Short Guide to Chadar Trek: What makes it so special? –

Tushar

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An Experience Like Never Before 

as a must-do for city dwellers looking for a break from their busy lives. It offers a chance to appreciate the untouched beauty of nature and understand the importance of its preservation. The Chadar trek is unique in that it involves walking on the frozen Zanskar river, situated at an altitude of 13,000 ft, for several days in extremely cold temperatures reaching -25 degrees Celsius. The journey of trekking on a vibrant blue ice path amidst serene brown mountains accompanied by a chilly breeze is an unforgettable experience. This trek has been classified under the major difficulty level trek, as it requires a heavy amount of exertion. One is also required to have a proper guidance before beginning this trek. The trail of this trek is approximately 105 km and on an average, a trekker will be walking a distance of 15 to 17 km per day.

In the winter season, the Chadar frozen lake route becomes the sole pathway linking Zanskar Valley and Ladakh.

Special Treats: MAJOR VILLAGES EN ROUTE
The villages of Nerak and Lingshed are located along the Chadar trek route. Trekkers will encounter these two villages on separate days throughout their journey.

NERAKIt is one of the two villages where the trekkers will be taking their stoppages. The views of the sunset from this point are worth witnessing. Travellers should definitely click some pictures from this point. Trekkers will be reaching towards this village after witnessing the captivating frozen waterfall and the massive Tibb Cave. This village serves as a major base camp of the Chadar trek. In order to reach Nerak Village, trekkers will be climbing a steep mountain trail. This village houses facilities such as a rudimentary health dispensary and a solar plant. There is also a residential school at this village where students study till the elementary level. All the basic essential goods including ration are bought for an entire year and are brought in this village from a small settlement of Wonla, which is located at a great distance and is situated across the Zing La pass. Only the Chadar trek trail connects the Nerak Village with the outside world. This village is home to around 30 families.

LINGSHEDTrekkers will be arriving at the village of Lingshed. Trekker arriving in Lingshed will be delighted to know that this village is known as one of the oldest villages in Ladakh. This village is filled with an ample amount of nature’s beauty. It is also home to the Lingshed Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery is a famous tourist attraction. By now, the trekkers would have visited popular tourist spots such as Gyalpo and Dibyokma. Gyalpo is an enchanting campsite which is located in a meadow in the Zanskar River. At this region, travelers will discover imposing peaks and large natural rocks which are naturally sculpted in abstract shapes. Dibyokma is another stoppage point during the Chadar trek. From this point, travelers can enjoy a breath-taking view of the Himalayas, it is also known as the most peaceful point of the trek.


Dreamlike Chadar Trek: Enjoy Camping Under Starlit Skies 

The thrilling Chadar Frozen River Trek
The thrilling Chadar Frozen River Trek

At night, the explorers will have the chance to witness a lively sky adorned with countless stars. The Chadar trek is famous for its challenging camping circumstances and unpredictable weather. There will be numerous occasions where hikers will need to navigate through demanding terrain and ascend icy and rocky boulders.

chadar

The wide The Chadar Trek is made unique by the frozen trail of aqua blue ice created by the Zanskar River during winter, surrounded by serene golden brown mountains.

Tips for Staying Safe: Being Cautious When Walking on a Frozen River

  • It is recommended to share your Chadar Trek schedule with at least one friend or family member. This way, you will have someone available to assist you in case of an emergency.
  • It is recommended to bring warm clothing due to the likelihood of temperatures dropping significantly.
  • It is advisable for travelers to bring enough food and water with them, as there could be a lack of these resources during the journey.
  • It is important to remember to bring a first-aid kit and medications, as the travelers will be participating in strenuous activities and may frequently experience minor injuries such as bruises and cuts while trekking.
  • It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the trekking trail and avoid polluting or littering along the way. Additionally, it is recommended for travelers to refrain from using shampoos and soaps near any waterfalls.
  • It is important to show reverence towards every religious belief and the tranquility of all the sacred places encountered along the way.
  • It is important to follow and pay attention to all the instructions and advice provided by the guide.
  • It is important not to skip any meals while trekking the challenging terrain of Chadar trek, as it demands trekkers to maintain high energy levels.

The best time to go on Chadar Trek is considered to be the winter season between the months of January and February. At this time, the Zanskar River is considered safe and is suitable for walking.

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