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Chadar
Trek (Winter Trip) - 2023
Frozen Zanskar River Trek.
Chadar
Trek or the Frozen Zanskar River Trek. It is all white, snow all around the
place, walk on the bed of ice. Just be there and you will realize all about
the magic of nature. Its thrilling as well as chilling. Honestly Speaking,
its a paradise for the trekkers and the humankind.
Chadar
in Hindi means 'a blanket'. During winters, large sections of the
Zanskar River freezes to resemble a blanket of ice, thereby deriving the
name. As heavy snowfall isolates a few desolate villages from the main
habitation, the Chadar Trek remains the only way to reach these villages.
Through much of the trek, steep canyons accompany you on both sides.
Sometimes the canyon walls are the only support you have as you make your
way across fast flowing icy cold river water. Thick snow covers much of the
trail and at night, you camp in tents on ice or in ancient caves.
Quick Facts:
Temperature: -5 to -10 degrees (during
the day) and -25 to -35 degrees (during the night)
Trekking Distance: 75km
Maximum Altitude: 11,123ft
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Overview
Trip Starting From: Leh
Trekking Season : Jan to Feb
Minimum Group 6 to 7 Pax
Backpackers package - 19,800/-
- 8 nights/9 days chadar trek
- Snacks during the trek
- Accommodation - 6 nights in tents and 2 nights in guest house on
Quad sharing.
- 1 Trek guide leading the group
- 1:5 porter to trekker ratio to carry central equipment
Minimum Group 6 to 7 Pax
Standard package - 23,500/-
- 8 nights/9 days Chadar trek
- Appropriate and nutritious meals during the trek.
- 5+ years experience Trek Leader and 2 Trek Guides leading the group
- Accommodation - 6 nights in tents with clean sleeping bags with
outer and inner lining, thick mattresses to stop the cold, premium tents to
sustain extreme temperature. 2 Nights in a premium guest house with room
heaters. Tented accommodation is on triple sharing(double sharing for a
couple) while guest house accommodation is double sharing.
- Portable oxygen cylinders along with big oxygen cylinders during
the trek.
- A separate dining tent, multiple toilet tents, 1 separate cook and
2 helpers for making food arrangements.
- All the central equipmentes like ropes, harnesses, ice-axe, etc.
- Both-ways transfer in cars from Leh to trek starting point
- Drop on the last day.
Other Inclusions
Trek equipment's (Tent, Sleeping bag with Inner, Mattress, Dinning
Tent, Toilet Tent)
First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
Professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff
To and fro transport from Leh hotel
Stay : Camps, Hotel, Guest House
Meal : Veg or Non Veg
Activity : Trekking, Camping
Tour Program : Trekking Program 8 nights 9 days
Trek Route : Leh - Tilad Do - Chilling - Tilad Do to Shingra Koma -
Tibb cave to Naerak camp - Tibb Cave
Detail Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Leh : Pickup from Airport and Drop to The Guest
house
Overnight stay at the hotel/guest house.
Keep your woollen cap and gloves handy.
Flying
over miles and miles of heavily snowed mountains will tell you just why it's
impossible to reach Ladakh by road in the winters. The moment you land at
the Leh airport, one of the highest airports in the world, you will feel the
fresh and crisp air, and a drastic drop in the temperature. The town has
just begun shedding off the thick winter slumber and is slowly coming to
life. Taking a stroll through the Leh market, you will find that very few
shops and eateries in the town are open for business; but if required, some
last minute-shopping for the trek can be done here. The chill in the air
will serve only as a preview of the temperatures during this winter trek.
The night is spent in a copy guest house.
Day 2 - Drive to Tilad Do via Chilling (11,400 to 10,390 ft)
Climb to Shanti Stupa and Witness the Sunrise
Trek to Tilat Sumdo ( 1-2 Hours approx.)
Overnight stay at camps
You can start the morning by witnessing the sunrise from the Shanti
Stupa , from where you can get a panoramic view of the entire town of Leh
and its surroundings. You can also see the peak of Stok Kangri almost
beckoning you to climb it.
But today's agenda includes a very picturesque and thrilling
long-drive to Chilling. The roller-coaster ride takes you along the Indus to
the village of Nimu, where the Zanskar converges into Indus. After stopping
at this confluence point to take in the view, the drive continues and the
road begins descending right into the river valley. There are quite a few
heart-stopping moments as the vehicle negotiates the steep hairpin bends
over snow covered road. The road goes past Chilling to Tilad Do. Among these
mammoth mountains, the feeling of insignificance of one's being does not
escape anyone.
