Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek on frozen Zanskar

General Information and Itinerary

WHAT IS CHADAR TREK

As the winter sets in desolate Ladakh and the temperature plummets, the Zanskar River starts to freeze. With time it forms a thick layer of ice on it. This is that which is referred as Chadar. A walk on this frozen river is called Chadar trek. The amazing colours ranging from bluish tinge to golden yellow produced by the reflection of the sky and the mountains on the layer of ice is marvellous. It’s a walk like none other on earth.

WHEN AND HOW DOES THE CHADAR FORMS
 

By the last week of December , the River Zanskar starts to freeze. First the outer banks of the river turn into ice. Slowly with time, around the second week of January as the flow gets slower due to less water in the river, the freezing process intensifies, causing the river to form a thick layer of ice on top of it. The river flows mostly through a gorge so it has very less sunshine, which helps in making the ice thicker and harder. This layer of ice is so thick and hard that one can walk on it.

LOCATION OF CHADAR

Zanskar valley lies to the south – west of Leh, surrounded by the Himalaya and Zanskar ranges. Zanskar comprises of two main valleys the Stod(Doda Chu) and the Lanak (Tsarap Chu) the coverage of which starts below Padum. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 7 months in the year.

BRIEF HISTORY
 

Chadar is more than a trek for the Ladakhi people. It has a history of more than 1000 years.The Zanskari people call it “Khado Sanglam” The Chadar is perfect example of the resourcefulness of the Zanskari people. In winters the Penzi La, which is located at an elevation of 14000 feet gets closed due to Snow. Penzi La is the only road which connects Zanskar with the out side world. The Road starts from Kargil and follows the Suru valley across the Penzi La till Padum. Padum is the Headquater of Zanskar. The Zansar range is high and steep, so there is no route for the people to connect with the other places of Ladakh. So when the River Zanskar freezes during winters, it forms a layer of Ice of it, which is hard enough for letting people walk on it. The Zanskari people in winters walk on it to reach Chilling, which has an all weather road connected with Leh. This has been a traditional route for these people for centuries. It was part of the Silk Route, and people waited for it to freeze, so they could head back to their homes. Even today this route is used by the Zanskari people to move in and out of the Zanskar Valley to Leh. School children who come to study in Leh, go back home on the frozen River.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE TREK.

Chadar requires mental, physical and logistical preparations more than any other trek because of the conditions, location and climate. The temperatures plummets to below – 20 degrees centigrade. Ladakh has very harsh winters, so most of it is closed during this season. The Hotels and guest houses cannot function due to shortage of water. All supplies reach Ladakh though air route, so the cost of essentials are also quite high. It is advised to reach Ladakh with full preparation for the trek if you want to save some money. There is a military shop which sells socks, gloves, caps at reasonable prices. Apart from that come fully loaded.
Altitude is defined on the following scale
High (8,000 – 12,000 feet [2,438 – 3,658 meters]),
Very High (12,000 – 18,000 feet [3,658 – 5,487 meters])
Extremely High (18,000+ feet [5,500+ meters])

There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it and some people don’t, and some people are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 9,000 feet (2,750 meters) with minimal effect. The elevation of Nerak is about 10,900 feet. If you haven’t been to high altitude before, there is no reason to worry, provided you don’t have any serious health related issues. You have to start brisk walking a month earlier. You can do away with lifts and escalators , and use the stairs. Try deep breathing exercises , so that your lungs expand. Try to increase your intensity and duration of exercises , so that you know your stamina is building up.Keep hydrated by having lots of fluids. Live healthy and the rest happens.
If you have been at that altitude before with no problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized.

When you fly from Delhi to Leh you gain over 10,000 feet. When you reach Leh , it’s a totally new experience for most people. Rarified air and minus temperatures. Keep yourselves hydrated, keep away from heaters, and wear warm clothes. Don’t sleep during the day and have your meals in time. If you have any of the symptoms like nausea, mild headache, fatigue after walking a few steps, or loss of appetite. Contact your trek Leader.

Chadar Trek is a trek through a valley and hence does not have the element of climbing. The thing which is of difficulty here is the temperature. Day temperatures in Leh and while on trek are sub-zero and usually around -8 degrees. The temperatures during night falls drastically to -25 degrees. The ultimate challenge is to keep yourself focussed in completing the challenge.

WHAT TO PACK.

