"Chadar" refers to the sheet of ice that from over the Zanskar river as it transforms itself
from a rapid flowing river into a white blanket of ice during winter. It becomes a frozen
spectacle of glass ice ranging from a bluish tinge to golden yellow that is seen during the few
hours that sunlight reaches directly into the gorge to the milky whitish on a moonlit night - as
said a trek journey like no other.
Chadar connects villages in the Zanskar valley (deep in the mountains) with Chilling (on the
road to Leh) along the frozen Zanskar River. This route has been used for centuries for trade
and transportation, and is most reliable in winter to walk.
Day 1 , we arrive in Leh early morning by flight and give the day to acclamatize and take in the bone chilling cold to prepare ourselves. Overnight in Leh , getting to know the whole team.
Get up early in the morning and begin the process of acclimatization at high altitude. Proceed
to walk towards Shanti Stupa, a sacred Buddhist stupa, from where you will get an
opportunity to witness a beautiful view of the sunrise and a panoramic sight of the town.
Due to the challenging nature of this particular trek, government has made it mandatory for
participants to acquire medical certification before they undertake Chadar trek. A clearance
certificate upon a medical check-up will be issued by the Sonam Narbu Hospital. One will get
a certificate only when adequately fit and acclimatized for the trek.
Shingra Koma and Somo Paldar
Enjoy tea and breakfast in the morning and start your journey by driving to Shingra Koma.
This ride is not for the faint-hearted as bumpy roads and hairpin bends are quite common on
this route. The sight of the surrounding high mountains will give you a sense of awe. After a
point, you will have to deboard from the vehicle and trek towards Somo Paldar campsite.
Your Chadar trek expedition starts here.
Trek to Dib Cave/Tibb
Today, you will set out to trek to Dib Cave/Tibb. During the day, you will behold the
breathtaking beauty of the region including ravines and gorges. You might not see sunshine
properly as the steep cliffs in this area obstruct them. Once you reach Dib, you will see a large
cave. This is the place where you will halt for the night and rest. Butter tea would be offered
and we recommend you to try it. Enjoy overnight stay at the campsite.
Dib Cave/Tibb to Camp at Naerak
Today, you will trek the most scenic part of the region and get a chance to witness the largest
frozen waterfall and prayer flags. The bridge built next to the site of the waterfall is used in
summers to reach Zanskar from Leh. Thereafter, you can proceed towards the village of
Naerak to mingle with the locals and understand their way of living. Stay overnight at the
village camp comfortably
Day 07: Naerak to Tibb
On this particular day, start your return trip and proceed towards Tibb. The return trail
would not be easy and the river quickly reacts to any change in the temperature. By now the
frozen river might have taken an entirely new form. On the way back, admire the beauty of
the region, click pictures and meet locals, who can be seen wearing traditional woolen
Gonchas (robes). Upon Dib Cave, relax and stay overnight at the campsite.
ibb to Shingra Koma & Back To Leh
In the morning, get ready to leave Tibb and proceed towards Shingra Koma, crossing Gyalpo.
The trail today will give you a chance to witness high mountains and pugmarks of wild
animals like snow leopards, ibex and foxes. If lucky, you just might spot a leopard; even if you do not, then at least be sure, you would be watched by them.
In the evening, drive back to Leh and stay overnight at the hotel.
Departure from Leh
Today, the mesmeric journey to one of the finest scenic destinations of India will ultimately
come to an end. The entire experience, we are sure, would give you an unmatchable feeling of
achievement and satisfaction. In the morning, check-out from the guesthouse and depart
from the Leh airport.
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So interested enough to do this ? Ping me up on Whatsapp +91-9831857606 to join this !
Or email me dbiswas.bangalore@gmail.com for the cost involved.
All pictures are from Amitayu Prafulit and Swapnil Kambli, my previous Trekkers to Chadar.
Content exclusively by me
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