To reach the camp-site, you have to cross the frozen Zanskar river
and this is when you take your first steps on the Chadar. It takes a while
to get a hang of walking on the ice sheet. As the evening comes, the team
pitches tents on the banks of the Zanskar, and hands out thick warm sleeping
bags. To get some exercise and keep warm, you can climb up the nearby
mountains and get a good look at the frozen river. As the sun sets, it drags
the temperature down with it, and the sleeping bags in the tents look quite
inviting.
Day 3 - Tilad Do to Shingra Koma (10,390 to 10,550 ft. Trek
10 kms)
Reach Gyalpo via Shingra Koma ,
Overnight stay in camps at Gyalpo
The biggest challenge of this day, and all the remaining days, is
to get out of the warm toasty sleeping bags and go out into the giant
freezer outside, but the steaming cups of tea being served provide ample
motivation.
Today
is a long walking session, about 10 km, on the Chadar. The trek leaders will
give a briefing about the day, and give tips on how to walk on the Chadar.
Depending on the weather, the Chadar can assume various forms. It can be a
cold and hard surface of slippery ice, or it can have a dusting of snow over
it, providing a good grip. The ice can be thick or thin, and its best to
keep closely following the guide. The locals, it appears, have a sixth sense
as to where exactly to step on the Chadar. At places, it might be necessary
to wade through ankle deep water, or climb on the cliffs at the side of the
river. Eventually you get used to walking on the Chadar, which looks like a
cross between gliding and skating. Mid way to Gyalpo, the porter-cum-cooks
prepare hot bowlfuls of soupy noodles for lunch. It is important to keep up
a decent level of fluid intake. Nothing makes you adapt to the conditions
faster than nicely circulating blood in your system.
After passing Shingra koma, you reach the camp-site for the day at
Gyalpo. The Gyalpo campsite is at a bend in the river, surrounded by high
peaks and walls of rock-faces which almost look man-made. All that is left
to do is to soak in the views, have an early dinner and call it a day.
Day 4 - Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave (10,550 to 10,760 ft.
Trek through Zanskar (15 km
approx) Overnight stay in tents
This day follows the same early morning routine: bed tea at 7,
breakfast at 8, and quick-march at 8:30. Have a good breakfast, as today is
the longest walk of the day - almost 15 km. But that is nothing to worry
about, all the walking keeps you incredibly warm.
Today's
walk through the deep ravines of the Zanskar is stunning. The sublime walls
of the mountains on either sides of the river keep the sunlight away from
the Chadar for most part of the day. There are numerous caves in these
mountains, big and small. Today is the day when you can see frozen
waterfalls, some higher than the others. As the fable goes, centuries ago
the local villagers faced a dearth of water and went to Tibet to plead for
water. They were given a box which they were to open once they reached the
village, and not any time sooner. But curiosity got the better out of them,
and when they opened the box, two fishes jumped out of it, creating two huge
waterfalls. One of those waterfalls, miraculously, is not iced-up even in
such freezing cold. The rocks below this waterfall are covered with moss,
and this is the only greenery you'll see on this trek.
At Tibb, there is a big cave. This cave is the dwelling of all the
porters, and they welcome you warm-heartedly in here. The highlight of the
day is to share a cup of butter-tea with them!
Day 5 - Tibb cave to Naerak camp (10,760 to 11,150 ft. Trek 12.5
kms
Overnight stay at camps in Nyerak Village
Attraction Frozen waterfall
Today is the most spectacular of all
days on this trek. Walking on the river you cross deep gorges and reach a
point where Juniper trees are covered with prayer flags. The porters give
you a twig of this tree tied with a piece of prayer flag as a badge of
good-luck and good-health. A few steps away stands the mother-of-all frozen
waterfalls - a huge instance of suspended animation several feet tall and
equally wide. You can see dozens of colours in this enormous ice structure
as sunlight plays off its surface. Right next to the waterfall is a bridge
across the river which is a part of the summer-time road from Zanskar to Leh.
The Naerak village lies several feet above the river, a vigorous
hour-long trek can take you to the village if you want to see the life of a
Zanskari. The camp is set up close to the river.
