Chadar Trek

Trek : Chadar Trek Frozen River
Region : Ladakh
Duration : 9 Days
Grade : Difficult
Max Altitude : 11100 Ft.
Trekking KM : 62 Km.
Pickup Point : NA
Drop Points : NA
Reporting Time : NA
Droping Time : NA
Train : NA
Base Camp : Leh
Food : Meals while on trek
Stay : Hotel(Separate male & Female) & Camping
Best Season : January | December
Air Port : Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee)

Overview

Imagine walking on a surface made of ice and a frozen river. Sounds enthralling? One can have this experience on the Chadar Trek in Ladakh. The Chadar trek is like no other trek in the Himalayas and is the most arduous winter trek in India. This is exactly what makes the experience exciting. Chadar means ‘Blanket,’ and this trek is named so because the trail consists of trekking on the frozen Zanskar river, which gets covered in a thick blanket of ice as soon as winter commences. As exciting and interesting name this trek has, the experience is indeed the same and additionally, gives you the feeling of being invincible. This 9 days-long trek will have you experience the strongest you have been – both mentally and physically. It is indeed a rewarding trek, with a better you that will flourish more in life additionally, with the best adventurous memories from here. However, one can find frozen rivers or frozen lakes on other treks too but the experience of the Chadar trek remains completely different and exciting. Walking on a thick glass made of ice having huge and lofty mountains on both sides is an experience of a lifetime. The Chadar trek offers an opportunity to explore and experience the Zanskari and Ladakhi culture and hospitality. Apart from all this, the frozen waterfalls that you see during Chadar Trek leave you in awe. The best months to do this trek are January and February and seeing the difficulty level, the trek is not recommended for beginners.

How Each Day Looks

Day 01: Arrival in Leh | Local Sightseeing

We will arrive in Leh and check into our designated stay. After a brief introductory session, we will spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Travelers are advised to explore Leh Town, explore the Cafes in Leh, and indulge in local sightseeing in the evening.
Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Leh.

Note: This day spent in Leh is for acclimatization purposes.

Day 02: Acclimatization Day

After early morning breakfast, we’ll head for a sightseeing tour.
We will visit the Shanti Stupa and explore the Leh Market in the evening. If time permits, we will explore other attractions in Leh as well.
Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

Note: The Chadar trek requires trekkers to be properly acclimatized and hence we need to spend at least two days in Leh.

Day 03: Medical Check-up

We’ll head to get a thorough medical check-up at SNM Hospital. Due to the perplexing nature of this specific trek, participants must obtain medical certification before undertaking the Chadar trek as per the government.
A clearance certificate will be issued after a medical check-up and trekkers will only be allowed to embark on the Chadar Trek if they are found to be fit and are properly acclimatized.

Day 04: Trek to Guru Do Camp

After enjoying morning tea and breakfast, we’ll drive towards Nimoo where we can witness the confluence of the Indus River and the Zanskar River. This ride is not for the faint-hearted as jagged roads and hairpin bends make this a
tricky drive. The sight of the surrounding mountain ranges makes for a scenic ride that you’ll enjoy.
Upon reaching Nimoo, We will start our trek to Guru Do Campsite. After walking on multitudes of icy surfaces, you’ll slowly start to understand the pattern of walking. Soon, you’ll reach the campsite.
Dinner followed by an overnight stay at the Guru Do Camp.

Day 05: Trek to Shingra Yokma Camp (6 Hours)

In the morning, we will have hot tea and breakfast. After that, we will start trekking towards Shingra Yokma Camp which is our next campsite.
Enroute, you will encounter some of the most enchanting frozen waterfalls. As you keep walking, you’ll come across one of the breathtaking views you could ever witness. While you trek you can see the deep cliffs on both sides of the valley.
En route, we’ll have our packed lunch.
Upon reaching Shingra Yokma Camp, we will set up camps and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This camp is widely used by locals who transverse through the valley
Dinner followed by an overnight stay in camps.

Day 06: Trek to Tsomo Camp

After having breakfast in the morning, we will head towards the most anticipated campsite which is Tsomo camp.
While trekking we will witness many stunning gorges. You will be amused to see the Summit Point at Tsomo Spring Waterfalls. All your efforts will be worth this moment.
Hot lunch will be served on your way to the Tsomo campsite.
Trekkers are advised to wear proper layers to stay safe from the freezing cold.
We will set up camps at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the waterfall.
Dinner followed by overnight stay at Tsomo Camp.

Day 07: Trek to Tsomo Tutu | Return back to Shingra Yokma Camp

After early morning breakfast, we will trek to Tsomo Tutu.
After spending enough time in Tsomo Tutu we will head back to our campsite at Shingra Yokma Camp. We will be retracing our steps back, admiring the beauty of the mystical frozen Zanskar.
Upon reaching the campsite at Shingra Yokma Camp, we’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner followed by an overnight stay in Shingra Yokma Camp

Day 08: Trek back to Guru Dho Camp and back to Leh

After having early morning breakfast, we will head out of Shingra Yokma Camp and move towards Guru Dho Camp
En route, you might get a chance to see paw prints of wild animals like snow leopards, ibex, and foxes.
All the way you will be walking above the thick ice of chadar.
In the evening, We will drive back to Leh and spend the night at our designated stay.

Day 09: Departure from Leh

After early morning breakfast, we will check out from the hotel.
The group will part ways with fond memories of the trek
Departure from Leh.

Includes

Excludes

Accommodation: Stay in Leh guest house on a Triple / Quad sharing basis as per itinerary. Stay in Alpine / Dome tents during the trek on a Triple sharing basis.
Transportation: Transportation from Leh to Trekking point on Day 4th and back to Leh guest house on Day 8th.
Meals: Breakfast only in Leh (Day 2 – Day 4 and Day 9th). All veg meals during the trek from Day 4th lunch to Day 8th breakfast.
Camping logistics: Common Kitchen, Dining, and Toilet tents during the trek. Porter for carrying camping logistics.
Others: Hot Water on request while staying in Leh.
Trek LeaderQualified and Experienced Trek guide and Support staff.
Trekking Equipment: Sleeping bag, Mattress
Safety Equipment: Basic First Aid Kit with Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder.
Other Facility: Keeping extra luggage in Leh Guest House.

ALTOA Fees ( Wildlife fees, Environment tax, Insurance, Evacuation charges, Forest permit, Medical checkup, Camping charges).
Any Surface transfer from Leh Airport to Guest House and back.
Expenses of personal nature.
Personal Trekking Equipment like Gum Boots, Trekking Pole, and others.
Room Heaters at Guest House in Leh ( we suggest not use the room heaters as it dehydrates the body).
Porter for carrying personal luggage.
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions.