Chadar Trek

About Chadar Frozen River Trek :

• Ladakh is home to many medicinal wonders, but the Chadar Trek is the most prized gift bestowed upon this wonderful area. The trek is all about perseverance and survival ΓÇô mastering to survive in harsh terrains at sub-zero temperatures, interacting with locals, and learning about their way of life, in particular in one of the world's most inhabitable areas, while trekking through a dramatic gorge with frozen waterfalls at the frozen path of Zanskar spanned out like a "Chadar" that acts as a reflection for the sky!
  
• The primordial joy of dozing in caverns, thinking over blazing bonfires in frigid weather, and surviving it all ΓÇö this is the "Do before you die" experience!
  

Chadar Trek Quick Facts:

• Chadar River Trek Duration: 9D/8N
• Chadar Trek Distance:  62 km
• Maximum Altitude: 11,123ft
• Difficulty Level: Difficult 
• Chadar Trek Temperature: -5 to -15 degrees (all through the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (all through the night)
• Chadar Trek Best Time: Early January - Early February.
• Start and End Point of the Trek: Guest House in Leh.
• Nearest Airport: Leh airport. (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
• Last ATM: Leh Market and Airport.

How to Reach Leh :

• The most straightforward way to see Leh is via air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh is the closest airport. This airport is connected to several international airports in India, including Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other commonplace Indian destinations.
  

Universal adventures Exclusive:

• Extrusion of the expedition plan is an option.
• UNTIL DAY 3 If we find that you are unable to complete the Chadar River Journey or that the government claims you are unfit for the trek, don't be discouraged since the first 5 trekkers from the institution will receive a free upgrade to the "Flavour of Ladakh" package.

(To learn more, send an inquiry to the vacation spot specialist using the Send Enquiry button.)

Do's and Don'ts On Chadar Trek

DoΓÇÖs of Chadar Frozen River Trek

• It's always a good idea to plan for the second day in case of unforeseen circumstances like as bad weather, bridge damage, aircraft delays, or casualties.
• Before embarking on this journey, one must inform one's circle of relatives so that they can aid in the event of an emergency.
• Because there will be no pharmacies on the Chadar river trip, please bring any necessary medications as well as a primary first-aid kit in case of bruises or cuts.
• To have a safe and enjoyable trekking trip, follow the orders issued by the trek leader or trainer.

Don'ts of the Chadar Frozen River Trek

• Because you'll be traveling in a green zone, be sure you don't muck up the area by bringing your leftovers back.
• Flowy and flowery clothing may restrict your movement. It is preferable to avoid wearing such clothing.
• Do not rely on sports activities or casual footwear for traction on a snowy surface because they may compromise grip.
• When assembly priests or other locals are present, pinpointing is not advised since they may become offended.

Day Schedule: 

Day 1 - Fly to Leh | Arrival

• Altitude 11,400 ft.
• Arrival in Ladakh
• Acclimatization
• Stay the night in a hotel/guest home on the outskirts of Leh.
• Make sure you have your woolen hat and gloves on hand.
• You'll be flying over extensive sections of snow-covered Himalayan ranges, which will demonstrate why reaching Ladakh by road in the winter is impossible. When you arrive in Leh, you will be greeted by chilly, crisp air, and the temperature will drastically alter. With barely a few stores open, Leh is only waking up from its slumber.
• The chill in the air is simply a foretaste of the temperatures to come on this winter adventure. Take adequate rest to acclimate to the climate here, and remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The night will be spent in a guest's home.

Day 2 - Acclimatization Day

• Keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers are facing (Acute Mountain Sickness), as per the new regulations applied by Ladakh Government Authorities, anyone doing the Chadar trek should be at least spend two days in Leh to get your body fully acclimatized to the weather conditions here. It is irrevocable and it must be strictly followed by every trekker. You can spend the day shopping at the Leh market. You must get used to the cold temperature in Leh because the temperature will only tend to fall as you start walking on the frozen Zanskar, where the temperatures reach way below zero even in the daytime. You should avoid visiting places that are at a higher altitude.
• It is also advised that you check and crosscheck all the essentials before going to bed.

Day 3 - Medical Checkup | Day of Wild Card Exits

• As per the Government guidelines in Jammu and Kashmir, the trekkers will need to go through a medical check-up.
• Only after you get cleared by the officer will you be allowed to get a green signal for Chadar. Also, the trekkers will be issued their wildlife permits, insurance, and other important documents.
• Before the morning of the 4th day, if you feel that you want to opt-out, or have been deemed unfit by the government bodies, you can take a physical wild card and opt for a 'Flavor of winter Ladakh' tour, without any extra cost.

