Available Dates for Chadar Trek 2024:
Jan: 6,7,8,13,14,15,19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29
Feb: 1,3,4
More Information about Chadar Trek:
The Chadar Trek adventure begins at Leh, at an altitude of 11,400 ft. To call it adventure trekking is an understatement. It is an experience of a lifetime. During the winters, the Zanskar River in Ladakh freezes over, a thick sheet of ice covering it completely. Hence, the name ‘Chadar’ or blanket. The most interesting thing to note about the Chadar is that there is a new one every day! The Chadar forms during the night melt during the day, and reforms during the night! The unparalleled experience of the Chadar Trek includes trekking on the frozen Zanskar River, an event that will remain forever etched in your memory. Ladakh, located amidst the majestic Karakoram range and the mighty Himalayan range, presents to the world this great trekking opportunity that only the brave and the strong can undertake. This frozen river trekking opportunity makes Ladakh all the more special.
The Chadar Trek or the frozen river trek is different in the slow gain that it takes in altitude, spread evenly throughout, and takes you to a maximum height of 11,800 ft, deep in the Himalayas! The experience starts at Leh, crosses the frozen Zanskar, and reaches the Ladakh town of Chilling, the actual starting point of the trek from where the frozen river trek starts. The total distance covered during the Chadar trek is 62 km, spread evenly throughout the 6 days of the trek that you undertake on foot. The Chadar trek is only open in January and February, as these are the only times when the emerald, flowing Zanskar river is frozen enough to enable trekking on it.
The weather throughout the Chadar trek remains mind-numbingly cold. Though you may have the blessed opportunity of experiencing a temperature slightly above 0 degrees as you land in Leh, as soon you cross over to Ladakh and start the frozen river trek, the temperature dips down to sub-zero degrees. The temperature throughout the trek varies from -5 to -15 degrees during the day and reaches as low as -30 degrees during the night. You will encounter the lowest temperature during the night at the Nerak campsite, i.e., on your fifth night. You will be walking through a thick carpet of snow throughout the Chadar trek. Even Leh will have a blanket of snow laying as thick as 6’’ on it!
Apart from the obvious specialty of making the trekkers walk on a thick sheet of ice, covering the Zanskar river, the Chadar Trek is also a major attraction for adventure seekers for the many fascinating and out-of-this-world sights that the trek brings you across. Starting from the Magnetic Hill and the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the trek brings you across natural wonders like frozen waterfalls, knee-deep snow, and white sand - the epitome of a cold desert-like Ladakh! The most iconic sight of the Chadar Trek is the frozen Nerak waterfall. The water, falling from a height of 56 ft, seems to be frozen in time itself, suspended mid-air. The curious sights will set your senses on fire and make the memories of the Chadar trek sharp in your memory every time you envision them later! If you are looking for a splendid experience of trekking in India, the Chadar trek is the answer!
One thing of importance to note is that the Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the world. Trekking on ice and through knee-deep snow makes a major part of that difficulty. The trekker must be aware of the challenge that trekking on snow, and especially ice can present. Starting from taking the heat away from your body, to causing accidents by slipping and falling, ice can become a daunting rival to overcome. However, if certain things are kept in mind, the foe too can be tamed during this Chadar Trek experience. Ensuring that you always wear layers and waterproof clothing, including one windcheater at least at all times, helps in maintaining your body temperature and prevents the heat from escaping. While trekking, be sure of your footing. Avoid slippery patches of ice and find ice that is covered in snow. It is also of utmost importance that you avoid any patch of ice that has cracks in it, be nimble, and run away at the first signs of ice cracking under your feet. Choosing the correct camping spot is also extremely important for a safe and enjoyable experience of trekking in Chadar!
This splendid experience of one of the best treks in India begins at Leh. During the winter season, you can reach Leh only by air, as the roads are all covered by snow, making transit impossible on them. To reach Leh, you can take a direct flight from Delhi. Certain flight operators have one flight flying daily from Delhi to Leh. It would be advisable to book your Chadar trek and the transport in advance to minimize your costs!
Quick insider tips for you:
- On Day 1, as you land in Leh, it would be prudent to keep your woolens ready. The temperature at Leh will be hovering near somewhere 2 degrees and the snow is particularly thick this time of the year. The sudden cold will hit you hard if you are not prepared. Make sure that at least your woolen caps, gloves, and fleece jacket are easily within reach!
