Chadar Trek - Ladakh
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Imagine walking on a surface made of ice and a frozen river. Sounds enthralling?
One can have this experience on the Chadar Trek in Ladakh. The Chadar trek is like no other trek in the Himalayas and is the most arduous winter trek in India. This is exactly what makes the experience exciting.
Chadar means ‘Blanket,’ and this trek is named so because the trail consists of trekking on the frozen Zanskar river, which gets covered in a thick blanket of ice as soon as winter commences. As exciting and interesting name this trek has, the experience is indeed the same and additionally, gives you the feeling of being invincible.
This 9 days-long trek will have you experience the strongest you have been – both mentally and physically. It is indeed a rewarding trek, with a better you that will flourish more in life additionally, with the best adventurous memories from here.
However, one can find frozen rivers or frozen lakes on other treks too but the experience of the Chadar trek remains completely different and exciting. Walking on a thick glass made of ice having huge and lofty mountains on both sides is an experience of a lifetime.
The Chadar trek offers an opportunity to explore and experience the Zanskari and Ladakhi culture and hospitality. Apart from all this, the frozen waterfalls that you see during Chadar Trek leave you in awe. The best months to do this trek are January and February and seeing the difficulty level, the trek is not recommended for beginners.
Day 1 - Arrival in Leh | Local Sightseeing
• We will arrive in Leh and check into our designated stay. After a brief introductory session, we will spend the rest of the day at leisure.
• Travelers are advised to explore Leh Town, explore the Cafes in Leh, and indulge in local sightseeing in the evening.
• Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Leh.
Note: This day spent in Leh is for acclimatization purposes.
Day 2 - Acclimatization Day
• After early morning breakfast, we'll head for a sightseeing tour.
• We will visit the Shanti Stupa and explore the Leh Market in the evening. If time permits, we will explore other attractions in Leh as well.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
Note: The Chadar trek requires trekkers to be properly acclimatized and hence we need to spend at least two days in Leh.
Day 3 - Medical Check-up
• We'll head to get a thorough medical check-up at SNM Hospital. Due to the perplexing nature of this specific trek, participants must obtain medical certification before undertaking the Chadar trek as per the government.
• A clearance certificate will be issued after a medical check-up and trekkers will only be allowed to embark on the Chadar Trek if they are found to be fit and are properly acclimatized.
Day 4 - Day 4: Trek to Guru Do Camp
• After enjoying morning tea and breakfast, we’ll drive towards Nimoo where we can witness the confluence of the Indus River and the Zanskar River. This ride is not for the faint-hearted as jagged roads and hairpin bends make this a tricky drive. The sight of the surrounding mountain ranges makes for a scenic ride that you’ll enjoy.
• Upon reaching Nimoo, We will start our trek to Guru Do Campsite. After walking on multitudes of icy surfaces, you’ll slowly start to understand the pattern of walking. Soon, you’ll reach the campsite.
• Dinner followed by an overnight stay at the Guru Do Camp.
Day 5 - Day 5: Trek to Shingra Yokma Camp (6 Hours)
• In the morning, we will have hot tea and breakfast. After that, we will start trekking towards Shingra Yokma Camp which is our next campsite.
• Enroute, you will encounter some of the most enchanting frozen waterfalls. As you keep walking, you’ll come across one of the breathtaking views you could ever witness. While you trek you can see the deep cliffs on both sides of the valley.
• En route, we’ll have our packed lunch.
• Upon reaching Shingra Yokma Camp, we will set up camps and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This camp is widely used by locals who transverse through the valley
• Dinner followed by an overnight stay in camps.
Day 6 - Day 6: Trek to Tsomo Camp
• After having breakfast in the morning, we will head towards the most anticipated campsite which is Tsomo camp.
• While trekking we will witness many stunning gorges. You will be amused to see the Summit Point at Tsomo Spring Waterfalls. All your efforts will be worth this moment.
• Hot lunch will be served on your way to the Tsomo campsite.
• Trekkers are advised to wear proper layers to stay safe from the freezing cold.
• We will set up camps at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the waterfall.
• Dinner followed by overnight stay at Tsomo Camp.
Day 7 - Day 7: Trek to Tsomo Tutu | Return back to Shingra Yokma Camp
• After early morning breakfast, we will trek to Tsomo Tutu.
• After spending enough time in Tsomo Tutu we will head back to our campsite at Shingra Yokma Camp. We will be retracing our steps back, admiring the beauty of the mystical frozen Zanskar.
