Chadar Trek
6 nigts - 7 days
Day 01. Drive from Leh to Chilling and Tilat Sumdo
Today in the morning drive with small brief halt at the magnificent confluence of River Zanskar and Indus and then again a drive to the Chilling, one of the most famous villages in Ladakh, known for craftsmanship, especially the metal works. Touching the Chadar first time, we start the trek for 1-2 hrs along the magnificent frozen river Zanskar till Tilat Sumdo. Overnight in cave/camp/tent. Also learn the fun way to adjust yourself to Ladakhi Shuffle walk style on the frozen slippery ice of River Zanskar.
Day 02. Trek from Tilat Sumdo to Tsomo Paldar – (5 /6Hrs)
After the breakfast call at 7:30 am and an early departure, the walk on the Chadar has fully started. Hearing the different sounds of Chadar forming and breaking, you will soon get familiar where the Chadar or the ice cover is thick and thin. With a early lunch break in between, we would soon reach the majestic . After reaching camp we will get hot tea and lunch .
Day 03. Trek from Tsomo Paldar to Dibb (6/7Hrs)
Though today is the longest day of the trek, we pass through some magnificent beautiful waterfalls and frozen ice cliffs on the left - it is like walking through a giant freezer! The walk also crosses through narrow gorges, where the trekker may have to climb briefly on to the rocky river bank. The sharp bends and current of the river breaks the ice in some places. Lunch in between on a flat rocky hill side by the river.
Day 04. Trek from Dibb to Nyerak Pullu (6/7Hrs)
Again one of the magnificent days on the Chadar trek. However, the caution being that this can become a difficult if the Chadar is not very firm. The vistas are stunning though as we pass through giant frozen waterfalls, ice cliffs and one may even catch sight of the mountain fox. Nyerak village is located high above. Beyond the bridge that links Nyerak village with Lingshed, small huts mark the summer grazing shelters of the villagers. Return trek to Leh
Day 05. Trek from Nyerak to Dibb (6Hrs)
Though technically it is the same way back, it is also quite different. The Chadar or the blanket of ice that is forming on the River Zanskar is always changing, breaking up and forming itself again. As the Chadar dynamics are ever changing, the same route and place would look and feel different as the texture and conditions change.
Day 06. Trek from Tibb to Shingra Koma (6Hrs)
Day 07. Trek from Shingra Koma to Chilling and drive to Leh.
Trek facts :
- Difficulty: Medium to Hard depending upon fitness. Gradient is not much as it is on a river bed.
- Best season: Middle of January to end of February.
- Outside Temperatures: Around --10 C during day time and around -25 C at night.
- Major town: Leh