CHADAR TREK, ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING OFF-BEAT HIKES ON THE PLANET
- rwangchuk
- Sep 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Image Credit: Goutam1962
Chadar trek, also known as Zanskar Gorge, situated in the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh, considered one of the harshest winter treks on the planet is the mecca for adventure enthusiasts.
The Chadar trek is one of the most challenging treks on the planet. It has its own uniqueness, which is ~ 105 kms (65 miles) long frozen over Zanskar river in the harshest winter months of January and February annually, a tributary of the River Indus.
What is the Chadar Trek?
Chadar trek is the long-frozen river trek in the Zanskar Valley during the harshest winter months in the Union Territory of Ladakh. It is as mentioned earlier ~105 km (65 miles) one way and usually starts in Chilling a little outside of Leh town roughly 35 km, after a couple of days acclimatization by the trekkers in the main town of Leh. The trek takes one to an average height of 11,123 feet, hence fitness is primordial. One must prepare themselves mentally and physically a couple of months before the trek.
How long is the Chadar trek?
The Chadar treks are usually pre-catered as per the various trekking companies’ itinerary and a traveler simply needs to enroll and follow the trekking companies’ rules and regulations. It’s simply the best and safest to finish the Chadar trek successfully. The total length of the Chadar trek is mentioned earlier. The different companies make different itineraries and the Chadar trek can last anywhere between a week to as long as just under a month!
Mandatory for Chadar treks?
The mandatories would entail apart from acclimatization over two days, going through a mandatory medical checkup before taking on Chadar trek in order to be sure that the trekker is up to the mark to deal with the harshest of condition enroute. All the expert guides on the Chadar would have several years of experience and it is most vital to follow their lead at all times.
The Chadar trek essentials
Medium sized day pack with plastic liner
Trekking boots, waterproof
Water bottle
Insulating gloves
Fleece jackets
Rainproof jackets
Sunglasses
Water purification pills
Essential toiletries like toilet paper and mouth wash
Medical first aid kits
Personal medications if any
It is highly recommended to be in 3-4 layers of warm clothes on the trek as the temperature can vary between single digits to minus 20, 30 degree Celsius
How can one book the trek?
That’s simple. Get in touch with us at info@headnorth.in or hit us up at our site headnorth.in possibly, let’s chat and we can get you hooked up!
Safety net for the trek?
The safety of everyone taking up the Chadar trek is out top priority! One must certainly in case of doubt, consult your doctor for any personal medical conditions one might have. Any queries small or big regarding this unique trek can be cleared by us, no problem. The end goal is to safely and successfully complete the most incredible hike in this region of Ladakh.
We believe the Chadar trek is seeing its last few years on the frozen Zanskar river since there is a highway coming up connecting Nimmu- Padum-Darcha also known to be called the NPD road by Border Roads Organization (BRO). Nimmu is roughly 35 km away from the main town of Leh. Padum is also famous for its snow leopard sightings and has made its own mark among the enthusiasts the world over.
So, next time you get an opportunity to trek this frozen river, take it up, once in a lifetime chance, experience a trek like never before, and what’s better, it’s in our own backyard!
Image credit: Sumita Roy Dutta
Comments