• Upon reaching the campsite at Shingra Yokma Camp, we’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure.
• Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Shingra Yokma Camp
Day 8 - Day 8: Trek back to Guru Dho Camp and back to Leh
• After having early morning breakfast, we will head out of Shingra Yokma Camp and move towards Guru Dho Camp
• En route, you might get a chance to see paw prints of wild animals like snow leopards, ibex, and foxes.
• All the way you will be walking above the thick ice of chadar.
• In the evening, We will drive back to Leh and spend the night at our designated stay.
Day 9 - Departure from Leh
• After early morning breakfast, we will check out from the hotel.
• The group will part ways with fond memories of the trek
• Departure from Leh.
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Inclusions
Accommodation: Stay in Leh guest house on a Triple / Quad sharing basis as per itinerary. Stay in Alpine / Dome tents during the trek on a Triple sharing basis.
Transportation: Transportation from Leh to Trekking point on Day 4th and back to Leh guest house on Day 8th.
Meals: Breakfast only in Leh (Day 2 - Day 4 and Day 9th). All veg meals during the trek from Day 4th lunch to Day 8th breakfast.
Camping logistics: Common Kitchen, Dining, and Toilet tents during the trek. Porter for carrying camping logistics.
Others: Hot Water on request while staying in Leh.
Trek Leader Qualified and Experienced Trek guide and Support staff.
Trekking Equipment: Sleeping bag, Mattress
Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid Kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder.
Other Facility: Keeping extra luggage in Leh Guest House.
Exclusions
ALTOA Fees ( Wildlife fees, Environment tax, Insurance, Evacuation charges, Forest permit, Medical checkup, Camping charges).
Any Surface transfer from Leh Airport to Guest House and back.
Expenses of personal nature.
Personal Trekking Equipment like Gum Boots, Trekking Pole, and others.
Room Heaters at Guest House in Leh ( we suggest not use the room heaters as it dehydrates the body).
Porter for carrying personal luggage.
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: Where is Chadar Trek located?
A: <p>Chadar refers to the frozen river trail of the Zanskar River in Ladakh. The river becomes frozen with a sheet of thick ice acting as the only trail that can be used to travel in the region during the winter months. </p><p> </p>
Q: How to reach the basecamp for the Chadar trek?
A: <p>The starting point of the Chadar trek is the Frozen Zanskar river itself. One needs to drive from Leh to Shingra Koma to reach Tsomo Paldar which is where the trek initially starts from. The drive from Leh takes approximately 4 hours as the distance is approximately 65 Kilometers. </p>
Q: What are some important things to know before embarking on the Chadar Trek?
A: <p>The Chadar trek consists entirely of walking on multitudes of icy surfaces and the frozen Zanskar river. It is extremely important to stay cautious and hence novice trekkers shouldn't opt for the Chadar trek.</p><p>It is a high-altitude trek and hence acclimatization is crucial. </p><p>A medical check-up is done before one embarks on the Chadar Trek and if a trekker is deemed unfit for the trekker, then they're not allowed to go on the trek no matter what. </p>
Q: What is the difficulty level of the Chadar Trek?
A: <p>When it comes to the difficulty gradient, Chadar falls under the difficult trek. Even though it doesn't consists of steep ascents and descents, it is a trek consisting entirely of walking on a frozen river trail and since the ice can be thin at places, it is important to stay cautious. </p>
Q: Which month is best for Chadar Trek?
A: <p>The window for the Chadar trek is extremely short as the best time to do the Chadar trek is the month of January when the river is completely frozen and trekkers can walk on the ice without fearing about it breaking. </p>
Q: How many days are required for the Chadar Trek?
A: <p>The Chadar trek requires 9 days inculding the days spent for acclimatization in Leh as well as the day reserved for the mandatory medical checkup. </p>
Q: How to prepare for the Chadar Trek?
A: <p>The trek isn't as exhaustive as other high-altitude Himalayan treks as it doesn't require trekkers to climb steep ascents and descents. However, building proper lung endurance by doing breathing exercises regularly will help the trekkers to acclimatize in a better way.</p>
Q: Can we do the Chadar trek alone?
A: <p>Trekking solo always comes with a lot of risks. It is not advisable for novice trekkers to do any trek solo let alone the Chadar trek. Even experienced trekkers who have done high-altitude treks and have the necessary trekking gear shouldn't undertake a solo trek to Chadar trek as it can be extremely dangerous. </p>
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