CHADAR TREK

With the word Chadar meaning a blanket, the Chadar Trek depicts a trail over the frozen Zanskar River, on which people travel for several kilometers to reach the final destination. Unlike other trekking expeditions in India, this one does not require you to pass through forests or rock formations, but instead lets you walk over frozen water, which once was a gushing river. 

Chadar Trek in the Zanskar Region has been talked about by adventurers all over the world. Hundreds of tourists have seen the secret thrills and mind-blowing sights near the frozen river of Zanskar. In fact, the Chadar Trek is one of the most popular and beautiful hikes in the Himalayas and must be part of your Ladakh trip packages. The Zanskar river is a 5KM long tributary of the mighty Indus river, and is surrounded by 600 meter high vertical cliffs. 

This winter trek, which takes place over a frozen stream of river, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for individuals seeking extreme adventure. The trek towards the frozen river begins at Chilling as this is the spot where the stream begins to freeze. While the ice sheets are more stable during the winter months, many people consider heading out on this expedition between the months of December to February. 

To finish this trek, the adventurers are required to cover at least 16 KM on a daily basis. Since the overall trekking distance is around 75 KM, people generally take a 10 to 15 days long trip to Chadar. With the temperature dropping to -35 degree celsius, the Chadar Trek becomes even more difficult in the winter season. 

Highlights

• The most fascinating thing about the Chadar Trek is that it is done on a frozen stream of the Zanskar River.
• While the river flows in its full gush in the summers, as the winters come, the whole stream freezes and becomes thick enough to let people walk over it.
• To complete the Chadar Trek, a trekker is expected to complete 16 KM of walk on a daily basis.
• Stop at Nerak Waterfall which showcases little waterfalls frozen into dangling icicles, formed by the chilling weather of the Zanskar region
• The basecamp of this trek is Tilad, which can be easily reached by taking the local transportation.
• Rest at the Tibb Cave, a natural shelter from the biting cold nestled along the frozen river. 
• Get an adrenaline-pumping experience of walking alongside towering cliffs and snow-covered landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, frozen waterfalls, and icy gorges.

How To Reach

To embark on the Chadar Trek, one must first travel to Leh, around where the journey commences and continues to Chilling, which is the spot where the Zanskar river starts freezing. It would take about 65-70 kilometers for people to cover the distance from Leh to Tilad via Chilling, the trek's base camp.

Checkout & Book: Homestays in Leh Ladakh

Best Time To Visit

The best time for Chadar Trek is during the peak winter season from January to early February. This is when it is the coldest here and the river is fully frozen, which is perfect for taking up this adventurous trek. This will also ensure safer and more enjoyable trekking conditions.

Planning a Ladakh Trip, Checkout: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages

Other Essential Information

Things to carry for Chadar Trek:

Toiletries

Pack only enough toiletries to last a week in small bottles as it will help you save a lot of room and weight in your backpack.

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Small toothpaste
• Cold cream

Trek Equipment's

• Head Torch
• UV Protection Sunglasses 
• Rucksack (50-60 L)
• Daypack

Miscellaneous

• Warmees
• Trail Munchies
• Hot Water Bag
• Medicine kit
• Utensils
• Ziplock bags or poly bags to compartmentalize wet, dry, and dirty stuff.
• Insulated water bottle or thermos flask
• Hot Water Bottle

Getting Acclimatization

The most harsh difficulty during the Chadar Trek is getting Acclimated with the weather conditions. Hence, it is at all times advisable to spend at least three nights in Leh before heading out for the trek. Make sure that you carry your boarding pass or any other proof of your arrival in Leh as it will be needed to reassure that you have acclimatized at least 3 days in Leh. 

Mandatory Medical Checkup

Tourists must go through a mandatory medical checkup in Leh, after which only they will be allowed to head out on the Chadar trek. Tourists who are medically unfit will not be permitted to participate in the trek.

Permits

To participate in the Chadar Trek, travelers must first get a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operator Association).

Also See: Festivals Of Ladakh