Thanks to the pandemic, it had been really long I ventured out in the mountains. While a lot happened in my life during this time, part of me was longing for mountains. Along with some friends, I planned a Leh biking trip a couple of months back but for various reasons, it didn't materilize. It pushed me into desperation. So I decided to book for a Himlayan trek. I thought of going for a little more challenging one this time.
I spoke to my family about it and visited my regular Himalayan trek operator Trek The Himalaya's website. Kang Yatse in Ladakh region sounded interesting. I approached the operator for booking. Unfortunately or fortunately, the batch was full so they couldn't take a new booking. The organizers suggested this expedition trek that I had never heard of before called Dzo Jongo. It was my first time in this region Leh/Ladakh and blame it to my ignorance, I barely knew the reason why this trek is referred as a trek expedition than just a trek.
Few years back, I read this book One life to ride by Pune based Mr. Ajit Harisinghani. It's a lovely read. Here's the link if you are interested.
Since then Leh/Ladakh was always on my mind.
But was it really a difficult trek as I was seeking? Sure it was. One adventure company Bikat has an interesting rating scale for the difficulty level of the popular treks, it categorizes Dzo Jongo as difficult level trek.
One different thing I did for this trek was, I hardly told any of my trekker friends about the plan. Usually I prefer to go with friends but this time I wanted a different experience. Also it was a good social challenge for me to get acquainted with a bunch of absolute strangers. One often needs help on treks, also it can be lonely if you don't make efforts to get along with co-trekkers. I love the fact of these treks that whoever you are in your life, all are equal in the group. Perhaps that makes it easier to open up with others so effortlessly which I doubt how often it happens in other setups.
Jagdish Bhai aka JB is a veteran trekker and a dear friend. He has done countless Himalayan treks and trips. He called one day and this is how the conversation took place
JB: So what happened to the Leh plan?
Me: <sad story> 😠😏
Me: But I have booked for Dzo Jongo and preparing
JB: Oh haven't heard of it much, what's the altitude?
Me: 6,250 Meters
JB: Whoa! But ho jayega. You should prepare well.
JB: What time would you start climbing on the summit day?
Me: What time.. eh.. usual early morning hi hoga.. let me check
JB: 🤦♂️
Me: <opens the website>
Me: Shit.. it starts at 10pm Sir and probably we'll reach at sunrise.. and it would mean that we will return to the base next afternoon. Also means no sleep that night
JB: Yes, I was wondering..
Me: Shit.. shit.. shit
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