Chadar Trek- A Mesmerizing Experience

Introduction

Chadar Trek is best defined as an adventure land for thrill chasers, vowing mesmerizing experience with the best serene lakes, magnificent mountains, frozen river and waterfall with irresistible trails and rich culture of the region. It dares the challenger in you to cross the frozen river blanketed with a thick layer of snow with the gut-wrenching noise of ice-breaking from just below your feet! A perfect feast that only welcomes travellers during the cold winter months of January and February. Chadar Trek is seated at the Zanskar river which is found at Zanskar, a small district in Kargil at a 105 km distance from Leh.

Table of Contents

Acknowledged as one of the toughest treks to do in India, it is perched at an astounding altitude of 11,123 feet with the temperature here ranging from -5°C to -15°C during the day while dropping to -15°C to -25°C at night hours. Chadar trek stretches for a distance of 62km with 9 days of journey offering a difficult trekking experience combined with the soothing and serene beauty of the mighty Himalayas. The ultimate adventure of the trek is introduced from Tilat Sumdo and is all about persistence and survival in the harsh grounds at sub-zero temperatures. This mesmerizing experience of the Chadar trek allows backpackers to interact with the locals and understand the way of living in one of the most inhabitable regions in the world!

Quick Itinerary for Chadar Trek

[Day 1] The reporting day- Fly to Leh at 11,400 feet altitude.

[Day 2] Acclimatization day that allows sightseeing- Hall of Fame, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, etc.

[Day 3] Wake up early and get ready for the medical tests. As per the Government guidelines in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the trekkers need to go through a medical check-up and only a green signal by the officer qualifies a person for the Chadar trek. Also, some other important documents like wildlife permits, insurance, etc, for trekkers are issued here.

[Day 4] Travel from Leh to Shingra Koma at 11,400ft followed by the trek to Tsomo Paldar at 0,400 ft.

[Day 5] A trek of 15km from Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave at an altitude of 10,800 feet.

[Day 6] Trek from Tibb Cave to Nerak at 11,100 ft, covering 13km in 6-7 hours. Nerak is popular for the frozen waterfall and is the first village of the Zanskar region.

[Day 7] A 13km trek from Nerak – Tibb Cave, a 5-6 hour journey.

[Day 8] Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma at 10,400 ft, covering 13km, then a 70 km drive to Leh in 3-4 hours.

[Day 9] Departure from Leh, check out of the guesthouse and fly back home.

How to Reach Leh

The easiest and convenient way to commute to Leh is through airways. The nearest airport in Leh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL). It is connected with many international airports in India, like New Delhi, and also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other common destinations in India.

Points To Be Noted For The Chadar Trek

Carry litter bags to collect the leftovers throughout the trek and take it back as Chadar trek is an eco-friendly zone.
It’s best recommended to avoid flowy and frilly types of clothing and pack layer, warm and comfortable clothing matching to the trek.
Do not rely on sports or casual shoes as such footwear might compromise your grip on the snowy surface.
Chadar trek allows you to indulge with the inhabitants but when meeting monks or other locals always make sure not to pinpoint as they may take offence.
The ice and snowy surface is not a backpacker’s friend and one should always understand this to always be aware of the conditions especially while choosing the camping spot.