*for 15 pax
The Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar river is well known to offer one of the most jaw-dropping scenery of the Indian Himalayas. While the freezing cold will definitely make the adventure challenging, hiking while looking at the water running deep below your feet is an experience that should not be missed.
While not the most challenging physically, the Chadar Trek will test your boundaries when it comes to the cold. It is essential that you are well prepared for sub-zero temperatures and can layer clothes appropriately, especially at night. Furthermore, the local administration has recently decided to institute various rules that trekkers must follow in order to limit the negative impact on the environment. These include a mandatory three days in Leh prior to the trek as well as a medical check-up. You MUST comply with these rules if you want to be able to start your trek.
Leh emergency numbers
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101 and 132
- Ambulance: 102 and 108
- Tourist Information Center, Leh: +91 198 2252297
- Foreign Registration Office: +91 198 2252200
- SNM Hospital, Medical Superintendent: +91 198 2252014
The Chadar Trek length is approximately 105 kilometers. The Chadar Trek duration is usually ten days. But you might have to keep additional days in the itinerary in case the Chadar melts, and you have to take the high mountain passes to return to your location.
The Chadar Trek is among the most dangerous and challenging treks globally, not just in India. Hence, seasoned campaigners with tons of experience are the ideal candidates for the Chadar Trek. Having prior knowledge of high-altitude expeditions could come in handy during this immensely arduous trek.
But recently, beginners with extreme physical and medical fitness are also attempting the Chadar Trek. To do the same successfully, you need to undergo rigorous physical and mental training well in advance.
The Chadar Trek is unanimously recognized as an arduous and demanding trek. It commands a very high difficulty level. With severe climatic conditions and sub-zero temperatures throughout, you have to traverse almost 105 kilometers on foot.
The Chadar Trek is not suitable for solo traveling, primarily due to its immense difficulty level. You can set forth with a group of at least five to six members. At times, the number of members could range from 15 to 18. However, it is pointless to have a bigger group than this as it will not ensure seamless management and might negatively impact the trekking experience of some members. Usually, the group is always accompanied by a professional lead trekker who is well-versed in mountaineering and trekking.
Your Chadar Trek packing list should include all the necessary items you need to embark on this challenging journey. While your footwear should include high-ankle trekking boots, gumboots, and open-toe slippers, your headgear should comprise sunglasses, woollen caps, and hats. The clothing list should contain long-sleeve hiking shirts, fleece and down jackets, woollen thermals, appropriate inners, few pairs of underwear, sports bra (for women), quick-dry synthetic pants, woollen trousers, inner and outer socks, raincoats or poncho, etc.
Apart from the list mentioned above, you need to carry certain essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, sanitary napkins or menstrual cups (for women), medicines and first aid kit, water purification tablets, insulated water bottles and thermos flasks, a duffel bag or a daysack, sleeping bags, trail munchies, etc.
The ever-changing and dynamic forms of Chadar could increase the level of difficulty of the Chadar Trek. While you are making your way across the frozen Zanskar river, you will never know what kind of terrain lies ahead. Slight alterations in temperature have a massive impact on the Chadar, causing ice to melt, break and reform throughout the day.
You might have to make your way across blocks of ice that are porous underneath and walk cautiously across narrow and winding paths while dodging the sleds that lie ahead. When the ice starts to melt, you might have to wade your way across the slush or skip an entire stretch of the river and go over the rocks and eventually step on the icy trails yet again. Thus, walking on the frozen river is immensely demanding. However, if you are reasonably fit and full of enthusiasm, you should never shy away from such a rewarding experience!
The unique thing about the Chadar Trek is the terrain. You need to make your way across the frozen Zanskar river to reach the end of your trail. The river gets frozen during winters and is covered by thick ice sheets that resemble a ‘Chadar’ or a blanket. It is one of the unique treks that has lured international tourists and adventure seekers for a long time.
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