Frozen River Chadar Trek

Overview

The traditional name for the Zanskar Trek is Chadar Trek as the river becomes a snow sheet during winters due to heavy snowfall. It boasts of some of the lowest temperatures making it a challenging trek for the adventurers.

The most isolated and inaccessible for nearly eight months in a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes; Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosmos of Ladakh, and thus one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity.

There is a lot of trekking included in this trip. It commences in Chilling where from we get on with the new phase walk on the frozen Zanskar River. Thereafter, we trek till Lingshed to walk on Chadar.

Itinerary:

Day 01:  Delhi – Leh

Day 02:  Visit to visit to monastery / visit to Festival

Day 03:  Full day sightseeing of Phyang, Liker and Alchi

Day 04:   Leh to Chilling to Zaribago (5 hrs).

Day 05:  Zaribago – Deepyokma (4 hrs).

Day 06:  Deepyokma – Nyrakpulu (4-5 hrs).

Day 07:  Nyarakpulu – Lingshed (1 hr).

Day 08:   Lingshed Full day rest

Day 09:  Ligshed – Nyarak pulu (5 hrs)

Day 10:  Nyarakpulu – Tsomopaldar (4 hrs)

Day 11:  Tsomopaldar – Tilatdo (5hrs)

Day 12:  Tilatdo – Chiling – Leh (5 hrs)

Day 13:  Leh – Delhi

 

Additional Information

Things to carry

Essentials in the pack:

— A medium sized day pack, with plastic bag liner
— Well broken in trekking boots
— Stream crossing sandals – e.g. Teva’s or reef runners
— A medium sized day pack, with plastic bag liner
— Water bottle(s), 1 liter size – 2 bottles recommended
— Insulating layer(s) – fleece jacket, wool sweater
— Wind/rain proof layer – Gortex type jacket
— Gloves – insulating
— Sunscreen – SPF 40, and lip salve
— Sunglasses
— Water purification – pills, drops, filter etc.
— Personal trail medications (if required)
— Reading glasses (if required)
— Emergency First Aid kit including blister bandages
— Toilet paper in a plastic Ziploc and lighter (purchased in Leh)
— An alcohol based gel to sanitize your hands (e.g. Purell)
— Emergency trail food such as granola bars, chocolate bars etc.
— Hand Sanitizer
— Mouth Wash

Essentials on the body:

— Long sleeve hiking shirt
— Long quick dry hiking pants
— Hat (sun), with retention cord for windy days

Optional gear in the pack:

— Camera and accessories
— Guidebook, maps
— Trekking poles
— Extra pair of hiking socks
— Light emergency tarp
— Drink mixes to add to your water bottle
— Notebook and pencil

In your duffel bag:

— A sturdy waterproof duffel or zippered bag to contain your personal items. This bag will be roped to a horse, so ensure the contents are “crush” proof.
— Sleeping bag
— Mattress (optional) – e.g. Thermarest is good
— Complete spare set of clothing including:
— Underwear – regular and long
— Quick dry long sleeve shirt
— Durable hiking pants
— Inner and outer socks
— Insulating layer (another fleece or sweater)
— Insulating hat
— A backup pair of running shoes/camp shoes in case your boots give you trouble
— Toilet kit with your own soap, toothbrush, etc.
— Towel
— Medications
— Books
— Glasses (spares)
— Headlight/flashlight
— Water purification spares
— Batteries for cameras, GPS, etc.
— Hand sanitizer “spares”3

What we will provide:

All camping gear and food necessary to successfully complete your trek excluding your personal gear as described on the first page. Supplied camp gear includes:

— Tents – suitable for mountain travel
— Sleeping pads
— All cutleries, plates, cups, bowl etc.
— A complete cooking kit including pots/pans, stoves, fuel
— All food for three meals a day (consult with us on your needs or dietary restrictions prior to trip)
— A small folding table and chairs for your use in camp
— A cook tent
— Wash bowls
— A toilet tent (for larger groups, as required)
— Boiled water for your use in washing or for water bottles
— Containers for all the camping gear, excluding your personal gear (see duffel bag in personal gear above).

Departure Dates:

January and February

(only in that period the river is frozen and it is possible to do the trek)

-All transportation by Toyota Qualis, Innova or Scorpio. -All accommodation in A class hotel with all meals. -Two men tent, Kitchen and dinning tents. -Kitchen equipments. -Stool, Table and mattresses. -Food veg and non-veg. -Cook, helper, guide and porters. -Monument entrances, wild life fees and camping charges.

-Sleeping Bags, trekking shoes and clothing. -Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered -Any thing not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices Included”. -Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls. -Any Kind of Drinks (Alcoholic, Mineral, Aerated) -Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.