Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek

Description

CHADAR TREK a thrilling and adventurous trek in India. "CHADAR" is a hindi word that refers to a "blanket" or "sheet" as the Zanskar river transforms itself from a rapid river into a white blanket of ice during winter, a frozen spectacle awaits the trekker to be experienced of glass ice ranging from a bluish tinge to golden yellow that is seen during the few hours that sunlight reaches directly into the gorge to the milky whitish on a moonlit night - as said a trek journey like no other! You walk on a frozen river called the “Zanskar”. The frozen Zanskar river served and still serves as the traditional and only way of connecting between Leh and Zanskar for the locals in the harsh winter months of Ladakh. It’s being used by the locals for centuries. Its rated as one of the best treks existing in the planet by many.

We at WANDERERS have been taking our fellow trekkers on this trek for many years to witness mother nature’s wonder. Our “Guides” and “Trek Leaders” are experienced and certified trekking guides who will lead your way on this adventure.

Itinerary

Chadar Trek

Day 1
Fly to Leh (Altitude 11,400 ft.). Stay in guest house. Get used to the temperature and the altitude.

Chadar Trek

Day 2
Acclimatization Day. Walk around the Leh Market and do some sightseeing.

Chadar Trek

Day 3
Visit the SNM Hospital for check-up and certification. We will also complete the documentation for Insurance, here. On completion of this we sort the wildlife permits and permissions and head back to our accommodation and get ready for the next day to start.

Chadar Trek

Day 4: Drive to Tilad Do via Chilling (Altitude 11,400 to 10,390 ft.)
Drive 65 kms of picturesque landscape along the river Indus. Once the entire team reaches the predesignated spot, we will do one more final briefing especially about how to walk on the frozen ice. Then we trek from Tilad Do to Shingra Koma (Altitude 10,390 to 10,550 ft.) Trek 10 to 12 kms. Post the briefing with the Trek Leaders start the trek. Depending on the weather, the path will be decided on the way. After passing Shingra Koma, you reach the campsite for the day at Gyalpo, where the tents have already been pitched by the porters. The Gyalpo campsite is at a bend in the river, surrounded by high peaks and walls of rock-faces which almost look man-made. All that is left to do is to soak in the views, have an early dinner and call it a day

Chadar Trek

Day 5: Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave (Altitude 10,550 to 10,760 ft.)
Post the briefing with the Trek Leaders start the trek for the next 15 kms. Today’s walk through the deep ravines of the Zanskar is stunning. The sublime walls of the mountains on either sides of the river keep the sunlight away from the Chadar for most part of the day. At Tibb, there is a big cave. This cave is the dwelling of all the porters, and they welcome you warm-heartedly in here. Stay in tent.

Chadar Trek

Day 6: Tibb cave to Naerak camp (Altitude 10,760 to 11,150 ft.) Trek 12.5 kms.
This day will be the most spectacular of all days on this trek. Walking on the river you cross deep gorges and reach a point where Juniper trees are covered with prayer flags. The porters give you a twig of this tree tied with a piece of prayer flag as a badge of good-luck and good-health. A few steps away stands the mother-of-all frozen waterfalls – a huge instance of suspended animation several feet tall and equally wide. You can see dozens of colors in this enormous ice structure as sunlight plays off its surface. Right next to the waterfall is a bridge across the river which is a part of the summer-time road from Zanskar to Leh. The Naerak village lies several feet above the river, a vigorous hour-long trek can take you to the village if you want to see the life of a Zanskari. The camp is set up close to the river.

Chadar Trek

Day 7: Naerak back to Tibb Cave (Altitude 11,150 to 10,760 ft.) Trek 12.5 kms.
Return journey. Don’t be disappointed, by now the whole landscape would have changed. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself. The Chadar would have assumed a completely new form and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before. Stay in tent.

Chadar Trek

Day 8: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma and drive to Leh. (Altitude 10,550 to 10,390 and drive to 11400 ft.) Trek 15 kms.
Starting from Tibb, go up to Shingra Koma today. The high walls of mountains rising from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls. You can see several trails of pug-marks all along the trek – footprints belonging to foxes, ibex or snow-leopards. You would be lucky to view a snow-leopard; but you can almost be sure that you are being watched by one all the time. Stay in tent. Trek 10 kms and drive 65 kms. Stay in guest house.

Inclusions:
1. Accommodation – 4 days in Leh and 4 days on Chadar
2. Breakfast in Leh and all meals while on trek (Veg.)
3. Trek equipment including Tents, sleeping bags, fleece liners, trek mats etc. Your personal trekking equipment must be bought by yourself, ie Shoes, Clothes, Backpack etc, we will share the list with registered participants.
4. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder. 5. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff to help trekkers. 6. Transport from Leh to Road head and return.

Exclusions:
1. Lunch while staying in Leh.
2. Insurance \ Necessary Permits \ permissions with environmental fees \ ALTOA Fees. Overall, this is appox. 4 to 5K
3. Any kind of personal expenses.
4. Porter to carry personal luggage. We expect you to carry your own backpack, in case you don’t want to, we will arrange for a porter and the charges can be paid on the site.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head price includes.
6. Any cost arising due to medical emergency, to be borne by the trekker/ trekkers (if any)
7. Due to weather conditions/ Chadar deforming conditions Wanderers will not be liable to any sorts of refunds. Depending on the situation and availability, we would offer an alternate trek/ trip