Chadar Trek : Frozen River Trek
Chadar Trek
Chadar trek is one of the toughest and most adventurous trek over frozen zanskar river in Ladakh India.
Chadar Trek Difficulty: Extreme
Location: Ladakh
Season: January to February
About the Destination:
Ladakh has always captivated visitors with its magical charm and beauty. Be it the picturesque mountain peaks, azure lakes or the challenging trekking trails, this scenic valley is known for all. While during the summers, the region adorns the most vibrant colour of the nature, during the winters it is embraced with heavy snowfalls that cuts off the entire region from the rest of the world.
Nestled deep within the whirly passages of the snow-clad mountains, this frozen river also entices thousand of trekkers from different corners of the world. Popularly known as the 'Chadar Trek' due to the formation of the thick blanket of the snow, it is considered as one of the challenging as well as tricky treks in the world.When this happens, the only way to continue with the trek is to hike through the snowy rocks and boulders besides the river.
Frozen Zanskar River |
Temperature Range: 15 to 20 degrees (during the day) and -25 to -35 degrees (during the night)
Chadar Trek Distance:
105 km one way.
Chadar Trek best time:
The best time to take the trek is in January and February. Precisely, from January 15 to the end of February is just the right time to set out on this wonderful and adventurous trek. The river freezes into a beautiful sheet of ice and the surroundings are clad in snow presenting a pristine white trail for hiking expeditions.
Chadar Trek Difficulty:
This trek is one of the most difficult and challenging treks in the Himalayan region. The Zanskar River freezes into a sheet of ice and is the only route to access the Zanskar Valley during the winters. All mountain passes are shut down due to snow fall, leaving the Chadar or the frozen Zanskar River as the only route for passage.
Trekkers who want to explore the Zanskar trek must be prepared for facing unsettling temperatures and harsh camping conditions.The total distance covered during the trek is around 105 km and most of it is covered by walking through these extreme conditions. You may also be required to climb icy rocks and boulders during the journey which makes it extremely essential for you to be physically and mentally fit.
The journey is arduous and tasking, especially because of the extremely cold temperatures.Furthermore, while during the day time you will have to walk over the chilly sheet of ice or the frozen Zanskar River, during the night time, you will have to sleep in caves near the frozen river.
What are the major destinations covered in Chadar Trek?
Tilat Sumdo – Tilat Sumdo acts as a campsite for Chadar Trek. ‘Sumdo’ literally means ‘the confluence’. There is a small stream meeting the Zanskar at this point. Tilat Sumdo offers splendid vistas of the Himalayan Range.
Shinra Koma – Positioned about 10 kilometers away from Tilat Sumdo, Shingra Koma is a scenic spot showcasing rustic beauty that simply spellbinds the travelers. Shingra Koma is a place with unsurpassed tranquility and a mesmerizing panorama.
Tibb – Tibb is a picturesque place offering a fascinating waterfall and cave. This Tibb cave is also used for overnight stay by the trekkers. The vistas of sun-kissed mountains from Tibb are an enchanting sight to witness
Nerak – Nerak serves as a base camp for the trek. The view of sunset from Nerak is so gripping that an avid adventurer cannot afford to miss it. This region is sheer bliss for a nature lover’s eyes.
Gyalpo – Gyalpo is an enchanting campsite positioned at a bend in the Zanskar River. This region is flanked by imposing peaks and walls of rock faces that look man-made. The tourists can soak themselves in the surreal natural beauty here.
Dibyokma – Dibyokma is a campsite that offers dream-like panoramas including breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The serene and intact environment of Dibyokma makes tourists fall in love with this place.
Lingshed – One of the oldest villages in Ladakh, Lingshed boasts awe-inspiring exquisiteness of nature. This region is prominently famous for the Lingshed Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh as well.
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