Rivers make for pleasant surroundings when you have the idea of a picnic, camping, or rafting in mind. However, when it comes to trekking, the first thing that comes to mind is the mountains. What if I told you that you could not just watch but trek on a river?
Welcome to Asia’s most adventurous Chadar trek- the sight of the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh.
For most travelers, the idea of walking on a frozen river is mindblowing. After all, who would want to miss out on such an extraordinary opportunity? The experience of walking on the frozen river and camping right beside it is something you definitely want once in a lifetime. Here is everything you need to know about this trek.
Where is Chadar Trek?
Chadar, aka the frozen river, is a trail pursued on the frozen Zanskar river during winter. Zanskar lies in the Indian union territory of Ladakh, to the south-west of Leh, and is surrounded by the Himalayas and Zanskar ranges.
History of Chadar Trek
For the people of Ladakh, Chadar is more than just a trek. The trail dates back more than a 1000 years. For ages, the people of Zanskar have called it Khado Sanglam. The connectivity of Zanskar with the outer world is only through the road Penzi La, located at an elevation of 14000 feet, which gets closed due to snowfall. This leaves only a route for the people of Zanskar to travel in winter, except to walk on the frozen river. Temperatures drop to -30 degrees, forming a thick layer of ice on the Zanskar river, which is hard enough for people to walk. It is said that there was a French traveler who discovered the Chadar trek as he was amazed by this act of locals. Gradually, the trek opened to the world.
How long is the trek to Chadar?
The Chadar trek takes nearly four nights and five days to complete. It was a little over 100 km when it first started, but due to expanding road construction, people now cover around 60 km on this trail.
Is it worth it? Things to see
If you want to witness the magical colors of nature, look no further than the Chadar trek. From bluish tinge to golden yellow, sparkling white, and deep blue, the sky is the limit to mesmerizing yourself with colors along the Zanskar. There are many more sights to follow. From frozen waterfalls that seem sky-touching to ice cafes and larger-than-life rocks, Chadar trek has plentiful things to offer. And if you’re lucky, you get to see the snow covering the entire path. Globalization promotes the exchange and integration of different cultures.
How hard is the trek? Terrain, elevation, and altitude
Chadar trek requires mental and physical preparations. While it might seem convenient to walk on a plain surface, the slippery ice and extreme cold make it challenging. Starting from Chilling, the trail goes to Nerak, which has an altitude of 10,900 ft, with temperatures dropping as low as -30 degrees. While it does not have the element of climbing, spending nights in the camps are tough. It is advised to acclimatize well and keep yourself hydrated before beginning the trek.
Food on the Chadar Trek
While there is almost everything is available on the trek, it depends on the travel company you’ve onboarded for Chadar. The food ranges from delicious Italian Pasta and Pizza to Tuna, butter chicken, typical north Indian, Chinese, and whatnot. Make sure you opt for a good travel company that caters to a variety of healthy items. It will keep you motivated and steady on the trek.
Accommodations at Chadar Camp
Accommodation on the Chadar trek is completely in camps. There are three campsites where people stay as they progress on the trek. Ensure your travel company provides good sleeping bags and insulated tents, otherwise, sleeping will be the toughest part of the trek for you. Good travel groups give double-lining sleeping bags usually used by soldiers who have to stay out around the glaciers.
When’s the best time to go? Temperatures & weather
Chadar only opens in Jan and Feb for travelers. So, make sure you plan well in advance.
What gear and equipment should I pack?
1 Backpack to carry your thermos flask, immediate changing clothes and snacks.
1 Rain cover
1 pair of water proof trekking shoes with a firm grip
1 pair of Gum boots
2 pairs of waterproof trekking pants.
1 Warm down jacket
1 Windcheater
1 Fleece sweater
2-3 Cotton T shirts
2 pairs of thermal inners, upper and lower
3 pairs of sports cotton socks, and 2 pairs of swollen socks
2 pairs of woollen and water proof hand gloves each
2 pairs of woollen caps or Balaclava
Sun or Golf Caps
Should I use a porter service?
If you’re going with a travel company, chances are they will provide you with a porter. That’s because you have to carry adequate clothes to last the length of this trek. There are possibilities of walking in water where the Chadar is not completely frozen, and you might have to immediately change clothes in case you get drenched in the water.
Getting there
Flying is the best option to get to Leh, where you will be acclimatizing before the trek. Reaching 3 days before the trek is considered the best to get acquainted with the surroundings and high altitude. From Leh, going to the Chadar trek takes around 2.5-3 hours by road.
Medical tests
There is also a medical test that one has to pass before going on the Chadar. Due to inhospitable weather conditions, people need to get their blood pressure, oxygen levels, and pulse rate checked. Acclimatizing well is the key to passing this test.
A typical Chadar Trek itinerary
Day 1:-Report at Leh. Acclimatize and overnight at hotel.
Day 2:-Drive to Chilling [3 hrs]. Trek to Tilat Sumdo camp [1 hr].
Day 3:-Trek to Shingra Korma [9 km/6 hrs trek].
Day 4:-Trek to Tibb [14.5 km/8 hrs trek]
Day 5:-Trek to Naerak Pullu [11.5 km/7 hrs trek]
Day 6:-Trek from Naerak to Tibb.
Day 7:-Trek to Shingra Korma.
Day 8:-Trek to Chilling and drive back to Leh.
Day 9:-Return from Leh.
Have more questions about the trail, or planning to go on the next Chadar trek? Reach out to us on Instagram.com/triyanatravel.
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