can try the Markha Valley Trek. You can even try our Ladakh Multi Sports Adventure with your friends and family.

Day-2: Leh (Acclimatization day)

  • Sightseeing and acclimatization.
  • Prominent monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, Sangam, and Hemis.
  • Visiting high-altitude places or passes are not advisable.
  • Avoid river rafting, you can plan it after the trek.

Note: Downhill cycling tour around Leh without straining body.

Day-3: Drive Leh to Skiu then trek to Sara

  • Altitude:
    • Skiu- 3,400 m/ 11,150 ft.
    • Sara- 3600 m/11800 ft.
  • Drive Distance: 70 km | 2-3 hrs.
  • Trek Distance: 11 km | 5-6 hrs.

Day-4: Sara to Markha

  • Altitude: Markha- 3,700 m/ 12,200 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 10 km | 5-6 hours

Day-5: Markha To Hankar

  • Altitude: 4,100m/ 13,400 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hrs.

Day-6: Hankar To Nimaling

  • Altitude: 4,800 m/ 15,800 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 12 km | 7-8 hrs.

Day-7: Nimaling to Dzo Jongo East Base Camp

  • Altitude: Dzo Jongo East Base Camp – 5,200 m/ 17,100 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 4-5 hrs.

Day-8: Rest day + Training day (Summit night)

  • Don’t exhaust your body, take rest as much as you can.
  • Push for the Summit at 10 pm (Timings may get change).

Day-9: Summit(Dzo Jongo East) and back to Dzo Jongo East Base camp

  • Altitude: 6,250 m/ 20,500 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 14km (both way) | 11-12 hrs.

Day-10: Dzo Jingo East Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La & drive to Leh

  • Altitude: Kongmaru- 5,200 m/ 17,300 ft, Chokdo-3,900 m/ 12,900 ft.
  • Trek Distance: 16 km | 8 hrs.
  • Drive Distance: 60km | 2-3 hrs.
Day 11: Buffer Day
  • Buffer day will be used if unable to summit due to of any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Opting for a buffer day will be a team decision, not an individual.
  • Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
  • Buffer day is not included in the cost.
  • Buffer Day Cost entire group per day (Rs 50,000 per day).
  • Please make any further travel plans on Day 11.
  • If buffer day is not used in the Expedition then it can be used to explore Leh.
    • Rafting in Zanskar
    • Mountain Biking
    • Motorcycle Tour
    • Khardung La visit
    • One-day trip to Pangong Lake
    • full day sightseeing
    • Zipline

Day 1: Arrival in Leh

  • Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
  • Stay: Hotel

Arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Himalayas. Today is reserved for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude.

Meet the trekking team in the evening for a briefing about the expedition, equipment, and the route ahead. Proper acclimatization is essential before starting the trek.

Day 2: Acclimatization and Sightseeing in Leh

  • Stay: Hotel

Spend the day acclimatizing while exploring the cultural highlights of Leh. You may visit famous monasteries such as Thiksey, Hemis, and Shey.

You can also explore Leh Palace and the local market. The day helps your body adjust to the altitude before the trek begins.

Day 3: Leh to Skiu – Trek to Sara

  • Skiu Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft
  • Sara Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft
  • Drive: 70 km | 2–3 hrs
  • Trek: 11 km | 5–6 hrs
  • Stay: Tents

Drive from Leh to Skiu, passing landmarks such as Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the Sangam where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet.

Begin trekking through the beautiful Markha Valley. The trail follows the Markha River and passes small settlements and green patches along the valley.

Day 4: Sara to Markha

  • Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,200 ft
  • Trek Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hrs
  • Stay: Tents

Trek through barren landscapes and traditional Ladakhi villages. The trail passes tea houses, wooden bridges, and prayer walls decorated with Mani stones.

Reach Markha village, the largest settlement in the valley, known for its monastery and historic ruins.

Day 5: Markha to Hankar

  • Altitude: 4,100 m / 13,400 ft
  • Trek Distance: 13 km | 7–8 hrs
  • Stay: Camp / Homestay

Today’s trek leads deeper into the upper Markha Valley. The trail crosses several streams and offers increasingly dramatic mountain views.

From this region you may get the first clear view of Kang Yatse Peak rising above the valley.

Day 6: Hankar to Nimaling

  • Altitude: 4,800 m / 15,800 ft
  • Trek Distance: 12 km | 7–8 hrs
  • Stay: Tents

The trek continues through alpine landscapes and high-altitude meadows. Along the route you may pass grazing animals and small mountain streams.

