CHADER TREK | Camp Under The Stars On Frozen Zanskar River

Highlights

Get a one-of-a-kind experience of strolling on the frozen Zanskar River while taking in the scenery. Witness the breathtaking grandeur of the Frozen waterfall to calm your soul. For a guided experience, the same number of staff as the hikers. During the Chadar Trek 2022, interact with the locals of Zanskar Village to learn about the history of the area.

Overview

Frozen River Trek

The Chadar Trek is the most valuable gift bestowed upon this wonderful area. The trek is all about perseverance and survival – learning to survive in harsh terrains at sub-zero temperatures, interacting with locals and understanding their way of life, especially in one of the world’s most inhospitable regions, while trekking across a dramatic gorge with frozen waterfalls on the frozen trail of Zanskar, which stretches out like a “Chadar” and acts as a mirror for the sky!

Quick Facts:

• The Chadar River Trek takes 9 days and 8 nights to complete.
• The Chadar Trek is 62 kilometres long and reaches a maximum altitude of 11,123 feet.
• Difficulty level -Difficult
• Temperatures on the Chadar Trek range from-5 to -15 degrees during the day and -15 to -25 degrees at night, making the trek difficult (during the night).
• The optimum time to go on the Chadar Trek is from early January to early February.
• The trek begins and ends at a rented house in Leh.
• The closest airport is at Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport)
• Leh Bazaar and Airport have the last ATMs.

How to Reach Leh

Air travel to Leh is the most convenient option. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh. Many international airports in India, including Delhi, are connected to this airport. Flights arrive from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other popuIar Indian destinations. 

Day 1

Itinerary

The elevation is 11,400 feet.

Stay the night in a hotel/guest home on the outskirts of Leh.

Make sure you have your woollen hat and gloves on hand.

You’ll be flying over extensive sections of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, which will demonstrate why driving to Ladakh in the winter is impossible. When you arrive in Leh, you will be greeted by chilly, crisp air, and the temperature will drastically alter. With barely a few stores open, Leh is only waking up from its slumber.

The coolness in the air will only be a taste of what to expect on the Chadar river walk. Remember to get enough rest to acclimate to the weather here, and to drink plenty of water and keep yours clean. A guest house is where we spend the night.

Day 2

The Ladakh Government has established new limitations requiring anyone completing the Zanskar river trip to spend at least two days in Leh to thoroughly adapt to the weather conditions here. It is irreversible, and it is critical that every trekker adhere to it to the letter. The Leh market is a great place to spend the day shopping.

It is critical that you become accustomed to the cold in Leh, as the temperature will only continue to drop as you begin walking along the frozen Zanskar River, where temperatures can drop below zero even during the day.

Day 3

Trekkers in Jammu and Kashmir would be required to undergo a medical examination as per government regulations.

You will be given a green signal for the Chadar the Frozen River journey only when you have been cleared by the officer. The trekkers will also receive their wildlife permits, insurance, and other necessary documentation.

Before the morning of the fourth day, if you choose to opt-out or have been judged unsuitable by government bodies, you can take a physical wild card and opt for a ‘Flavor of Winter Ladakh’ tour at no additional expense.

Day 4

The elevation ranges from 11,480 to 10,500 feet.

Drive time is 3-4 hours, while the trek is 5 hours and 11 kilometres.

On this day, you will go to Shingra Koma, which is the starting location of the.

The road to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers is one of the most spectacular in the entire region of Ladakh. Chilling is reached after a 90-minute trip along the Zanskar River.

The car will drop you off at the end of the road, where you will begin walking on Zanskar. It will be difficult to walk with your gumboots on at first. It will take some practise to get the hang of ice forming patterns.

Because there are so many different types of surfaces on the Chadar trek, you’ll have to determine which are delicate and which are strong, but once you start walking, you’ll learn more about it.

In most circumstances, planting your foot is critical; you can use your walking stick to assess the ice’s stability before stepping on it.

Make sure your backpack is light and compact so you can successfully handle and utilise the weight on your own.

The day’s trek will lead you to Gyalpo, the first campground of the journey, which is located at a river bend and is surrounded by high peaks and magnificent rock faces.

This will be your first time camping in below-freezing temps.

Gyalpo is where you’ll spend the night.

Day 5

The elevation ranges from 10,500 to 10,800 feet.

Trek 5 to 6 hours/ 12 kilometres

Chadar isn’t a journey where the altitude keeps rising at a rapid rate. From Gyalpo to Tibb Cave, a 5- to 6-hour journey will barely gain you 300 feet in elevation. NarA warm breakfast awaits you after a frigid night.

You’ll come across some of the most stunning frozen waterfalls on your way to the next campground at Tibb Cave. These waterfalls have a mystery surrounding their origin or source, but they are nevertheless stunning.

You’ll pause for lunch halfway to Tibb Cave, with the Zanskar running right beside you with its emerald green waters.

As you progress, you will come across a variety of rock designs that will reflect the sun’s rays in a unique way.

The day’s camping will be near Tibb Cave, which is encircled by dry sand.

Day 6

Trekking from 10,800 to 11,100 feet 6 to 7 hours/13 kilometres

The day’s campground is the most anticipated, as you’ll be departing for Naerak after breakfast. The ice waterfall, which is the most spectacular highlight of the Chadar river walk, may be seen throughout the 13-kilometer trail. This frozen waterfall is a natural wonder in its own right, drawing hikers and adventurers from all over the world.

Naerak will be the coldest of all the trek’s campsites, with temperatures dropping to as low as -30 degrees at night. To protect yourself from the piercing cold, make sure you dress appropriately and in layers.

If you arrive early enough at the waterfall, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the settlement of Naerak.

The ice waterfall is 15-20 minutes away from where you’ll be camping.

You’ll spend the night at Naerak camp.

Day 7

Trek 13 km/5 to 6 hours/11,100 to 10,800 ft

Today, after breakfast, you will begin your return journey to the Tibb cave.

If you believe that returning home is the simpler half of the journey, the Chadar will make you reconsider. The Zanskar River responds to even the smallest changes in temperature by repackaging itself. The Chadar would have taken on a completely different appearance, making it nearly hard to tell if you’ve been here previously.

A hot lunch will be served on the way to Naerak.

Day 8

Drive to 11,400 feet from 10,800 feet to 10,300 feet.

Trekking distance: 18 km/7–8 hours

Today, start at Tibb and hike up to Gyalpo, then continue on to Shingra Yokma.

The massive mountain walls that rise up on both sides of the river resemble castle walls.

You’ll see a number of fresh trails and footprints left by Foxes, Ibex, and Snow leopards along the Chadar river excursion.

Although seeing a Snow Leopard is a rare occurrence, you can almost always be sure that one is watching you.

Retracing our steps, today will be your last chance to see the magnificent and fascinating Chadar, which you will undoubtedly miss. Trekkers who are preparing to embark on their journey will undoubtedly inquire about your experience. It’ll be incredible to act as a tour guide for these individuals and to speak with someone about the experience while it’s still fresh in your mind.

By the time you arrive in Leh, it will be around 6:30 p.m. It is suggested that you schedule your return flight on the ninth day rather than the eighth.

You’ll be sleeping at a cosy guesthouse tonight.

In Leh, spend the night.

Day 9

Returning to Leh

You will check out of the guesthouse after breakfast and be transported to the airport.

Continue your flight back to your destination.

This is where the Chadar trek package comes to a conclusion.