Chadar Trek: Hike on the Frozen river of Zanskar in Ladakh

You’ve in all probability heard of the Chadar trek, however what precisely is it? This mountaineering expertise is completely different from others as a result of it’s accomplished on the frozen floor of a river.Different treks in India take you thru caves, passes, and historical forts, however the Chadar trek is completely different. The path meanders alongside the frozen river’s route and is thick sufficient to stroll on. You’ll spend most of your day within the wild, distant from civilization. You’ll drink butter tea each few hours, and also you’ll be in distant mountain terrain. Although the trek is barely a brief one, you’ll get pleasure from seeing a brand new aspect of India.

In the course of the Chadar trek, you’ll encounter many various kinds of wildlife. And in the event you’re fortunate, you’ll get to see a snow leopard or a blue sheep.

If you happen to’re in search of a extra adventurous trek, strive the Chadar trek. The Chadar route is each completely different and related. The Chadar is a blanket of ice on the Zanskar River, however it’s all the time altering. The dynamic of the Chadar impacts the route, the terrain, and the situations. It’s price a glance in the event you’ve by no means seen this place. It’s the excellent strategy to spend per week within the mountains.

The Zanskar River runs by the mountain vary and wends its strategy to the Indus river. Within the winter, it freezes into thick sheets of ice, creating a completely new path for nature lovers and journey seekers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. When you’re strolling on the frozen water, you’ll discover your self in awe of the breathtaking great thing about the Chadar area. The Chadar path can be your ticket to the craziest a part of the Zanskar panorama.

Hiring a Skilled Information for the trek

To finish the Chadar trek, you must also rent an expert information. Regardless of its difficult nature, the rewards may be super.  and accomplished this trek within the second week of January 2021

It’s also possible to discover locals who’re able to work onerous in thisregion and might help you navigate the treacherous terrain. Up to now, the individuals of this space locked themselves of their properties and waited for the winter to cross. However now they hike by the frozen Zanskar river and you’ll take their assist as a information.

Issue Degree

Chadar trek problem degree is reasonable to excessive. The Chadar can be harmful, and the chilly may cause hypothermia. If you happen to don’t have heat clothes and stay in moist garments, you may endure from hypothermia. The terrain is slippery and you’ll maintain a fracture. Additionally, you must acclimatize for 3 days earlier than beginning the trek to keep away from affected by altitude mountain illness. So, it’s a good suggestion to acclimate earlier than you go in your trek.

Though it’s lovely and scenic, the Chadar frozen river will not be a spot to swim as a result of excessive chilly temperature. It’s principally {a partially} frozen river and may be difficult to cross. Whereas some individuals become bored with the path, others benefit from the problem of making an attempt one thing new. You may study extra in regards to the Chadar Trek in a Nationwide Geographic movie or watch it on Discovery Channel. For extra data, please go to the official web site.

Necessities

Once you’re within the mountains, you ought to be ready to take care of the chilly and snow. You’ll want to hold all of the winter gear for the trek. And clothes to remain heat corresponding to heavy woolens as a result of temperatures can dip to minus 30 levels at any time of the trek. You’ll additionally have to have correct medical insurance coverage. You’ll want to remain in a single day in a cave close to the Zanskar River, which isn’t accessible for everybody.

Though this can be a widespread trek, it’s tough for many individuals. It’s best to have a medical certificates or different proof that you just’ve already trekked earlier than.

If you happen to’re new to mountaineering, you ought to be ready for excessive temperatures. Put on loads of woolen garments and sleeping luggage – it’ll be fairly chilly! You must also pack a heat jacket in the event you’re planning on spending the evening within the tents. You should buy heat clothes on the base of the mountain. If you happen to’ve by no means finished so earlier than, you must try the Chadar trek earlier than you embark in your journey.

Making ready for the Chadar trek

To arrange for the Chadar trek, you need to have accomplished at the least two winter Himalayan treks. In case you have already accomplished at the least two of those, you’ll have to have some mountaineering expertise. You’ll additionally must be match and wholesome. Moreover, you could be ready for the cruel climate situations. You’ll want to hold heavy woolens and different tools. You’ll have to convey some meals and consuming water.

The Chadar trek is an adventurous, but rewarding expertise. So, regardless of the excessive altitude, you’ll be rewarded with bragging rights in the event you handle to overcome the difficult terrain. Simply be ready to be a very good citizen and maintain the atmosphere.

The Chadar trek will not be for the faint of coronary heart. It requires a powerful bodily structure and a substantial amount of braveness. There are not any simple routes, however it’s actually price it when you’ve got the stamina for it. You’ll have to have the ability to stroll by steep terrain and be ready for some snow. Thankfully, there’s no scarcity of locations to relaxation, however you’ll want a information.

Itinerary

The Chadar trek begins from the Chilling space. Then, you’ll attain Tibb cave after staying an evening at Gyalpo camp. The ultimate tenting website is close to the village of Nerak which is a mountain village in the midst of a steep gorge. Your journey lasts for 5 days, and also you’ll want to verify to pack the required objects. You’ll want trekking boots, insulated gloves, and a day-size pack.

The Chadar trek contains three main campsites. The primary is the Gyalpo tenting website. You’ll keep at this campsite for one evening earlier than making your strategy to the subsequent camp. The second is the Tibb Cave. From right here, you’ll cross the frozen river Zanskar to the village of Nerak. After this, you’ll spend a number of hours at this website. It is a excellent spot to relaxation and benefit from the sights.

Conclusion

You’ll must be bodily match to do the Chadar trek. It’s best to seek the advice of along with your physician earlier than making an attempt this high-altitude trek. If you happen to’re not in good well being, you must keep away from the Chadar trek till you’ve reached a wholesome degree. That is a particularly strenuous mountaineering expertise. You’ll be strolling over the ice. The ice on the path may be slippery and unsuitable for kids.