Chadar trek is the most thrilling expedition for a trekker which happens in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Usually, trekkers trek to steepy mountains but in Chadar trek, one get to trek on a frozen river. Chadar trek is an adventurous trek over the frozen Zanskar River. During winters, Zanskar River freezes to form a sheet (chadar) of ice which is why it is called Chadar trek.
(Image: Google)
Chadar trek may appear like a cakewalk on an ice sheet but it is in fact, a strenuous yet breathtaking journey of approximately 105 km on foot. The months of January and February are considered ideal for the excursion on the frozen Zanskar. The average temperature remains minus 10 degree Celcius during the day when trekking is done. During night, the trekkers stay in the caves or tents as the temperature drops to minus 20 to 30 degree Celcius.
( Picture credits: Srikanth Parthasarathy)
Chadar river trek is a beautiful journey that every trekker crave for. However, a few tips need to be kept in mind before chasing the Chadar trek. The frozen Zanskar River is unpredictable. It can change its course anywhere at any point of time. Sometimes, the ice sheet breaks up at many points making the journey difficult for the trekkers. Then, it becomes very difficult to walk on floating ice where your foot can miss a step at any time and you can fall prey to an injury. Sometimes, you might have to climb upon and descend down snow covered gullies according to the formation of the Chadar. That’s why carrying a first-aid box is a must for all and most importantly, carrying food and water is must to survive the long duration of the journey.
(Image: Google)
Although this trek is recommended for professional trekkers but some beginners also dare to join the journey. Also, to trek Chadar one need to be fit and should possess high endurance power. Guides often recommend 10-15 days of cardio training before beginning this arduous journey.
Apart from offering some splendid views of the Himalayan range, some wildlife species like Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard and Ibex are also spotted on the route of Chadar trek.
(Image: Google)
There are some beautiful one-stops where people rest and gaze at the beauty of Holy Himalayas. Tilet Sumdo is one such region which is a campsite for the trekkers and Nerak serves as a base camp for the trek.
(Image: Google)
Zanskar trek attracts many tourists every year and from many years the locals of Ladhak have kept this tradition of trekking alive. The locals are very nature-loving people and are highly dependent on the natural resources. However, many tourists often litter and contaminate the river by using soaps and shampoos. So, if you ever plan to visit Chadar trek then, never disregard the nature and always keep any waste material inside your bag rather than throwing it in the surroundings.
The season is here, the Chadar Trek has begun and you have just a month left to experience this breathtaking adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your waterproof boots and go trekking. This time, head towards the Zanskar valley
Chadar trek may appear like a cakewalk on an ice sheet but it is in fact, a strenuous yet breathtaking journey of approximately 105 km on foot. The months of January and February are considered ideal for the excursion on the frozen Zanskar. The average temperature remains minus 10 degree Celcius during the day when trekking is done. During night, the trekkers stay in the caves or tents as the temperature drops to minus 20 to 30 degree Celcius.
Chadar river trek is a beautiful journey that every trekker crave for. However, a few tips need to be kept in mind before chasing the Chadar trek. The frozen Zanskar River is unpredictable. It can change its course anywhere at any point of time. Sometimes, the ice sheet breaks up at many points making the journey difficult for the trekkers. Then, it becomes very difficult to walk on floating ice where your foot can miss a step at any time and you can fall prey to an injury. Sometimes, you might have to climb upon and descend down snow covered gullies according to the formation of the Chadar. That’s why carrying a first-aid box is a must for all and most importantly, carrying food and water is must to survive the long duration of the journey.
Although this trek is recommended for professional trekkers but some beginners also dare to join the journey. Also, to trek Chadar one need to be fit and should possess high endurance power. Guides often recommend 10-15 days of cardio training before beginning this arduous journey.
Apart from offering some splendid views of the Himalayan range, some wildlife species like Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard and Ibex are also spotted on the route of Chadar trek.
There are some beautiful one-stops where people rest and gaze at the beauty of Holy Himalayas. Tilet Sumdo is one such region which is a campsite for the trekkers and Nerak serves as a base camp for the trek.
Zanskar trek attracts many tourists every year and from many years the locals of Ladhak have kept this tradition of trekking alive. The locals are very nature-loving people and are highly dependent on the natural resources. However, many tourists often litter and contaminate the river by using soaps and shampoos. So, if you ever plan to visit Chadar trek then, never disregard the nature and always keep any waste material inside your bag rather than throwing it in the surroundings.
( Picture credits: Srikanth Parthasarathy)
The season is here, the Chadar Trek has begun and you have just a month left to experience this breathtaking adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your waterproof boots and go trekking. This time, head towards the Zanskar valley
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