- The Chadar Trek is a brilliant trekking opportunity for those looking for a backpacker’s adventure in Leh Ladakh. However, it must not be taken lightly by beginners or first-timers as the Chadar Trek difficulty level is considered to be quite high. The trek must also not be undertaken unguided and is not an ideal solo trek.
- Day 1 and Day 2 of the Chadar trek are for acclimatizing and you can spend them exploring Leh, going sightseeing, and window-shopping. However, you should avoid shopping for anything besides the essentials during those days since you have to keep your bags light.
- The weather during the Chadar Trek can get bone-numbingly cold. The Chadar trek nights are especially cold with the temperature reaching as low as -30 degrees! You must take several steps to ensure that you don’t lose all your body heat. Apart from wearing at least 4 layers of clothing, it is important to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Keep adequate amounts of water with you at all times! Warming pads might also be extremely useful for those who are more sensitive to cold.
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a very serious concern for those undertaking the Chadar Trek. Since this Leh Ladakh trek starts from a height of 10,400 ft, the trekkers do not get enough time to acclimatize to the low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Even though the number of severe cases has declined since the government regulations mandated a minimum of two days’ stay at Leh before the journey, AMS can still overcome a trekker if proper precautions are not taken. Taking adequate breaks during the treks, and keeping yourself well-fed and hydrated are a must for the Chadar Trek! Furthermore, avoid using heaters at the guest house before your trek as they dehydrate your body, and prevent it from acclimatizing!
- Gumboots are an essential part of the Chadar Trek gear requirement. Gumboots may be uncomfortable at first. They might even give you shoe bites, however, they are a must for the Chadar Trek. There will be times during the trek when you will be wading through knee-deep cold water and snow. Gumboots become a must during times like these.
- Protecting your toes and fingers is of extreme importance as frostbite is a serious threat to trekkers in such harsh conditions. Wearing waterproof gloves and socks, along with gumboots and an extra pair of socks is advisable at all times!
- You must be mentally prepared for the Chadar Trek. This is a difficult grade trek, which can be undertaken only by those who are mentally prepared for such harsh weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures. It would help to remember that there are people who are living in those areas as well and use the chadar to traverse the distance from Ladakh to Leh and back year after year. It would be good to know that you will come across locals making their way on the Chadar during your trek as well!
- As part of your preparation for the Chadar Trek, it would be recommended that you plan and start exercising at least two weeks in advance to prepare for the trek. Following a strict exercise regime at least 3-4 months in advance would be advisable. Since you will climb to an altitude of 11,800 ft, doing yoga to strengthen your lungs is also a viable option! It would be best if you could ensure that you follow a healthy diet chart for the duration of your training period and take in all your meals regularly.
Do's And Don'ts of Chadar Trek:-
Dos:
- It is always good to inform your family/friends about this trek and itinerary. At least one person should know about the schedule back home and can easily come if some mishap occurs during the trek.
- It is important to carry a first-aid kit. Bruises and cuts are common during the trek.
- It is advised to carry some handy snacks and a water bottle during the trek.
- The temperature drops down in the negatives on the Chadar trek so, it is very important to carry warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
- Always follow the instructions of the trek leader.
- There are a lot of monasteries and temples on the trek. Show respect for the culture and norms.
DON'T's:
- Do not litter. Keep the surroundings clean and follow the leave-no-trace policy.
- Do not use shampoos or soaps while bathing in the lakes or waterfalls which come during the trek. The locals use this water for drinking purposes.
- Do not harm the intentions of locals by doing anything inappropriate.
- Walking on the frozen Zanskar River is not easy, it is better to follow the guidelines of the trek leader.
- Do not spoil the tranquility of the surroundings and the serenity of the place.
Eligibility for Chadar trek:
- The person should carry a 10kg backpack weight on the trek.
- The person should be physically and mentally strong.
- He/she should have trekking experience. If a beginner, then must be physically fit.
- People having high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or heart problems are advised not to do this trek.
As we said, it is not just a trek, it is an experience for a lifetime. Trekking in Leh & Ladakh will give you an amazing astounding feeling with a great aura and you'll end up falling for the place. Chadar Trek is truly a gem of the Himalayas. Get lost in the fascinating beauty of the Himalayas, try this adventure thrill once, and cherish the experience for a lifetime.
