CHADAR TREK IN ZANSKAR (FROZEN RIVER TREKKING)


10 DAYS.

INTRODUCTION

Chadar is a Hindi word that means a blanket or a bed sheet. Trekking in Zanskar region in Leh on the frozen Zaskar River means the Chadar trek. The trek is named so the river appears to be covered with an ice cover which looks like a blanket. Chadar trek is known to be one of the most popular treks in Ladakh and can be undertaken by experienced trekkers. Opt for Chadar Trek 2017 to embark on a memorable trekking expedition and feel the high adrenalin rush of walking on a frozen river. At some places the river might not be completely frozen or in liquid, which makes the trek even more challenging. Other highlights of this trek include visit to popular Buddhist monasteries, exploring remote Zanskar village, meeting the locals and savoring their hot butter real.

SKETCH ITINERARY MANALI To SPITI BIKE TOUR:
Day 01: Fly to Leh.
DAY 02: Drive to Tilad Do via Chilling.
Day 03: Tilad Do to Shingra Koma.
Day 04:Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave.
Day 05:Tibb cave to Naerak camp.
Day 06: Naerak to Tibb Cave.
Day 07: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma..
Day 08: Shingra Koma to Tilad Do and drive to Leh.
Day 09: Return from Leh.

EXPEDITION DETAIL

Day 1Arrival in Leh

Arrival at the Leh Airport, one of the highest airports in the world. As you move out of the airport, the sheet of white snow and the stunning views are going to greet you. Meet our tour representation who helps you with in assisted transfer to the hotel/guest house. Rest of a while and in the evening, visit the local market of Leh where you can see that few eating joints and shops are open for the daily business. You can savor hot local food and can indulge in some last minute shopping, if the need be. As you take a walk here, you can feel the chill in the air. Overnight stay in the guest house / hotel.

Day 2Sightseeing in Leh

The day is scheduled for sightseeing in Leh, exploring some of Ladakh’s most popular monasteries and local houses in the Indus Valley, driving along Indus River. The first visit is to the very popular Thiksey Monastery, also known as Mini Potala. Belonging to the Gelug sect of Buddhism, placed on a hilltop, this 12-stoery monastery has a beautiful statues, Thangkas, swords and other Buddhist relics. The next visit is to the Hemis Monastery- the largest and the richest monastery of Ladakh. Late afternoon arrival in the beautiful Stok Village for meeting a Ladakhi family and have a sneak-peek into their style of living. Savor Barley drink and their local butter tea. Back to Leh Stay overnight at the hotel/guest house.

Day 3 Leh- Tilad Do via Chilling

On day 3, in the morning, board a bus to Chilling. This road journey from Leh to Chilling offers a picturesque as well as thrilling ride. The bus travels along the Indus River, to the Nimu Village where you can see the confluence of Zanskar and Indus River. The bus stops here for some time so that tourists can take photographs. The drive later continues on the road that descends towards the right into the river valley. The snow-covered meandering road offers a thrilling ride and carries you to from Chilling to Tilad Do. Do not miss the stunning views of the snow-clad mountains. As you de-board the bus at Tilad Do, the trek expedition towards the campsite starts. You take your first step on the Chadar, which in Hindi means ‘sheet’. Cross the frozen Zanskar River carefully. Walking on the ice sheet takes some time as this is the first time. Slowly as the evening arrives, the team has to pitch the tent on the banks of the river. If you want, you can climb up a nearby mountain to have a good view of the wonderful surroundings. As the sun sets, the temperature also dips. Get into your warm sleeping bags to keep the body warm. Overnight in the tent.

Day 4Tilad Do - Gyalpo

In the morning, get out of your sleeping bags and enjoy a cup of hot tea to fight the cold spread all around. The day includes a long trek session of around 12 km on the Zanskar Chadar. The guide briefs you about the walking technique on the frozen Zanskar River. The form of the frozen river varies as per the weather. It can either be slippery with hard and cold ice or can also have a dust of snow on it, which makes the walk easier. Follow the guide as the ice can be thick and thin at places and the locals know how this can be handled. The trek also involves walking through ankle deep water or climb on the cliffs, on the side of the river. Slowly you start walking, skating and gliding on the Chadar on your own. On the mid-way, you stop at Gyalpo where the porters-cum-cooks serve hot bowls of soupy noodles for lunch. This adds to the body’s need of sold as well as liquid intake. On walking past Shingra Koma, you arrive at the Gyalpo campsite where the potters have already pitched the tents. Positioned on a bend in the river, this site is enveloped by rock walls and high peaks. Enjoy an early dinner and get inside your warm sleeping bag, calling it a day. Overnight in camps.

