one of the most thrilling treks of winter in India. The Chadar trek lies in the region of Ladakh, which is attracted, worldwide trekkers. It is located at the height of 11,150 ft.. the 62 km long trek is all about walking on a frozen Zanskar river. Which is like a sheet(chadar) above flowing water, that is why it is called the chadar trek. The trek will take at least 9 days. you will be staying two days in Leh to get yourself acclimatized and used to the climatic conditions. Then 5-days trekking on frozen rivers, high rock cliffs on both sides, and the old caves at the bottom of mountains is a lifetime experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. The main attraction of the trek is the frozen waterfall from top to bottom which is up to 60ft tall, crystal pointing down is so magnificent to watch.
set your tents for overnight, and have a good meal which will give your body strength and stamina to continue. The trek is difficult and only suitable for passionate trekkers. The climate in winter is extremely cold, which can go to -30 degrees at night and -10 degrees during the day. The chadar on the Zanskar river is thick and thin at some places, in some places it will be slippery. you will fall several times while trekking on chadar, and your friends will even keep count. The ice will continuously form and break in the Zanskar river, so you need to be careful and walk according to the directions from the guide. The best time to visit Chadar Trek is from December to February.
HOW TO EXECUTE
Leh is the nearest city from where the trek starts. so in winter, the best way to visit Leh is by flight. The Leh airport is well connected to Delhi and Mumbai. you will be staying in Leh for two days to make your body acclimatize to this chilly climate. some medical tests will happen to check your fitness.
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ON DAY3
you will be driven to chilling 64 km from the city. The motorable road ends in chilling, your trek starts from here. you will trek for 1 and half hours only and your first campsite ‘also’ arrives. set your camps and eat meals and rest for the day. While trekking to also you will learn the trick to walking on chadar.
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ON DAY4
witness the sunrise if you are lucky enough. have breakfast and get ready for 6-7 hours of trek to Tibb cave. walk through the frozen Zanskar and you will be surprised to see some small waterfalls frozen just like the way they fell in the past and now it’s been frozen. The sightings are no less than the Game of Thrones set. reach the campsite of Tibb cave. see the vistas of cold dessert and rest for the day and have meals.
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ON DAY5
the most awaited day of the trek comes to reveal the suspense to show you the nerak waterfall, 64 ft tall, all frozen is such a beauty. The trek will take 7 hours, almost 13 km, and the temperature can drop in nerak. so be warm. and see the splendid view of nerak. you will be staying in nerak for the night.
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ON DAY6
back to Tibb cave from nerak. The route must be the same but still give you new experiences. You will see locals and even children going to work or school taking the same route that you choose to trek, giving you confidence and energy. you will find some locals resting in caves to continue their journey. you will be staying in Tibb cabe for the night.
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ON DAY7
trek back to chilling via also. witness the roaring of Zanskar like everything is happening for you. while driving back to the city. you will witness Zanskar joining the Indus river. keep the moment in your heart the vistas of the cold desert. take a bag full of memories and life experiences. stay in the city overnight and the 8th day is the departure.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
- you need to carry warm clothes. not just one thermal or jacket but layers of it.
- you should have a trekking experience of more than 11000 ft.
- Your fitness is necessary.
- you have to carry less weight with more essentials.
- Food and beverages on the trek are just to give you stamina. do not get ideas of fancy food to eat.
- carry gumboots, backpacks, and raincoats.
- expect unexpected weather conditions. It can be raining, snowing, or even stormy.
