Guide To Chadar Trek At Zanskar Valley

By Author: shaurya Chalmela
Total Articles: 4
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Trekking in Zanskar is nothing less than an exhilarating experience. The weather gets extreme during winters, and the temperature drops to as low as -10 to -20 degree Celsius through the day. In spite of facing so many challenges and hardships, there is always a feeling of contentment and fullness once you complete the trek in the Zanskar valley. One of the most famous treks in the region of Zanskar is the frozen river trek which is also known as Chadar trek. This popular winter trek is the longest trekking trails in the Himalayan region. 

Just walking along the secluded trail will bring you absolute bliss and harmony. The changing colors of nature and the surreal beauty of the high altitude desert will keep you enchanted for days. This trek takes place during the coldest time of the year when the temperature is at its lowest. There is a blanket of white snow, an ice sheet which wraps the freezing ...
... river. You will see frozen waterfalls in the mid-flow, barren land, trees with no leaves and bubbles trapped beneath your feet. This frozen river provides an access trail to the Zanskar valley. 

During the summers this river becomes a perfect expedition for tourist who wants to do white water rafting while during winters the river transforms into an ice sheet making this one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences of a lifetime.

This trek can be quite harsh for newbies who have no trekking experience before. Do prepare well in advance incase you are planning to take this trek as it is considered one of the most challenging traverses of Leh Ladakh with majestic and breathtaking views. You can also enjoy a campfire in the evening to keep yourself warm.

This trek connects villages in the Zanskar valley with Chilling on the way to Leh.

January and February are the best months of this trek as the upper layer of Zanskar valley turn into a sheet of ice which is called as Chadar in the local language. The trail serves as a perfect platform for trek lovers during the winters as the lake looks absolute crystal clear and mesmerizing to walk on. This frozen river was once used for traditional trading to reach the nearest towns or villages.           

The sheet of ice is thick and stable; however, you may find some sections treacherous due to rising temperatures over the last few years.  

 You need to be well prepared in advance mentally and physically to cope up with the harsh weather conditions. The extreme temperatures at the high altitude are the most challenging factor of the trek. The vertical cliffs are up to 500m high, and the Zanskar River is extremely narrow approximately 6m wide, which makes the trek even more challenging. You will need to jog for 3-4 km daily or do some extreme workouts to prepare yourself so that you do not feel the strain while trekking. Consistently practising for one or two months before the trek begins will make you strong enough to deal with these challenges. Do plan your trek well in advance and give yourself enough time to prepare for this trek.

Get yourself acquainted in nature, drink plenty of water, do exercise and pack warmer clothes along. Carry lightweight at high altitude to avoid tiredness and exhaustion. You can make multiple stops at homestays along the way. Give yourself a day or two to get yourself acclimatize before the trek begins and embrace the change in the climate. Enjoy and have fun, and you are all set to do the best trek of your life.