Day 5Gyalpo - Tibb Cave

On the 5th day of the Chadar trek, enjoy your tea at 7 in the morning and breakfast at 8. At 8:30, the trek begins. Have your breakfast properly as the day is scheduled for longest walk of this trekking expedition (14 km). The day takes you through deep ravines of the Zanskar. Most of the day, the chadar receives no sunshine as the area is covered with mountains on both the sides. The mountains also have caves. Walk past frozen waterfalls. On the way, you will also come across little greenery near the only waterfall, which does not freezes and has an interesting ancient fable behind the same. Once you reach Tibb, you can see a huge cave, your dwelling for the day. The porters serve you hot butter tea. Overnight camping.

Day 6Tibb Cave to Naerak

The day is scheduled for offering immense natural beauty. Keep walking on the river, crossing deep gorges. You arrive at a place where prayer flags cover the Juniper trees. You can also tie a prayer flag here for good health and good luck. The porters assisting must be having these flags. Just a few steps away is the biggest frozen waterfall of the region and next to it is a bridge, made across the river, which is used in the summer time for come to Leh from Zanskar. Now the trek further is a difficult one. An hour long trek brings you to Naerak Village, which is several feet above the river. This is a Zanskari village where your camp is set, near the river. Relax once you arrive. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 7Naerak - Tibb

Today the return journey starts. Start trekking back to the Tibb Cave. Do not get careless thinking that you have already covered this trek before. Be quite careful as the river can change its form at any time. On your way back, you meet locals who are wearing traditional woolen Gonchas. Some of these people can be monks, who are traveling to Leh from the Lingshed Monastery. Arrival at Tibb. Stay overnight.

Day 8Tibb – Gyalpo

Start walking from Tibb and keep walking till Gyalpo. The high-rising mountain walls on the sides of the river, make it look like these are walls of the castle. Spot the pug marks of animals such as ibex, foxes and snow leopards. Overnight at Gyalpo.

Day 9Gyalpo - Tilad Do - Drive to Leh

Is the last day of walking on the Chadar. Keep walking till you reach Tilad Do. Now is the time to say goodbye to the River Zanskar and the team. Your road journey to Leh starts. On arrival, complete the check-in formalities at guest house/hotel. Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 10Departure from Leh

This memorable trekking expedition comes to an end today. From the Leh airport, go aboard the flight for your onward journey.

PACKAGE INCLUDES

  • Accommodation during Trek (Camping) and 2- day stay at Leh in Guest house as per itinerary on sharing basis.
  • All Meals only while on trek (Veg) & Breakfast & dinner in Leh.
  • First aid medical kitsli>
  • Qualified and experienced Trek Guide and support staff.
  • Tents & Sleeping bags
  • Transport from Leh and Return as per Itinerary
  • Airport transfers

PACKAGE EXCLUDES

  • Medical & Travel insurance
  • Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh Environment fee (Students should bring their school ID).
  • Domestic airfare.
  • Personal items like mineral water, phone calls, laundry etc.
  • Extra meals / room services / bottled beverages consumed at the hotel.
  • Additional costs for Hotel accommodation, transport services due to flight cancellation, road blocks etc.
  • Gloves, jackets, boots, strap.

Note
Average Trek Duration: 4-5 hours everyday

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

  • Crampons (can be hired in Leh)
  • Gaiters - down jacket (feather file)
  • Ankle length trek boots with rubber soles for better grips on Ice (Gortex quality)
  • Spare knee length water boots
  • Thermal inner wears
  • Good U/V protected sun goggles
  • Personal torch with spare batteries
  • Water proof lowers and jackets, woolen sweaters, high neck, woolen caps, knee length woolen socks etc.
  • Wind proof gloves
  • Personal feather filled sleeping’s bags for minimum minus 10 and below temperaturesli>