Day 4 - Leh to Shingra Koma via Chilling & Tilad do and Trek to Gyalpo

• 11,480 to 10,500ft
• Drive 3-4 hrs, trek 5 hrs/11 km
• On this day, you will be heading to the starting point of the, which is Shingra Koma.
• One of the most scenic drives in the entire region of Ladakh, you will get to see many top spots like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus. A drive of about 90 minutes along the Zanskar River will bring you to Chilling.
• The car will drop you where the road end and this is where you start walking on Zanskar. Walking with your gumboots on will be a challenge in the initial stage. Getting the hang of patterns of ice formation will take some time. You will have to judge the fragile surfaces from the strong ones as there are several different kinds of surfaces on the Chadar trek, but once you start walking you will know more about it. Planting your foot will be important in most cases, you can check for the ice for its steadiness with your walking stick before stepping on it.
• Make sure your backpack is light and small so you can manage and use the weight on your own effectively.
• The trek for the day will take you to the first campsite of the journey, Gyalpo, situated at the river bend, covered by High peaks and amazing rock faces.
• This will be your first experience of camping under sub-zero temperatures.
• Overnight at Gyalpo

Day 5 - Gyalpo to Tibb Cave

• 10,500ft to 10,800 ft
• Trek 12 km/ 5 to 6 hours
• Chadar is not a trek where altitude keeps on the rise at a fast pace. As you trek for 5 to 6 hours, you will only gain an altitude of 300ft from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave. Wake up from a chilling night and enjoy a warm breakfast.
• As you head to the next campsite at Tibb Cave, you will come across some of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls. These waterfalls have a mystery revolving around their origin or source but are nonetheless breathtaking.
• With the Zanskar flowing right beside you with its emerald green waters, you will stop midway to Tibb Cave for Lunch.
• As you move ahead, you will come across various rock patterns which will shine distinctively as the rays of the sun fall on them.
• The campsite for the day will be near Tibb Cave which is surrounded by dry sand.

Day 6 - Tibb cave to Naerak camp

• 10,800 to 11,100 ft
• Trek 13 km/ 6 to 7 hours
• The campsite for the day is the most awaited one, as you will be going to Naerak today, after breakfast. The 13 km long trail will bring you the chance of seeing the most scenic landmark of the Chadar trek, which is the frozen waterfall. This frozen waterfall is nature's masterpiece in itself and attracts trekkers and adventurers from across the globe.
• Hot lunch will be served on your way to Naerak.
• Naerak will be the coldest of all the campsites on the trek where the temperature goes down to as low as -30 degrees during the night. It will be important that you wear proper clothing and layers to stay safe from the biting cold.
• Reaching the waterfall on time would mean that you will have plenty of time to visit the village of Naerak as well.
• You will be camping at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the frozen waterfall.
• Overnight at Naerak camp.

Day 7 - Naerak to Tibb Cave

• 11,100 to 10,800 ft
• Trek 13 km/ 5 to 6 hours
• After breakfast today, you will start the return journey and go back to the Tibb cave.
• If you have the notion that going back is the easier part of the journey, the Chadar will force your mind to think again. The Zanskar River responds to even the smallest changes in temperature by reconstructing itself. The Chadar would have assumed a completely new form, and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before.
• On your way back to Tibb cave, you will be seeing a lot of locals negotiating the Chadar wearing the traditional woolen Gonchas, where some of them are monks coming back to Leh from the monastery at Lingshed, while others are young students going back to schools in Leh after their vacations, accompanied by their parents. To see this sight is warming enough. You will be in awe of the way these people have adapted to the temperatures below zero and still smile
• Overnight at camps in Tibb cave.

Day 8 - Tibb Cave to Shingra Yokma via Gyalpo, Drive back to Leh

• 10,800ft to 10,300 ft and drive to 11,400 ft.
• Trek 18 km/ 7 to 8 hours
• Starting from Tibb, go up to Gyalpo, and then trek on to reach Shingra Yokma today.
• The high walls of mountains rising from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls.
• You will be noticing a lot of fresh trails and footprints all along the trek, belonging to Foxes, Ibex, or Snow leopards.
• Although you would be lucky to spot a Snow Leopard; you can almost be sure that you are being watched by one all the time.
• Retracing the steps we took, this will be the last chance to look at the majestic and mesmerizing Chadar, which you will miss for sure. Trekkers along the way, who are about to start their trek will for sure ask you the experience. It will be amazing to play a guide to these people and to talk to someone about the experience while it is still fresh in your head.
• You will reach Leh by approximately 6:30 in the evening. It is recommended that you book your return flight on the 9th day instead of the 8th day.
• Tonight you get to sleep in a warm guest-house.
• Overnight in Leh.

Day 9 - Departure

• Return from Leh
• After breakfast, you will be checking out of the guesthouse and will get a transfer to the airport.
• Continue with your return journey on the flight.
• The experience ends here.