Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh?

Tripoto

Some locations in India are so incredible that they put our international vacay lust to shame. Agreeing on the fact that India is totally incredible in all parts, still, some places in the country are that part of heaven where I believe some sort of magic has happened.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 1/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Ladakh is one of those places which seems super magical in pictures as well as in real life and people like me, who have been there knows the diversifying beauty of it.

Other than touring and chilling, Ladakh is famous for trekking and camping activities. In fact, trekking is one of the most common adventure activity of the Union Territory because it has multiple destinations offering life changing camping experience to the trekkers . One of such famous treks in Ladakh region is The Chadar trek, also known as Zanskar gorge.

About Chadar Trek

As the name suggests, Chadar (sheet of ice) trek is the frozen river trek as you get to walk on massive slabs of ice spread across miles for almost 6-7 days. The experience will be no less than walking on thick glass like river with dramatic mountains on both the sides providing spectacular views.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 2/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Ideal time to take this trek is from January mid to February, that is when the Zanskar river is in its best shape i.e. ideal to be walked upon. The maximum altitude of the trek is 11,100 ft and the distance covered on foot is approx. 75-80 km. On completion of this trek, one reaches this gigantic frozen waterfall called Naerak which is the main highlight of this trek.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 3/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

What adds uniqueness to this trek is the adverse weather conditions that one has to survive in. The average temperature during the day falls to minus 15 ° C, dropping further to minus 20 to 25 ° C during the night making it almost unbearable for non local people like us. The camping conditions, unlike in other trekking expeditions, are extremely tough making it the most adventurous and difficult treks in India.

But having said that, this trek offers flat gradient with minimal involvement of climbing making it slightly less strenuous as far as physical efforts are concerned, but again, having said that, there might also be instances wherein you'll be required to climb icy rocks and boulders.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 4/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Trek Itinerary

Taking you through the routine of this 9 days long trek which follows the below itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 - Getting Leh'd & Acclimatizing to high altitude

Who doesn't like getting Leh'd if given an opportunity to? The only way to get to Leh in winters is by air so once you land in Leh, you'll be required to gather and report at the pre specified hotels/guest house where all the proceedings will take place.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 5/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

W.e.f 2018, a new mandate has been passed under the regulations and standard operating procedure for Chadar which states that the trekkers are required to spend 3 nights in Leh before starting off with the trek as adjusting to high altitude and cold are the two most important things here. So Day 1 & 2 are majorly dedicated to resting, getting out for a small walk, drinking a lot of water to acclimatize to the low oxygen levels and ensuring less physical exertion.

Day 3- Medical Check-Up

So on day 3, you’ll be required to undergo a medical test at the Sonam Norbhu Memorial Hospital just to check if your body is fit to take this trek or not..Only after you get clearance from the officier will you be allowed to take the trek. NOC will be obtained from ALTOA after which Insurance and wildlife permits can be obtained. Towards the end of the day there will be a small orientation/briefing session for general hacks to be followed while on this trek.

During these 3 days in Leh, you shouldn't miss out to explore the beautiful city and Tibetan food with a view

Day 4 - Leh to Tsomo (70 Kms on wheels, 2-3 Kms on foot)

The trek officially starts on the 4th day after 4 hrs long drive covering 70 kms from Leh to Tsomo via chilling and Tilad Do. During this drive, you would experience some of the most spectacular sights like Gurudwara Pathar Saheb, magnetic hills, confluence of the two rivers namely Zanskar and Indus at Nimmu. Don't forget to take a pit stop at these places for some nice pictures.

You will reach the first campsite, after 1-1.5 hrs of walking your way through the snowy patches encompassing some ascents and descents. Overnight stay at the campsite in Tsomo.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 6/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Day 5 - Tsomo to Tibb Cave (15 Kms hike)

You will be covering 15 Kms in approx. 7 hours to reach Tibb from Tsomo with maximum altitude of 10,760 feet. As you make your way to the campsite of Tibb Cave, you will be seeing some of the most beautiful formations of nature like the frozen waterfalls that stand frozen in time. The source of some of these frozen waterfalls is still unknown and there are a lot of myths and beliefs about them.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 7/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

The mighty Zanskar will be flowing all along with you on the trail and the emerald green water will have a smoothing effect. You'll be having your freshly prepared Lunch in the midway to Tibb cave. Overnight stay at the campsite in Tibb.

Day 6 - Tibb Cave to Naerak Frozen Waterfall (15 Kms Hike)

The 15 Kms long trail will bring you the chance of seeing the most scenic landmark of Chadar Trek, that is the frozen waterfall. Naerak, as you may call it, is one of the most amazing waterfalls one would ever see in their lifetime- no wonder why it attracts trekkers and adventurers from across the globe.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 8/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

This is the most picturesque point in the entire trek so make sure to capture these memories in your cameras. Some other amazing sights of the place are the local yaks which are found grazing at the place. Hot lunch will be served to you on your way to Naerak. Overnight stay at the campsite near Naerak.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 9/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Day 7 - Naerak to Tibb /Tsomo(Return starts)

The return journey to Tibb/Tsomo from Naerak starts on Day 7. A unique thing here is that you aren't going to see the same view or the scenes again on your way back because the Zanskar river keeps changing its form as per the changing temperature.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 10/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

You will also come across slippery uneven ice surface making this area tough to walk on and cross but this rugged patch will have its own charm. Be ready to fall, get up and fall again! Overnight stay at the campsite in Tibb/Tsomo.

Day 8 - Tibb/Tsomo to Leh

The last day of the trek is going to be strenuous. Retracing the steps, we took, this will be the last chance to look at the majestic and mesmerizing Chadar, which you will miss for sure.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 11/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

It is going to be a long hike and the maximum altitude of the trek is going to be around 10, 550 feet. It would take around 8 hours approx to complete this trek. You will get a lot of sunshine only in the early morning and then the place becomes windy. You can take a dip in the Zanskar river under guidance of the trek leader only if all goes well.

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 12/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

You'll be taken back to Leh Guest House from your last campsite by evening. You can enjoy your last night in Leh the way you wish to!

Day 9 - Departure from Leh

The trek officially ends on the 9th day when the you make your way back from Leh to your respective cities. Some goodbyes are hard to say and you'll actually realise this while leaving this peaceful city!

Photo of Have You Heard about Chadar, India's Only Frozen River Trek in Ladakh? 13/13 by Sonali Verma | Unfoldingwaves

Well, That's not it! I will be covering some of the FAQs for you all in my next blog which will be up in next 48 hours.

If you find this blog informative then please share it and spread the word! For people who are planning to take this trek in 2021, please drop your queries in the comments section or you can also reach out to me on Instagram !