Nimaling is a beautiful high-altitude campsite with spectacular views of Kang Yatse Peak.

Day 7: Nimaling to Dzo Jongo East Base Camp

  • Altitude: 5,200 m / 17,100 ft
  • Trek Distance: 4–5 km | 4–5 hrs
  • Stay: Camp

Today is a short trek to the base camp of Dzo Jongo East. The trail climbs gradually through rocky terrain with stunning views of surrounding peaks.

Spend the evening resting and acclimatizing at base camp before the summit push.

Day 8: Rest and Training Day

  • Technical equipment briefing
  • Training session for summit climb
  • Summit push begins at night

Today is reserved for rest and preparation for the summit attempt. The team will conduct training sessions on the use of technical gear required for the climb.

The summit attempt typically begins late at night to reach the peak by early morning.

Day 9: Summit Dzo Jongo East and Return to Base Camp

  • Altitude: 6,250 m / 20,500 ft
  • Trek Distance: 14 km | 11–12 hrs
  • Stay: Base Camp

Begin the summit climb during the night. The route gradually becomes steeper as you move across snow and glacier terrain.

From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Kang Yatse peaks and the vast mountains of Ladakh before descending back to base camp.

Day 10: Base Camp to Chokdo via Kongmaru La – Drive to Leh

  • Kongmaru La: 5,200 m / 17,300 ft
  • Chokdo: 3,900 m / 12,900 ft
  • Trek Distance: 16 km | 6–7 hrs
  • Drive: 60 km
  • Stay: Hotel in Leh

The final day involves crossing the high Kongmaru La Pass, offering stunning views of the Ladakh Range and the Indus Valley.

Descend through rocky terrain to Chokdo village and drive back to Leh, marking the end of the expedition.

Trek Essentials

Backpack with rain cover(50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stickAdvisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box1 Nos
SnacksEnergy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical KitConsult your doctor

 

T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)1 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirt1 Nos
Fleece jacket1 Nos
Windproof Jacket1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)2 Nos
Fleece Pant1 Nos
Waterproof gloves1 Pair
Fleece / woollen gloves1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant1 Nos

 

Head torch1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun Cap1 Nos
Woolen cap1 Nos.
Balaclava1 Nos.
Buff / Neck-gaiters1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen
SunglassesUV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses

 

Trekking shoes1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops1 Pair
Cotton socks6 pairs
Woollen socks1 pairs
Gaiters1 Pair (NK provides when required)
Micro spikes1 Pair (NK provides when required)

 

Sunscreen1 Nos
Moisturiser1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers1 Nos
Antibacterial powder1 Nos
Quick dry towel1 Nos

FAQs

The Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is a scenic trekking route in Uttarakhand. The trek takes you to the beautiful Dodital Lake and further to Darwa Pass, offering stunning Himalayan views, dense forests, alpine meadows, and pristine mountain streams.

The Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is generally considered an easy to moderate trek. It is suitable for beginners with basic fitness as well as experienced trekkers.

The best time to do the trek is during May to June and September to November. During these months the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the trails are ideal for trekking.

The Dodital Darwa Pass Trek usually takes around 7 days to complete, including travel to and from the base location.

The maximum altitude reached during the trek is approximately 11,400 ft at Darwa Pass.

While experienced trekkers may attempt it independently, it is highly recommended to trek with a professional trekking organization such as NK Adventure for better safety, logistics support, and guidance.

The total trekking distance for the Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is approximately 50 km.

Accommodation during the trek usually includes guesthouses at base locations and camping in tents at higher campsites. Trekkers are provided sleeping bags, mattresses, and tents for a comfortable stay.

Trekkers are provided with nutritious vegetarian meals during the trek. The meals generally include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea. The food is prepared by experienced trek cooks to ensure energy and hygiene during the journey.

Yes, the trek is suitable for beginners who have a basic level of physical fitness and are comfortable walking for several hours a day on mountain trails.

The trek usually starts from Sangam Chatti, which is located near Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. Trekkers reach Sangam Chatti after driving from Dehradun.

Mobile network connectivity is limited. You may get signal in Uttarkashi and sometimes at base villages, but most parts of the trek do not have network coverage.

  • Warm clothing and thermal layers
  • Waterproof trekking shoes
  • Backpack with rain cover
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal medical kit
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and cap
  • Water bottles and energy snacks

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Trekkers should be able to walk for 5–6 hours a day comfortably and should practice basic cardio exercises before the trek.

Yes, forest permits may be required as the trek passes through protected forest areas. These permits are usually arranged by the trekking organizer.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

 

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.