When I first read about Dzo Jongo East, I was excited and nervous at the same time. A peak above 6000 meters? That sounded serious. But I also learned that it’s one of the few non-technical 6000-meter treks in the Indian Himalayas, which means you don’t need climbing gear or ropes to reach the summit.
Still, it’s not for everyone. If you’re wondering whether Dzo Jongo East is right for you, let me share my experience and break it down based on three things: skill, fitness, and acclimatization.
These are the key parts that decide whether this trek will feel exciting—or exhausting.
1. Skill: Do You Need Mountaineering Experience?
The short answer? No.
You do not need mountaineering or climbing experience to do this trek. Dzo Jongo East is known as a non-technical peak. That means the trail does not involve any glacier crossings, rope sections, or vertical climbs.
However, you do need basic trekking experience. It’s best if you’ve done at least one high-altitude trek (above 4000 meters) before. That way, your body is familiar with thinner air, and your mind is more confident when trails get tough.
What helped me:
- Having done treks like Kedarkantha and Hampta Pass earlier
- Being comfortable walking on loose rocks and steep paths
- Knowing how to handle basic mountain situations like fatigue, cold, and headaches
If this is your first trek ever, I suggest trying a shorter Himalayan trek first before aiming for Dzo Jongo.
2. Fitness: How Fit Do You Need to Be?
This trek will test your endurance. It’s not a technical climb, but the altitude makes everything harder. Even small steps feel tiring when there’s less oxygen.
During summit day, I had to wake up around 2 AM and hike for about 10–12 hours in cold, windy conditions. You need both physical and mental strength for this.
To prepare, I did:
- Cardio training like jogging, stair climbing, and cycling (30–45 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
- Weekend hikes with a backpack to get used to walking for long hours
- Leg and core exercises to improve balance and strength
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk 12–15 km in a day, handle steep ascents, and carry your daypack comfortably.
3. Acclimatization: The Most Important Part
You can be super fit, but if your body doesn’t adapt to the high altitude, you won’t enjoy the trek—or worse, you may need to turn back.
That’s why acclimatization is non-negotiable on the Dzo Jongo East trek.
I made sure to:
- Spend 2–3 days in Leh before starting the trek
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid alcohol or heavy food in the first few days
- Walk around Leh slowly to help my body adjust
- Follow a trek itinerary with gradual altitude gain
Our guide also checked our oxygen levels every evening with an oximeter. That helped us stay aware of our body’s response to the height.
Is This Trek Right for You?
Here’s a quick checklist I made to help you decide:
- You’ve done at least one Himalayan trek before
- You’re comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for 6–7 days
- You can train for 4–6 weeks before the trek
- You enjoy remote trails with fewer people
- You want to experience the thrill of a 6000-meter summit without technical climbing
If most of your answers are yes, you’ll love this trek. It’s challenging, beautiful, and not crowded like the popular trails. Standing on top of Dzo Jongo East, with no noise and endless Himalayan views, is one of my favorite memories ever.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Go with a reliable trekking company that provides experienced guides
- Take summit day seriously—eat well, start early, dress warm
- Pack light but smart—layers, a good headlamp, and trekking poles made a huge difference for me
- Don’t compare yourself with others—walk at your own pace
If you’re dreaming of your first Himalayan summit, Dzo Jongo East is a great choice. It’s not easy, but it’s 100% worth it if you’re ready to train, pace yourself, and give your body time to adjust.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. And maybe next time, I’ll see you on the trail.