.1 Rucksack/Backpack of 60 to 70 litres capacity.
.1 Rain cover or poncho
.1 pair of water proof trekking shoes with a firm grip
.1 pair of Gum boots
.2 pairs of waterproof trekking lowers.
.1 Warm down jacket
.1 Wind proof Jacket
.1 Fleece sweater
.3 Cotton T shirts
.2 pairs of thermal inners, upper and lower
.3 pairs of sports cotton socks, and 2 pairs of swollen socks
.2 pairs of woollen and water proof hand gloves each
.2 pairs of woollen caps or Balaclava
.Sun or Golf Caps
.Sun Glasses. These are very important. The reflection of the sun rays from the snow crystals can make your face burn and cause a white out condition in which you  wont be able to see clearly. If you wear spectacles, please get photo chromatic glasses or get a numbered dark glass made.
.Small, thin quick drying Towel
.2 One litre water bottles
.Torch or Headlamp with spare batteries.
.Moisturising lotion/cream.
.Sunblock lotion
.Personal Toilet kit
.Toilet paper

.Medicines.
The tour operators have a Medicine Box and First aid kit, but you  can keep some tablets of Crocin, Avomine, Combiflam,   Brufen, and   Norflox . If you think you can have a High Altitude Sickness,       you can  go in for Diamox on the advise of a doctor. You can carry a couple of knees caps, Crepe Bandages, some anti inflammatory  spray or lotion like Moov. Carry a small first Aid kit comprising of       some Bandages, Betadine, dettol, and some band aids.

. Some Drinks to enhance your stamina and make up for hydration       loss during the trek like Glucose, ORS Salts, or Gatorade.

HOW TO PACK.

.Make small packets of similar items. So that you don’t waste time in  finding any item. Like keep socks, gloves and T shirts in one packet,  toiletries and medicine in one pack, and so on. Try to carry as minimal  as possible.
.Keep the weight of your back pack around 8 to 9 kgs.
.Keep a jacket and a waterproof raincoat at the top, so that you can get  it out quickly if needed.
.Keep a headlamp/torch in your outside pockets wrapped in waterproof  cover. Once you reach a camp keep the torch in your pocket.
. Keep your spare batteries inside the pockets of warm clothes. Batteries   drain out fast in the cold weather
.Carry a polythene packet, in which you can keep clothes that get wet or  you have changed.

WHILE WALKING.

The trek is a walk on ice. There is no defined technique to judge weather the ice is hard or soft. A experienced trek leader and the local Zanskaris know by instinct where the Ice is hard enough to take your weight. At most places the Ice is hard enough to take your weight, so there is no reason to worry. There may be places where the Ice is thin. At such places a experienced trek leader can guide you through an alternate route. So safety is very important. Please listen attentively to your trek Leader at the time of breifing. Never walk in front of your lead guide, and never behind your tail guide. They first check weather the Ice can take your weight or no. Where the Ice is week , an alternate route has to be taken along the mountain. Some times there is hard ice only near the banks, so you have to crawl under protruding rocks. If ever you break thin ice and your foot gets drenched in water, there is no need to panic. Just pull your leg out or ask your trek leader for help. If you do not sight your trek lead, ask any local guy you see around to help you. What I mean by a local guy is a guide, cook, helper or porter who is a Zanskari. Change your socks and shoes, as wearing wet ones can make you freeze. When ever you walk on a rocky portion, make sure you dry your sole of the water as it can become ice and make you slip on the rocks. Don’t walk in groups, as it can put weight on a single slab. Don’t stand for long durations where you can hear cracking sounds.
Remove the batteries from the cameras as you finish taking photographs and put them in your pockets. Be careful while changing lenses, as vapour can set in dampening your camera. Thin silk gloves are a great help while taking pictures in these sub zero temperatures. Stay hydrated, take small sips as the water is too cold. Keeping hydrated is the key in high altitudes. The water level in your body helps to force oxygen to your organs, and at high altitudes, there is a greater rate of water vapour lost from the lungs. You don’t feel so cold while walking, because your body is in motion but once you reach a camp you suddenly feel the chill. So keep a warm jacket ready, and put it on as soon as you reach a camp.a walk on frozen slabs of ice. So safety is very important. Please listen attentively to your trek Leader. Never walk in front of your guides. They first check weather the Ice can take your weight or no. Where the Ice is week , an alternate route has to be taken along the mountain. Some times there is hard ice only near the banks, so you have to crawl under protruding rocks. Don’t walk in groups. Don’t stand for long durations in places where cracks are visible.
 

ON THE CAMP

Once you reach the campsite, make sure you are warm. Change the clothes which are wet. Have plenty of fluids like soup and warm water. If you have any feeling of sickness, contact your trek leader. Get your oxygen level checked. Relax and conserve your energy for the next day. Eat a proper diet. Get into your sleeping bags and fleece inners in a tidy manner. If his is not done properly you may have an uncomfortable night. Make sure the zips of your sleeping bag and tents are fastened properly. At night keep your water bottle inside your sleeping bag, so that you have warm water to drink in the morning. Drink lots of water in the morning.
Please don’t litter around the campsite. Keep a compartment in your bag for wrappers, waste etc. Respect the mountain which lets you spent time on it.