Day 6 - Naerak to Tibb Cave (11,150 to 10,760 ft Trek 12.5 kms)
Stay in tent
Today
you start the return journey and go back to the Tibb cave. And if you
thought that it was just a matter of retracing your steps back to Chilling,
you can think again. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of
temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself. The Chadar would have
assumed a completely new form, and will it will almost be impossible to say
whether you have been here before.
On the way, you can meet a lot of locals wearing their traditional
woollen Gonchas - some of them monks who are hiking from the Lingshed
Monastery to Leh, some of them young students accompanied by their parents
returning to their schools in Leh after the winter vacation. Watching the
locals negotiate the Chadar is a fascinating sight. They are suitably adept
to the climate and seem very much at home in the sub-zero temperature and
the biting cold winds. Nothing wipes the smiles off their faces and dampens
the warmth of their spirit.
Day 7 - Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma (10,760 to 10,550 ft. Trek 15
kms) Stay in tent
Starting from Tibb, go up to Gyalpo today. The high walls of
mountains rising from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls.
You can see several trails of pug-marks all along the trek - footprints
belonging to foxes, ibex or snow-leopards. You would be lucky to view a
snow-leopard; but you can almost be sure that you are being watched by one
all the time.
Day 8 - Shingra Koma to Tilad Do and drive to Leh (10,550 to
10,390 and drive to 11400 ft. Trek 10 kms)
Drive 65 kms to Leh
Last day of Chadar Trek
Check-in into the guesthouse
Dinner , Overnight stay in the guesthouse
This is the last day of treading on the Chadar - the last chance to
immerse in the pristine beauty of the frozen river. Once you reach Tilad Do,
it is time to say good-bye to the Zanskar and the Zanskaries. The team and
porters will take good care of you and make this trek one of the most
memorable experiences for you. Tonight you get to sleep in a warm
guest-house again.
Day 9 - Leh Departure
After Breakfast Check out Guest , Continue with your return
journey
Experience ends here
Things To Carry
Backpack (Rucksack) (60 ltr -70ltr) with comfortable
shoulder straps, supporting frame and back pack rain cover
Trekking pole
Water Bottle
LED Torch & with Extra Batteries
3 pair of synthetic track pants
3 Full sleeve wollen tees with collar
Raincoat
A full sleeve thick jacket
A full sleeve sweater
2 pairs of thermal inners
Woolen monkey cap/balaclava that cover the ear
Woolen hand gloves + synthetic water proof glove
A woolen head-scarf or muffler
Trekking Shoes
2 pairs of sports socks
2 pairs of woolen socks
Cold cream and sun screen lotion (SPF 40+)
LED Torch with extra set of cells
Snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruits
Sun Glasses it should be U/V Protected
Toilet Kit (Toilet Paper) & Quick Dry Towels
Water Purifying Tablets
Hot water Bag
Vicks
Crocin
Avomine
Combiflam
Avil 25mg
Disprin
Norflox
Diamox
Band aid
Digene
Gauze cloth
Leukoplast
Cotton
Antiseptic cream like Betadine
Pain relieving spray like Volini/Moov
Crepe bandage - 3 to 5 meters - 4 inch width
Oral Rehydration Salts like Electral/Enerzal
ID proof like driving license, voters ID card, passport
4 Passport size photo
Medical certificate from a recognized practicing doctor certifying
your fitness for the trek
Indemnity certificate
Advisory
It's always good to plan for an additional day to accommodate any
unforeseen conditions like bad weather, broken bridges, flight delays,
casualties that may arise.
Since you will be trekking in an eco-friendly zone, make sure you do
not litter the vicinity and carry your leftovers.
Flowy and frilly clothing might hinder your movement. It is better to
avoid such type of clothing.
Do not rely on sports or casual shoes as they might compromise grip
on the snowy surface.
Trekking during the nights is extremely dangerous and might lead to
unwanted circumstances.
It is advisable to consult an expert trekker before backpacking as a
heavy backpack might slow down your trekking speed.
While visiting the monasteries and other religious sites, abide by
the instructions and guidelines laid by the authorities.
Try not to interrupt or disturb the locals during the trek or other
times.
Never compromise with the quality of drinking water; ensure that the
water is properly boiled and purified.
Avoid heavy meals during the trek as it leads to tiredness.
Abide by the instructions given by the trek leader or instructor in
order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking.
Always take a note of the weather reports and avoid getting caught in
any sort of natural ravages.
