Chadar Frozen River Trek
Zanskar, Ladakh
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Key Highlights
- Altitude : 11,500ft
- Time : 9 Days - 8 Nights
- Region: Region: Zanskar
- Best Time: January
- Distance: 60kms
- Grade: Difficult
Overview
Chadar Frozen River Trek
"What good is summer warmth without winter's chill to make it sweet?" What use is strolling on a carnival if you haven't experienced the joy of walking on ice? You will get the opportunity to walk across a thick sheet of ice with water flowing under it on the Zanskar River Trek or the Chadar Frozen River Trek. During the winter months when the path takes place, the Zanskar River, which connects the Zanskar area with Leh, freezes. When the winter snow blocks all other modes of transportation, it is the quickest path.
A rectangular piece of fabric known as a "chadar" is used to cover oneself or to sleep on. Thus, Chadar. The Chadar Frozen Trek is generally a winter hike that is completed in January and February when the outside temperature is between -15 and -42 degrees Celsius. It's not just any walk; it's one of the hardest, challenging even the most daring. The journey is around 9 to 10 days long and involves walking approximately 105 kilometres through a small path that has been built across a frozen river with steep cliffs standing guard at each end. The walk will not only enchant you, but it will also keep you spellbound with its beautiful vistas of glaciers, hanging icicles, and icy waterfalls. Beyond description, the experience will stay with you till the very end. You will still feel the same delight and awe that may have chilled your bones when you look back on the walk when you shut your eyes.
The Chadar Frozen River Trek is an incredible journey, and to make it even more amazing for you, we have a team of highly skilled experts that live and breathe the mountain. They will keep you intrigued and secure at the same time since they can even detect minute changes in the pattern of the surroundings. Safety is our first priority, and we'll watch out for you while you struggle up the mountain to demonstrate your fortitude.
Cost Per Person
Key Highlights
- Altitude : 11,500ft
- Time : 9 Days - 8 Nights
- Region: Zanskar
- Best Time: January
- Distance: 60kms
- Grade: Difficult
Complete
➽ Itinerary of Trek
When you arrive at the town of Leh on day one of the walk, you will be astounded. It is a village at an elevation of around 11,562 feet that serves as the beginning point of the trip and has long been a stopover for travellers travelling down the Indus Valley between Kashmir in the west (India) and Tibet in the east (China). Before the trip begins, you will have a day or two to get used to the environment. Drink as much water as you can when you arrive in Leh to help your body and mind adjust to the lowest temperatures. In the town, a guest home will be booked for your stay. The beautiful snow-covered cliffs, the nippy breezes caressing your cheeks, and the tiny Ladhakians running through the streets with warm smiles on their faces would make your arrival in the town anything from ordinary. The day of arrival is regarded as a day of relaxation. Before beginning the Chadar Frozen River Trek, it's vital to get acclimated to your surroundings.
The second day will be an excursion day with the main goal of acclimatisation, during which you'll learn about Leh's streets and one of its most breathtaking scenery.
You may discover the richness and vibrancy of the Leh village while you're here. The Leh Palace, the Shanti Stupa, the monasteries, the Hall of Fame (the Kargil War Memorial), and many more structures are also well-known in Leh.
The first step before we could take you on Chadar Frozen River Trek is for you to get a physical examination to determine your physical fitness. It determines whether you go forward or not. If you pass the tests administered by the government authorities, we will continue the journey with you.
You will drive from Leh by 9am to 'Gyalpo,' via 'chilling,' where our first tent site is situated. The 4 to 5 hour trip to "Gyalpo" will undoubtedly be one of the most picturesque drives across Zanskar and open your eyes to a whole new universe. The worn-out, dusty roads will give you the impression that you are travelling through some kind of fantasy. You can go the furthest in the automobile, to the point when the road stops and a lengthy walk begins. Your first step onto Chadar will occur on this day. Your first experience with chadar will leave you with lifelong memories. It will be your first night sleeping on the ice in a tent beneath the stars.
You'll be moving right on to our next destination, Tibb Cave, after spending the night in the frigid conditions of Shingra Koma. Your actual journey over the ice begins today. Before getting to our next location, we must walk for around 5 to 6 hours. You will be given a substantial breakfast before you start the hike, along with a cup of hot beverage to warm your stomach after a chilly night in the tent. The origin of these stunning frozen water bodies that are surrounded by towering mountain walls on both sides of the area you will be travelling on is still unknown, but they are no less stunning in terms of their natural beauty. They accurately capture the rigours of the winter.
The most anticipated campsite of this walk is at Nerak, which puts it on the Zanskar River. The distance to the closest road from Nyerak, a distant settlement in Zankar, is just two days' worth of walking. The distance between Tibb Cave and Nyerak is a little over 12 to 13 kilometres, and the hike takes around 7 to 8 hours. The ice waterfall of Nyerak is another feature of this campground that makes it the most anticipated. The hamlet is just a few hours away from the campground, and if necessary, you may go there to visit the local stores to get some necessities. The coldest night of this expedition will be in Nyerak, when the temperature might drop as low as -32 degrees. As a result, it is advised that you layer yourself accordingly.
