Chadar Trek
Chadar trek is considered as one of the most challenging as well as beautiful treks of Ladakh. The Chadar Trek is present over the famous frozen river Zanskar River. The speciality about the trek is the Frozen river itself over which the trekking activities will be performed. The trek basically falls in the union territory of Ladakh. Every year a large number of tourists and trekkers from different countries come here for trekking.
The Chadar trek has a total length of about approximately one hundred and five km and the trekking path is a narrow one way. The trek begins from a location called Chiling Sumda which falls in the district Leh and the elevation of that place is 3,346 m. In some places the elevations may rise up to an altitude of 11000ft. and the temperatures may range between -20 to -30 degree centigrade. While trekking one would experience extreme cold and harsh Himalayan winds and weather. So one should come well prepared with a focused and determined mind to overcome any challenges which might be faced during the course of trekking.
Some basic infoabout the Chadar trek
If you are fan of adventures, thrills and challenges? Then Chadar trek will be the right place to trek.
During this trek a trekker on an average walks about 16 km per day.
The trek may take upto 8 to 9 days for completion.
The best time or season to trek in Chadar trek is from January to February.
Things you carry for the Chadar trek
Jackets and thermal innerwear
Hats
Extra pairs of shocks, Towels
Torch and lighters or Matchbox
Waterproof covers
Mosquito nets and Repellants
Water Bottles
Toilet Papers
Lightweight boots and blankets
Chadar trek in details
Day 1 : Reaching Leh
The people from different places will first reach Leh airport. Just after landing at Leh, one can start experiencing the amazing views of the snow-clad mountains, valleys, trees etc. All the trekkers are advised to keep themselves warm at any cost. The cold mountain breezes can quickly make a person sick. If the trekkers have not brought the necessary trekking equipment, they can go shopping here. One can also visit the nearby valleys and places to get acquainted with the environment before trekking. It is most important to keep the body hydrated at any cost, so take sips after an interval. For staying one can opt for guest houses or hotels; a number of guest houses and hotels are available at Leh.
Day 2 : Adjustment Day
The trekkers are after reaching Ladakh from different places many a times seen to have faced health related problems (the most common is the Acute Mountain Sickness). Taking this into concern, the Ladakh Government Authorities have laid new regulations. As per the new regulations, people trekking the Chadar trek have to spend at least 2 days in Leh in order to make themselves easy and adjust with the weather conditions prevailing over here. The trekkers are advised to make a list of the essential items needed for the trek. In case they have left out, shopping can be done from the nearby markets.
Day 3: Health Check up Day:
It’s the 3rd day of the trip. The trekkers are now advised to undergo medical check up as per the new guidelines of the concerned govt. authority. Only if the trekkers pass the medical check up , they will be allowed to continue trekking at Chadar Trek. After completing the medical check up one has to pack their luggages and get ready for trekking from the next day onwards.
Day 4: From Leh to Shingra Koma and then Trek to Tsomo Paldar
The trekkers will first be introduced to the Tsomo Palder campsite by car passing through Chilling and Shingra Koma. The most unique feature of the Shingra Koma is that it is placed at the U bend of Zanskar. During trekking one will have the amazing views of the snow clad mountains, high peaks, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib etc. One cannot resist himself clicking pictures or capturing the moments on this trek. After almost a drive of 3 to 4 hours the trekkers will reach a place called Shingra Koma. From here the actual trekking begins, and the trekkers will start their journey over Zanskar.
The whole route will be exciting and full of adventures, there will be thin layers of Zankar in some places. Finally after hours of trekking, Tsomo Paldar campsite will be reached.
Day 5: Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave
Today the trekkers will head towards the Tibb cave campsite. During the trek the altitude will keep on rising and may reach upto an altitude of about 11,800 ft. One will find many waterfalls during the course. Lunch will be done at the middle of the journey. Finally, just before dawn Tibb cave will be reached. Several myths are associated with this cave as per the natives. Tonight the camping will be done at Tibb cave.
Day 5: Tibb Cave to Nerak
After having the morning breakfast, the trekkers will start early because today’s trek will be about 13km long. Trek to Nerak is quite famous among the trekkers. One will experience the beauty and divine nature in a true sense. Here the temperature will further fall upto -30 degrees centigrade at night. Tonight camping will be done at Nerak just nearby the waterfall.
Day 6: Nerak to Tibb cave
Although the route will be the same but there will be layers of snow and the route will appear completely different one, it's nature's magic. We will again come across those beautiful waterfalls, massive rocks and mountains. Finally the camping will be done at Tibb Cave for tonight.
Day 7: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma and then finally to Leh
The journey will be started early, the trekkers will follow the same route back to Shingra Koma. Some changes have been observed while returning, new chadar or layers have been seen in some places; while in some places the rocks and tips that were not visible earlier could be seen now.
After reaching Shingra Koma vehicles will be hired for the journey back to Leh and then off for their home.