Don’t Smoke or consume alcohol during the trek.It can be fatal.

Walk safely, enjoy, take pictures of the yellow golden blush tinge reflections. Feel the adrenaline rush. Spread smiles, and come back with wonderful stories.

ITINERARY

Day 1:-Report at Leh. Acclimatize and over night at guest house.

Day 2 : Acclimatization and medical checkup.

Day 3 :- Rest and collection of enviromental permit

Day 4:-Drive to Chilling [3 hrs]. Trek to Tilat Sumdo camp [1 hr].

Day 5:-Trek to Shingra Korma [9 km/6 hrs trek].

Day 6:-Trek to Tibb [14.5 km/8 hrs trek]

Day 7:-Trek to Naerak Pullu [11.5 km/7 hrs trek]

Day 8:-Trek from Naerak to Tibb.

Day 9:-Trek to Shingra Korma.

Day 10:-Trek to Chilling and drive back to Leh.

Day 11:-Return from Leh.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive by flight and report at Leh. Rest of the day free for acclimatization. Stay over night at the hotel. Get also used to the cold.

Day 2:

Medical test.

Day 3:

Enviromental Permit

Day 4:

Drive from Leh to Chilling and Tilat Sumdo. Today in the morning drive with small brief halt at the magnificent confluence of River Zanskar and Indus and then again a drive to the Chilling, one of the most famous villages in Ladakh, known for craftsmanship, especially the metal works. Touching the Chadar first time, we start the trek for 1-2 hrs along the magnificent frozen river Zanskar till Tilat Sumdo. Overnight in cave/camp/tent. Also learn the fun way to adjust yourself to Ladakhi Shuffle walk style on the frozen slippery ice of River Zanskar.

Day 5:

Trek from Tilat Sumdo to Shingra Korma – 6 hours.After  breakfast, there will be a quick call for a breifing at 7:30 am and we will  depart early. The walk on the Chadar has fully started. Hearing the different sounds of Chadar forming and breaking, you will soon get familiar where the Chadar or the ice cover is thick and thin. You start getting the feel and vibes of Zanskar. In the evening you reach the majestic campsite of Shingra korma.

Day 6:

Trek from Tsomo Paldar to Tibb – 8 hours. Three days of walking on frozen Zanskar has enhanced your endurance and taught you how to take a safe fall so that you can ready yourself for eight hours of long trekking.. This day brings out the real adventurer residing inside you for decades. .Though today is the longest day of the trek, we pass through some magnificent beautiful waterfalls and frozen ice cliffs on the left – it is like walking through a giant freezer! The walk also crosses through narrow gorges, where the trekker may have to climb briefly on to the rocky river bank. The sharp bends and current of the river breaks the ice in some places. Lunch in between on a flat rocky hill side by the river. The valley gets steeper and steeper as we move in. We reach the campsite of Tibb in the evening and camp there.

Day 7:

Trek from Dibb to Nyerak Pullu – 7 hrs. Again one of the magnificent days on the Chadar trek. However, the caution being that this can become a difficult if the Chadar is not very firm. The vistas are stunning though as we pass through giant frozen waterfalls, ice cliffs and one may even catch sight of the mountain fox. Nyerak village is located high above. Beyond the bridge that links Nyerak village with Lingshed, small huts mark the summer grazing shelters of the villagers.

Day 8:

Trek from Nyerak to Tibb. Though technically it is the same way back, it is also quite different. The Chadar or the blanket of ice that is forming on the River Zanskar is always changing, breaking up and forming itself again. As the Chadar dynamics are ever changing, the same route and place would look and feel different as the texture and conditions change.

Day 9:

Trek from Tibb to Shingra Koma.

Day 10:

Trek from Shingra Koma to Chilling and drive to Leh.The eighth day is the last leg of your trek. Your wildest walk is about to come to an end as soon as you reach Chilling after walking for a couple of hours from Shingra Koma. We drive back to Leh from Chilling and spend the night at a hotel/ Guest house in Leh.

Day 11:

Return from Leh.

Inclusions:-

1.First Aid, Medical Kits & Oxygen Cylinder.

2. Transport, Leh to Leh

3. Accommodation. Tented or Hotel.

4. Meals while on Trek (Veg.)

5. Trek Equipments (Sleeping bag, Mattress, Dome tent)

6. Permits/ Forest Fees

7. Experienced Trek Leader, Guide & Support Staff to Help Trekkers.

Exclusions:-

1. Any kind of Personal Expenses

2. Insurance

3. Porter to Carry Personal Luggage

4. Meals at Leh

5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions.