Travel Goal 2019: Deadly Challenges of Chadar Trek –

Tanya Roy

Tanya has always been an adventurous child, exploring the depths of the seas in Tamil Nadu, Andaman, and Goa. She has a passion for swimming and scuba diving. Now, she identifies herself as a Himalayan Traveler, with the Himalayas being her true love above all else. Tanya finds solace in solo traveling, which gives her a similar feeling to meditation. She enjoys living outdoors, free from any constraints. After backpacking for a few years, she discovered her true calling in trekking. Tanya aspires to witness the world’s highest mountains, but she has no desire to climb them out of respect. She has a list of all the base camps she wishes to visit. Inspired by the book “Wild,” Tanya dreams of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail alone someday. She takes pleasure in writing about her travel experiences and connecting them to a way of life, believing that “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

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One of the most adrenaline-pinching, risque, thrilling explorations organised in the winter months(January-February) of every year is a trek on the frozen Zanskar river-Chadar Trek. The ice trail is a bold exploit even for the most advanced trekkers. Fluctuating and harsh weather over a frozen trail between ginormous golden mountains, this one is for the truly headstrong.

It is not an impossible task! Quite the opposite. Many adventurous individuals successfully complete this challenging journey every season. They navigate through Naerak and Lingshed to reach the frozen river. Prior to embarking on the trek, they spend a couple of months preparing and gathering reliable information. It is essential to have a clear mindset and well-maintained trekking equipment.

Before we go on to discuss what truly makes this trek so challenging, here’s what you should at least pack for the trip:

• Trekkers are also suggested to carry a pair of open-toe slippers, which one can wear around the campsite without wetting their socks
• Proper trekking shoes with high-rise ankle, waterproofing and insulation
• One size large pair of gumboots – a kind of boots for the purpose of wading through icy water
• Open toe slippers for casual wearing around the camp
• Two synthetic trek pants
• One windcheater
• Two pairs of upper and lower body thermal wears
• Two warm pants
• Two full sleeved collar t-shirts
• 1 down jacket
• 1 fleece jacket
• 3 pairs of merino trekking socks
• Four pairs of undergarments
• 1 complete body raincoat
• Woollen gloves and synthetic waterproof gloves
• Woollen cap that covers the ears
• Woollen socks for sleeping in the night
• Woollen stole or balaclava to wrap around the neck.
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Cold cream
• Toothpaste
• UV protection sunglasses to prevent snow blindness
• Trekking pole
• Head torch
• Daypack
• Rucksack with a capacity of 50 to 60 litres
• Medicine kit
• Insulated water bottle and thermos flask
• Utensils
• Packaged refreshments
• Plastic sealable polythene bags, which can keep items dry and safe

Know It All: The Multi-fold Challenges of Chadar Trek 
One will always face the mind-blowing challenge of walking on a thin ice sheet which may break at any time and thrust you in the icy cold water at around -25 degree Celsius temperature. Apart from this challenge, there are some other challenges as well that one may have to face:

• Acute Mountain SicknessAccording to a report, in 2018, approximately 15 trekkers were hospitalized due to symptoms of AMS, including nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. During the Chadar trek, trekkers can reach altitudes of up to 11,123 feet. This sudden change in elevation can have an impact on the body, potentially hindering the completion of the trek. To prevent such issues, it is advised that trekkers spend a few days in Ladakh before embarking on the trek. This allows the lungs to adjust to the altitude change. During this time, trekkers can also engage in acclimatization walks to make the most of their stay.
• The trekking trail is constantly changing.Due to the majority of the Chadar trek being on a frozen path formed by the Zanskar River, even a slight change in temperature can have a significant impact on the trail. It is strongly recommended that travelers follow the instructions of the team leader and stick to designated sledge routes. The frozen river undergoes constant changes throughout the day, with new ice forming, old ice melting, and irregular breaks in the ice blocks. Therefore, the condition of the frozen river will vary during the Chadar trek. Sometimes, the entire river will be frozen and safe to walk on, while other times only narrow trails of ice will remain due to the melting of the center portion. There may also be occasions where the river is completely melted, requiring trekkers to leave the river and climb the mountains. In situations where climbing is not possible, trekkers may need to wade through cold, slushy streams. It is advised that trekkers travel in small groups of 6 to 7 people, led by someone equipped with necessary gear such as ropes, carbines, harnesses, slings, a throw bag, and a sleeping bag to handle any emergencies. If a trekker falls into a deeper part of a running stream, they should avoid flowing with the current. In such cases, the leader will throw a throw bag for the person to grab onto and be saved. To prevent such situations, trekkers can choose to be anchored to the leader by a rope.

• Extreme cold conditionsThe extreme cold weather during the Chadar trek often leads to hypothermia in trekkers. Hypothermia occurs when the body lacks warmth. This can happen if someone wears wet clothes for a long time or during sleep hours. People with weak bones should avoid this trek as the icy terrain is slippery and can cause frequent falls. Individuals with serious heart conditions are also at risk of hypothermia. The cold weather on the trek causes blood vessels to shrink, putting pressure on the heart and leading to hypothermia in those with heart conditions. To prevent hypothermia, trekkers must stay active and keep warm throughout the Chadar trek. During the day, it is recommended that trekkers keep moving to maintain body heat. Engaging in activities such as exploring the campsite, interacting with locals, or playing sports on the icy field can help. Trekkers should also bring warm clothing to protect themselves from snow blizzards and avalanches.
  

IF A DROWNING OCCURS, WHICH IS UNLIKELY:

1. Raise your voice to its highest volume in order to gain notice.
2. Seek hold of the bank and staying glued to it.
3. If someone is being forcefully taken away, individuals can grasp onto their bags and position them above their chests, as this will assist them in remaining buoyant.
4. If a person who is drowning in a fast-moving river cannot reach the surface, they should search for a whirlpool within the river.
5. After the traveler is saved from the river, it is crucial to immediately take off any damp clothing.
6. If a traveler experiences hypothermia, they can attempt to obtain warmth by using sleeping bags and hot water bottles.
7. If a traveler is in a critical situation, the staff providing assistance should establish a tent and organize heating stoves to ensure warmth.

Are you continuing to read?
If you are well-informed, you have already made progress in the challenge, as you now have an idea of what to anticipate. Moreover, the element of risk involved in the Chadar trek adds to its excitement. By adhering to the guidelines, you will create unforgettable memories from this unique adventure.