Chadar Trek

The trek includes almost everything that is needed for trekking. You will be taking a view of the beautiful snowflakes and the river covered with snow. Adding to the beauty of nature the trees are also covered with snow and the scenery is just awesome. You would like to capture every moment spent there.

If you book the tickets in well advance then you will be benefitted. There is also a cancellation fees deducted if you cancel the tickets depending on the number of days left. Also a discount is given to the trekkers who book tickets in huge groups.

Location and how to reach

To start your trek you need to reach to Leh first. There are various mode of transport you can take to reach Leh.

• By air – There is an airport in Leh. Flights from all over the country come to this airport.
• By train – there is as such no railway tracks in Leh. The most common way of transport is by flight only.

Best time

The best time to go for the Chadar Trek is the month of January and February. Zanskar river freezes in these months due drastic drop in temperarure. You will be trekking on this frozen river.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Leh

• This day will be a bit difficult for few travelers. As you reach Leh you will feel a certain drop in temperature. Especially travelers who are not used to such cold weather, Leh will prove to be a challenging place. After coming to Leh trekkers will be taken to their hotel rooms.
• This day travelers need to get adjusted with the environment and the weather around. It is very important for the acclimatization. So it is suggested to stay out but to limits only. Drink water and keep yourself hydrated.
• You can also take a walk to Leh palace and Namgyal monestry. Spend some time in the monestry and see the culture around. Take a look to the beautiful mountains around and enjoy the day and sleep early.

Day 02: Rest in Leh

• This day is also given for resting and acclimatization. For a good trekking the trekkers should be mentally as well as physically prepared. Your body must need to adjust with the environment.
• As per the rules and regulations of Leh travelers need to undergo some medical examination in the SNM hospital to check if they are physically fit or not.

Day 3: Leh to Shingra Koma

• This day we will be driving to Shingra which is 70 km from Leh. Shingra is at an altitude of 10,550 feet.
• You will be driving  beside the Indus river and the Zanskar river at Nimmu. You will feel amazing after raching Shingra. The scenic beauty is just awesome. On your way you will see the frozen Zanskar.
• After reaching your trainers will be teaching you how to walk on snow. You will also be sliding and falling down few times but It is completely normal. You will be getting a lot of sunlight during day time.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Trainers will also be instructing you the safety rules and norms and also be teaching you how to get into the sleeping bags.
• Chadar’s weather is very unpredictable. So depending upon the weather we will proceed. If you are already comfortable with the weather it means you have acclimatised properly After 2 – 3 hours of trekking you will be reaching your campsite. Rest there and click some beautiful pictures.

Day 4: Shingra Koma to Tibb

• Today you will be attaining an altitude of 10760 feet and it will be a 14 kilometer walk. The day is very challenging. The weather will be freezing. It will be really very difficult to get up early in the morning. The trek starts as soon as you have your breakfast.
• The total time will be 6-7 hours. You will not be getting much sunlight as the mountains will obstruct. But while trekking take a look of the beautiful valleys around and the mountains. You will also be seeing river flowing under you. The view is amazing. You will be seeing some frozen valleys as well.
• All the sceneries is just awesome and marvelous. Draw your camps in Tibb and rest for the night.

Day 5: Tibb to Nerak

• The total trek is about 12 kilometers and at an altitude of 11,150 feet. This day you will be seeing the Nerak waterfall. On your way you will be seeing yaks so click pictures as these animals are not found in any other place.
• On your way some paths will be broken so be careful while walking. Keep a thermos and store hot water as it is very necessary for treks like these.
• After reaching Nerak take a look of the waterfall and then head towards the campsite. Rest in Nerak.

Day 6: Nerak to Tibb

• We have begun our journey back to where we have started. If you are expecting that you will be seeing the same frozen river as you saw while going then you are wrong. The Zanskar river changes its shape and form all the time.
• You can also see the local porters who wear their traditional cloth known as Gonchas. After reaching Tibb stay there and camp there.

Day 7: Tibb to Bakula

• Today we will be travelling the longest. Bakula is just 30 minutes of walk from Shingra. The total distance is 12.5 kilometers and it will take 7-8 hours of trekking. The altitude is 10550 feet. This place is very quiet and people don’t do camping here.
• After reaching Bakula you can also notice some footprints on the snow and guess that there are some wild animals there. There is also a lot of sunshine in the morning. So enjoy the sun rays.
• Overnight stay in camps at Bakula.

Day 8: Bakula to Shingra

• We can either go back to Chadar or walk in the rocky hills or walk on the frozen lake. All the ways are exciting and ful of thrill and  adventurous.
• Enjoy your last day in Shingra Yokma as this is the last day of your trek. Play some fun games at night and bonfire.

Day 9: Departure from Leh

• Go back to leh and board the flights. We hope that you made some beautiful memories in the entire trek and enjoyed a lot and got an amazing experience. The whole trip would be very memorable to all.

Difficulty level

• This trek is considered difficult as this includes walk on the frozen river. This trek is not suitable for beginners.
• Weather :-
• The weather drops to -35 degrees as well. So it is recommended to carry warm clothes all the time. The weather is extremely cold in Leh.

Accommodation

• Hotels will be provided in Leh for the travelers. After that all the camping equipments like tents, sleeping bags etc will be provided by the organization. The stay is very comfortable and warm.

Inclusion

• All the hotel stay is included.
• 3 veg meals including dinner, lunch and breakfast.
• Transport if required.
• All the passes and permission.
• Tented accommodation throughout the trek.

Exclusion 

• Personal porters to carry stuff.
• Personal cooks.
• All dry fruits, and energy bars.

ATM points and connectivity 

• The ATM is not available high up in the altitude so carry cash all the time in case of emergency. Withdraw cash in Leh itself.

Things to carry 

Although most of the things are included in the Chadar trek package but still one needs to carry their own things like Rucksack, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes, a warm jacket, Gloves, warmer, woolen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, Walking Stick medicines that you usually use.