Your trip back to the beginning will begin after spending the coldest night close to Zanskar's first town, although you could notice some alterations from how the chadar first seemed to you. It's possible that certain layers have melted and that some rocks wish to introduce themselves. You will discover why the Chahdar trek is regarded as an unexpected track as you are retracing your steps.
Your last night in the tent and beneath the stars will be that one. And you'll already begin to miss the excitement of crossing a sheet with water running below and the cold that you've become used to.
Your trip back to the beginning will begin after spending the coldest night close to Zanskar's first town, although you could notice some alterations from how the chadar first seemed to you. It's possible that certain layers have melted and that some rocks wish to introduce themselves. You will discover why the Chahdar trek is regarded as an unexpected track as you are retracing your steps. Your last night in the tent and beneath the stars will be that one. And you'll already begin to miss the excitement of crossing a sheet with water running below and the cold that you've become used to.
Fly to the place you want to go.
After checking out of your lodging in the early morning, often until 10:30AM, the Chadar Frozen River Trek will officially be over and you will return to your regular life. The Chadar will provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will talk about for decades.
Enquiry For Group Bookings
Guidelines
➽ Preparation for Trek
As you well know, the great Himalayan trek is one that requires careful preparation, a strategy that allows for enough flexibility to adapt to whatever challenges may arise.
Therefore, here are some things to consider before setting out on your trek:
⦿ Physically – You should start working out at least a month before signing up for a program if you want to be physically prepared for the rigours of a journey. Strengthen your legs by jogging and working out regularly to increase your stamina. To better acclimatise to the environment and increase your resilience on the walk, you should give up smoking and undertake breathing exercises twice a day. Engage in vigorous physical activity, such as playing sports, doing Yoga, or running.
⦿ Mentally –
Getting in shape physically is essential, but mental preparation is just as crucial for a successful walk. Take time to enjoy your regular activities, maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule, and unwind before embarking on a hike. Predictions regarding the journey should not cause mental worry. Spend time with your closest pals to recharge your batteries and renew your spirit. Pre-trek preconceptions are unwarranted since the first contact with the other trekkers is certain to be a source of inspiration and energy. Conditions during the walk will contribute to the increase in mental readiness. The mental repercussions of physical disadvantages will not be ignored. So, when you hike, pay attention to different regions of your body and purposefully relax them. If you want to enjoy your hike, you should learn to loosen up a little, particularly in the hips. Think about your descent as a simple dance, and enjoy the natural rhythms that the path and your body can discover together gradually, whether you're on a flowing downhill route or a frightening slope. Try out a few new walking techniques to add some fun to your commute without worrying about getting somewhere in particular. Maintaining mental fitness mostly requires a willingness to relax and take in the journey, rather than subjecting oneself to undue stress.
⦿ Technically-
Get the right size hiking boots and go for it, from a technical standpoint. You should make use of 60 litres. To become acclimated to carrying heavy items, it is recommended to utilise a backpack on a regular basis. Get a hiking stick, a water bottle, some thermal socks, a fleece or feather coat, some long pants, a poncho, some flip-flops, and any devices you may need like a camera or a power bank (DSLR or digital camera).
Guidelines
➽ Things to Carry
- Good Trekking Boots: You need sturdy trekking boots with supportive high ankles. Don't bring your running shoes. U can carry extra floaters/flip flops also.
- Wear warm clothing, such three-layer coats, fleece upper, hollow fill or down-filled jackets. Carry full-sleeved T-shirt. Carry cotton hiking trek pants and warm pant for your lower body. Never bring shorts or jeans on a hike.
- Take top and bottom thermals with you.
- Quick dry towel with light weight and Personal toiletries. Suns cream lotion, sanitizer, tooth brush ad toothpaste, lip balm and antibacterial powder.
- Socks: Bring two pairs of regular socks and two pair of wool socks for wearing at night.
- A head torch is required.
- Sunglasses/ Goggle: UV-protected sunglasses are necessary to protect against sunlight and Snow Mountain.
- There should also be a woolen cap / balaclava, cap, neck gaiter cum face mask and warm fleece and waterproof summit gloves since it will be chilly. Keep waterproof gloves on hand since they become wet in the snow.
- Everyone taking part in the activity should have their own lunchbox, spoon, mug and water bottle/ hydration pack of 2 ltr.
- Raincoats/ponchos: Since snowfall and rain are frequent at high elevations, it is important to have one on hand so as to avoid getting wet.
- Trekking bag of 75 ltr with rain cover.
- Walking stik.
- Electronics: camera (optional) USB cable/USB solar charger, charger/earphones, Power bank fully charged.
