Real Heroes of Chadar

What is now popularly known as the Chadar Trek, was decades ago, just a trade route, where the locals of the Zanskar region commuted back and forth to Leh, to sell goatskin, Yak butter and copper utensils. 

It’s hard to think that these locals, unlike us, did not have access to the expensive warm clothing or even sleeping bags to keep them warm. Being cut off from Leh during winter months, the frozen Zanskar river was their only means of survival. For days, they would navigate the tricky ice sheet and sleep the nights in the caves.

What is an adventure for us was routine for them. Even now, it is commendable to see the effort the locals put in making our Chadar Trek comfortable. Not only do they pull heavy equipment and gear for us on the slippery ice sheet, but they go out of their way to ensure that all our needs our met. All I have is immense respect and admiration for the “Heroes of Chadar”