Avoid:
Denim or jeans clothing
Soda and alcoholic beverages
Plastics of all kind
Tobacco
Tips for Chadar trek
1) Prepare your mind first: This is a difficult trek that comes
with a lot of extremities. From the weather to physical requirement. Train
your mind to expect and accept the sub-zero level. Do bear in mind that
there is life which exists there as well; for centuries Chadar is used as
the only way to commute to Leh during winters. Your mental strength will
signal your body to withstand the cold climb.
2) Be Warm:
Next is to keep oneself warm as the temperature falls severely on
this trek. To keep going and not be deterred by the weather conditions, use
4 layers for the Torso that includes ,a jacket and a wind sheeter which is
waterproof and has a fleece lining. For the bottom, a base layer, thermal
underpants and waterproof pants with a fleece lining, should suffice. Make
sure your fleece and jackets have zips down the front so that you can unzip
them as the day grows progressively warmer.
3) Keep a woolen cap and gloves (a must).
Essentially you need to sleep well during the night to keep you
fresh for the next day of trek. Keep an insulating water bottle to keep your
sleeping bag warm during the night. Use Silk liner inside your bags to keep
it warm enough.
4) Footwear: Hiking shoes + Gumboots
At occasions, trekking on the Chadar involves wading through knee-deep
cold water. Though hiking shoes are highly recommended, gumboots help keep
your shoes and feet secure from the icy cold water. It is practically
impossible to dry anything at Chadar, so gumboots are a compulsory and a
crucial addition to the footwear.
5) Expect sweet pain:
The Chadar is a glossy, slippery sheet of ice and will never let you
walk carelessly. But no matter how careful one is, everyone falls and slips
more than once on the Chadar. If you fall, just get back up by rolling on
your knees and keep walking with confidence. Gumboots might give you shoe
bites, but you'll get used to it as you walk.
6) Observe and keep moving:
The locals can give you a firsthand training of how to cross the lake
on your foot. On a closer observation, you would notice that they walk fast
and take Penguin like strides on the ice. As you watch them, you will learn
their ways of manoeuvring around on the ice blanket and learn when it is
wiser to wait than to carry on or the reverse.
7) Keep your electronics warm:
Extreme cold climate can ruin electronics. Hence keep them warm
by keeping them safe by tucking them into your pockets closer to your body
it will keep them warm and long-lasting.
8) Protect your fingers and toes:
In sub-zero temperatures, fingers and toes are the most exposed and
can be frozen resulting in bad pain when camping. Carry waterproof woollen
socks and gloves. An extra pair of socks would help as they gather moisture
while wearing gumboots.
9) Warming pads:
Warming pads are very helpful for those who feel cold sooner than
others. These are exothermic pads to be slipped in your gloves and socks.
They release heat and keep you warm for up to 10 hours.
Do's and Dont's on Chadar trek
Do's of Chadar Trek
- Needless to say that one should inform one's family before
coming for this trek, so in case of any emergency, they can come for help.
- The temperature extensively drops down in the region. Therefore, it
is advisable to keep warm clothes and shoes at hand. The shoes should also
be waterproof.
- As there won't be any pharmacies on our trek, please do carry
required medications and a first aid kit, in case of any bruises or cuts.
- The area of this trek has hardly any shop to stop for food or
drinks, hence it is advisable to carry water and energy giving food like
energy bars and other eateries to be had at regular intervals. We also
travel with plenty of water.
Dont's of Chadar Trek
- It is the responsibility of every trekker to maintain the
serenity of the surroundings. Thus, one should not litter anywhere and spoil
the magnificence.
- The wonderful waterfalls should not be contaminated by the use of
shampoos and soaps. Thus one should avoid using them. The local habitat
tribes use this water for drinking purpose so one should keep it as clean as
one expects its drinking water to be.
- When meeting monks or other locals on the way, pinpointing is not
advisable as they make take offense.
- Respect the serenity of the shrines and thus one should never
disturb the monks or prayers in the monasteries on the route.
- Trekking in the Frozen River is certainly a difficult task and
thus, one should not try to be over-smart. Following the tips and guidelines
is a must to carry out this trek safely.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the
trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made within 0-30 days before the start date of
the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions,
certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases the operator will try
his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will
be provided for the same.
- Trekking in the Frozen River is certainly a difficult task and
thus, one should not try to be over-smart. Following the tips and guidelines
is a must to carry out this trek safely.
Tour Ends
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