- Personal first aid box. Emergency ration, energy bars, dry fruit, electoral/Ors
- Required Documents:
a) Registration Form
b) Medical Certificate (signed by a licensed MBBS physician)
c) NOC form (completed by the trekker)
d) 2 passport-size photos
e) ID Proof photo (not PAN)
g) Insurance upto 5 lac..
Guidelines
➽ How to Reach
The best mode of transportation is airplanes:
The only way to get to Ladakh is by flight after the roads to the high passes are blocked for the winter season due to snow. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh roads are often shut by October-November and November-December, respectively. Throughout the winter, a number of airlines provide frequent flights to Leh. The major goal is Delhi. From Delhi to Leh, there is one flight every day. All three airlines provide flights between New Delhi and Leh: Jet Airways, Air India, and Go Air.
Because rates have a tendency to increase after a given length of time, reservations should be made well in advance.
➽ Trip Cost Includes
- Travelling locally while on a trek.
- The guides at himalayan adventure trips are very knowledgeable and skilled.
- Competent local guide who is well-versed on the trip.
- Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on the hike.
- Cooks, helpers, and other necessary personnel.
- Porters for ordinary equipment (such as food, tents, and utensils)
- Accommodations include triple sharing at a superior hotel, guest house, or home in leh.
- Shared tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses are all required.
- All meals will be supplied while on the hike.
- Freshly prepared meals that include indian, chinese, and continental cuisine will be served.
- While camping, hot water will be available in the tents.
- The total cost of the package includes altoa fees, insurance, and a wildlife charge:
a) Medical examination fee (1 time) at leh.
b) Basic first aid kit with portal oxygen.
c) Forest permits and camping charges.
➽ Trip cost Excludes
- Personal hiking gear, such as sleeping bag liners or trekking poles.
- Lunch at the hotel or guest home is not included.
- Personal insurance or the price of an emergency flight.
- Personal porters to carry hikers' packs.
- Hat will not provide food at the hotel.
- Personal purchases, such as tea and coffee in hotels, mineral water bottles, canned or bottled drinks, chocolate, and dried fruits, etc.
- From and to the trailhead, food.
- 5% goods and service tax.
➽ Important Point
Authorities in Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, have decided to charge fees and restrict the number of visitors who may go on the Chadar trek. The forthcoming season will see costs (Wildlife + Environment + ALTOA fees + medical charge) of Rs. 3800 - 5500/trip for international trekkers and Rs. 2,950 - 3,900/trip for local trekkers being imposed. In addition, one must fork up cash for mandatory government accident insurance (Not defined). Remember to bring cash for this payment on the day you report.
Guidelines
➽ Special Casual Leaves
Government employee can avail the benefit of special casual leave when u join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rule of the pay commission, special casual leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar years for trekking and mountaineering expeditions through a register organization. Himalayan adventure trips are a register adventure tour operator register with Indian mountaineering foundation and Himachal Pradesh tourism. Candidates have to apply for leave at least 30 days before the trek/expedition start.
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➽ Frequently Asked Questions
The Chadar Frozen River Trek is located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the northern part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The trek takes place along the frozen Zanskar River, with elevations ranging from approximately 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level.
The trek typically starts from the town of Leh, which can be reached by air from major cities in India or by road from Srinagar and Manali. From Leh, it's a journey by road to the trailhead near Chilling village.
The best time to undertake the Chadar Frozen River Trek is during the winter months, from mid-January to mid-February, when the Zanskar River freezes over, forming a solid ice sheet suitable for trekking.
The Chadar Frozen River Trek is considered to be of moderate to challenging difficulty due to the extreme cold, icy terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. It requires good physical fitness and mental endurance.
Climbing experience is not required for the Chadar Frozen River Trek as it primarily involves trekking on flat, icy surfaces. However, prior trekking experience at high altitudes is beneficial.
Essential equipment includes warm layered clothing, waterproof insulated boots, trekking poles, gloves, sunglasses, a sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero temperatures, a tent (if camping), and a personal first aid kit. Many important things are already mentioned above on this page.
Risks include hypothermia, frostbite, slipping on icy surfaces, falling through thin ice, and avalanches. It's crucial to be prepared for extreme cold and to follow safety guidelines provided by experienced guides.
The length of time taken to ascend & descend the peak usually takes 9–8 days
While some experienced trekkers may attempt the Chadar Trek independently, it's highly recommended to trek with a knowledgeable local guide or join a guided group due to the extreme conditions and potential hazards.
Permits for the Chadar Frozen River Trek can be obtained through registered tour operators in Leh or directly from the Leh District Administration Office. But don't worry, we will help you & do this task on your behalf.
ATMs are available in Leh, but facilities may be limited in remote areas along the trekking route. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash from Leh to cover expenses during the trek.
Other famous treks and expeditions in the Leh and Kashmir Range include the Stok Kangri Expedition, Kang Yatse Trek, and the kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Each offers unique landscapes and challenges for trekkers and mountaineers to experience.
