During the winter ,Ladakh gets isolated from the whole country due to heavy snowfall. The only way to Ladakh is by air from Delhi. In winters the temperature goes down to 3o below zero and the mighty Zanskar river freezes. This seven to eight day trek from Chilling to Padum over the Zanskar is both challenging as well as an unforgettable experience. The landscape acquires a pristine grandeur in winter as the trail enters into the gorge of the Zanskar.
Day 1 : Arrival at Leh
Arrive at Leh and check into the hotel. Leh is a high altitude desert and it takes at least a day to acclimatise to these conditions.So rest in your hotel room and in the evening roam around Leh market. Leh is a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 : Tilad Do Camp , 3100 Mtr.
Post breakfast we will drive to Chilling from where we will start our Chadar Trek. The ride is along the river Indus via village Nimu the place which is the confluence of the river Indus and the Zanskar. To reach camp one needs to cross the frozen Zanskar.
Day 3 : Gyalpo Camp , 3170 Mtr.
After morning stretching exercises and breakfast, our instructors will brief you on how to trek on the Chadar Trek. The Frozen Zanskar is hard as rock and slippery in the winter and trekking on this river can be quite challenging. We will stop for lunch prepared by our staff on the Zanskar which is an experience in itself. After passing Shingra Koma, you reach the camp-site for the day at Gyalpo, where tents have already been pitched by the porters.
Day 4 : Dib Cave Trek , 3225 Mtr.
Today we will start our trek after a nutritious breakfast.Today’s stretch of the Chadar Trek is around 14 km. Our destination for the day is Dib Cave. Dib Cave is big cave which provides shelter. We welcome you to the cave with a hot cup of ladakhi butter tea. Overnight stay at Dib Cave.
Day 5 : Nyeraks Camp Trek , 3390 Mtr.
Today we trek over deep gorges under the frozen Zanskar .You can hear the sound of water flowing beneath it. After trekking for a few hours we reach a huge waterfall. An old, dilapidated bridge on the river, which villagers claim to be more than 1,000 years old, marks Nyerak.
Day 6 : Dib Cave Trek
Nyerak to Dibb, The same way back? Well technically ,yes. In fact the Chadar changes by the minute, and the colors and perspectives all change. Overnight stay in Dib Cave.
Day 7 : Gyalpo Trek
We continue walking in the gorge, which is inaccessible in any other season and we come across some stunning frozen waterfalls.
Day 8 : Back to Tilad Do camp
At the end of an outstanding frozen river Chadar trek through the Himalayas, you are back to Leh. Overnight stay in Leh.
Things to Carry for Chadar Trek
· Backpack (Min 60 Ltrs) with Rain Cover
· Trekking Shoes (Forclaz 100,500 recommended)
· Gum boots
· 4 Pairs of Full sleeve shirts/T-Shirt and Track Pants (1 should be waterproof/windproof)
· 4 Pair of cotton socks. 3 pairs of woollen socks
· 2 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket (preferable)
· One Heavy Jacket (Down Feather preferable)
· Thermal Inners -2 Pair
· 2 pair water proof hand gloves
· 2 Pair woollen Gloves.
· Sun Cap
· One Scarf
· Light towel
· Lip Balm
· Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+)
· Water Bottle 1 Lt
· Headlamp or torch with fresh pair of batteries
· Personal Toilet Kit and toilet paper
· Personal Medicine Kit
· Dark Sunglasses (U/V protected)
· Walking Stick (At least one)
People who were spectacles Should avoid contact lenses and use photo chromatic glasses instead
All departures for The Chadar Trek are ex Leh.
What’s Included
Accommodation during Trek(Camping) and 2 day stay at Leh in guest house as per itinerary.
Meals while on trek(Veg)
Permits First aid medical kits
Qualified and experienced Trek Leader, Guide and support staff.
