chadar trek trekking In india

Chadar Trek

Alternatively known as the Zanskar Gorge trek, the Chadar trekking tour is conducted in the thick of winter on a solidly frozen Zanskar River. No doubt an extremely glamorous trek, its better noted that the Chadar vicinity happens to be severely inhospitable with nighttime temperatures falling to minus 20 and 25. The frozen ice face on the river makes for a treacherous walk as day time temperature rises with the sun shining on the ice. At many places, the ‘chadar’ or shroud of ice doesn’t form thickly on the waters and that’s where one has to forge new trails on the embankment. Though gradient-wise, not a severely exacting trail, the route to Chadar is fraught with unique challenges, out of the world sceneries, an ever-transforming trail, and the whimsies of the frozen river. Select this trek to push your boundaries for persistence and survival, receive unique exposure to local people who survive extreme challenges every day in search of livelihoods in this desert of ice and snow, and experience the ever-present sense of danger. 

What Is the Chadar Trek?

Nearly a 9-day trek the Chadar journey in the Ladakh region flags off from Tilat Sumdo after reaching the base camp at Leh. Further on, the trek will take you through Shingra Kogma and on to Tibb, and finally reaching Nerak village at nightfall to camp. The entire route is made of ice sheets and crosses by enthralling sights of waterfalls frozen in their cascading fall. The vertical ice walls rising up to 600 m high around the Chadar of frozen river are stark and jagged on the top, adding to the visual drama of the region. People with loads to carry cross these paths with sledges, making up an image no way recognizable with the visuals of India as we know it! The abysmally low dropping temperature after sundown calls for intensively layered clothing on this trek. Attention to fitness from a few months prior to the trek is highly essential. To battle the extremes of weather and make the whole journey enjoyable, it’s important to improve core strength and stamina with 5 hours of walk every day on an average on this trek. Many trekkers also choose to take a preventive course of medicine (under doctor’s advice) to keep altitude sickness at bay. Besides the unreal slice of nature that trekkers would be absolutely thrilled with, there’s a rare cultural quotient to find on this trek as well. Life in the Zanskari villages is as fascinating as it gets at this isolated edge of the world!

Why Should You Go For Chadar Trek?

• A fascinating experience of ice and snow surpassing the wildest of imaginations in the far corner Ladakh Himalayas.  
• Forging pathways through an ever-changing river of ice on the frozen Zanskar River.
• Breathless ascension of rough inclines on jagged rock and ice.
• Thoroughly exploring one of the most uninhabitable places on earth.
• Crossing dramatic deep river gorges with frozen waterfalls stilled midway in their fall
• The reflection of snow covered mountains on the iced Chadar River, like a mirror of the sky.
• Sleeping inside caves and enjoying bonfires blazing on ice.
• Experiencing the ever-present riveting sense of danger lurking in the air.
• Visit the connecting villages of the Zanskar region and observing the indigenous culture of the people of this harsh climatic zone.
• The literally bone-chilling sensation of surviving in -25 degrees night time temperature while days can be as cold as -15 to -20 degrees. 
• 105 km coverable distance on treacherous ice and snow to set your heart racing and your physical stamina tested to the limits.
• An intermediate to advanced level, enriching trekking challenge for dedicated mountain travelling enthusiasts.
• A good lesson in exhaustive packing for a tough trek, gearing up with special mountain travel equipments, and layering up in clothing.
• The bonus of having the mountain city of Leh - the capital of Ladakh region on the tour itinerary, the chance to visit the exquisite monasteries, and a chance to closely see the mountain civilization of the Ladakhi Buddhist people. 
• The exhilarating experience of reaching the altitude of 11,123 feet on this stupendously beautiful snow trek.

How High Is Chadar Trek?

The Chadar Trek reaches to a maximum altitude of 12, 628 ft, beginning on day 1 from 11,400 ft from Leh. 

When to Visit?

The most appropriate time to go on the Chadar Trek is between January and February. During this time at the peak of winters, the river remains solidly frozen, though, during the day, the ice cover can be treacherously thin. 

How to Reach?

The trek can be accessed from Leh, the headquarters of the Ladakh region. Kushok Bakula Airport in Leh can be reached through connection with many major airports in India. 

Are There Any Shops Available On the Chadar Trek?
This is a completely isolated part of the country to trek in, with not too any shops to be found on. Food can be available from the Zanskari villages on the way. 

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Chadar Trek?
The Chadar trek takes around 8/9 days to complete starting from Leh and ending the trek in Leh. 

What to Pack for the Chadar Trek?

• Large or medium size backpack, and a duffle side bag for extras
• Water bottle
• Sun hat
• Warm cap
• Base Layers
• Fleece jacket
• Outer jacket
• Rain jacket (essential for the monsoon months)
• Sturdy trekking shoes and a pair of floaters
• Flashlight
• Trekking pants, several pairs
• UV-protection glasses
• Thermal socks

Is There Any Possibility Of Altitude Sickness?

Chances of altitude sickness remain high on this trek. Taking a course of Diamox under medical guidance is essential. Also, fitness training plays an important role in enjoyably taking this trek.

How Busy Is the Chadar Trek?

The Chadar Trek is not opted for by a lot of mainstay trekkers owing to the supremely harsh climatic condition and hardships on the trek. You can expect moderate traffic on the trail from January to February.