Chadar trek is the most famous trek as it offers a sheer thrill of walking over a frozer river. During the winter ,Ladakh, is isolated from the whole country due to heavy snowfall. The only way to Ladakh is by air from Delhi. In winter the temperature goes down to 30 below zero and the mighty Zanskar river freezes.
DIFFICULTY: DIFFICULT
MAX ALTITUDE: 11,100 FT.
BASE CAMP : LEH .
DURATION: 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS.
BEST SEASON : January to February
Destinations Covered during Chadar Trek :Leh, Tilad , Gyalpo, Naerak, Tibb
Arrive at Leh by flight mostly all the flights to Leh arrive in the morning, take a taxi from Leh airport to hotel and reach hotel, check in Hotel and rest for acclimatization. Leh is the second largest district in the country, situated at an altitude of more than 3500 meters above sea level. During winters, as most passes connecting to Leh are closed, you will be flown to the highest airport in the world, Leh airport. As soon you touch the ground, you will be feeling dry and cold air, but what will take all your attention is the haughty, snow-capped mountains around you; a sight to be remembered forever. After completing the arrival formalities, we will take a taxi and leave for the pre-arranged hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel.
After recent medical complications on Chadar Trek Leh Ladakh administration have made it compulsory to stay in Leh for acclimatization. As per the regulations and keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers might face (AMS), anyone doing the Chadar Trek should be at least spend two days in Leh for the body to get fully acclimatized to the weather conditions. It is unalterable and it is essential and is to be strictly followed by every trekker. Trekkers can spend the day by visiting the places around the city.
Due to the perplexing nature of this specific trek, it is mandatory according to the government, for participants to obtain medical certification before undertaking Chadar trek. A clearance certificate will be issued after a medical check-up only when satisfactorily fit and acclimatized for the trek. Our representative will guide you through out the entire process as it is part of Chadar Trek Package.
After enjoying morning tea and breakfast, we start our journey by driving to Shingra Koma. The sight of the surrounding high mountains will give you a sense of awe. Drive from Leh to Chadar Trek Ladakh first campsite Tsomo Paldar is scenic one and you will crossing Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and confluence of Indus and Zanskar, after crossing we reach Chilling and further we drive towards our campsite. After a while we will reach the starting point of Chadar Trek Ladakh and sight of confluence of Zanskar and Indus River is mesmerizing. Chadar Trek Ladakh used to start from confluence but now as the road construction is in progress we drive towards Somo Paldar campsite. Your Chadar trek ladakh expedition will start from here.
You will have to get used to trekking in Gum Boots, use your trekking pole to check the hardness of ice before stepping on the layer of ice.
After spending a cold night in the tent, have a wholesome breakfast and a hot cup of tea that will reactivate your senses in the morning in such subzero conditions. As you start trekking towards Tibb cave which is our next campsite. This trek route has some of the most attention-grabbing frozen waterfalls that one can encounter. Lunch will be served midway to Tibb cave. After walking for a couple of hours you’ll reach your campsite, you will be camping near the Tibb cave which is encircled by dry sand.
As you move towards Nerak, the most anticipated campsite of the trek. Today, the route is almost 13km that takes you to the most iconic landmark of the Chadar trek i.e. the frozen waterfall. Hot lunch will be served on your way to the campsite. Considerably, Nerak will be the coldest campsite on the trek where the temperature goes down to -30 degrees during the night. Trekkers are advised to wear proper layers to stay safe from the freezing cold. If we are able to to reach the waterfall on time, there are chances we might visit Nerak Village as well. Camps will be set at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the waterfall.
Back from Nerak:
There are many stories that trekkers might have heard stories of how unpredictable the weather patterns can get on the Chadar trek. There are times where you might find that the formation of Chadar no longer exists and at some places a new layer of Chadar is formed. Even though the route remains unchanged, it’s amazing to see how different it appears while we return.
Today, we start our return trip walk back to Tibb. The route of the return would not be easy as the river can rapidly react to any change in the temperature. By this time the icy river might have taken a completely new form. On our way back, we can admire the beauty of the valley and click pictures.
After having a hot breakfast, we get ready to leave Tibb and move towards Shingra Koma, crossing Gyalpo. En route you will a chance to see high mountains and observe pugmarks of wild animals like snow leopards, ibex and foxes. If you are lucky enough, you just might spot a leopard; and in any case you do not, then at least be sure, you would be watched by them. In the evening, drive back to Leh and stay overnight at the hotel.
Next day, you will reach Leh approximately by 6:30 in the evening. We recommend trekkers not to book a flight on 8th Day of the trek but on the 9th Day.
