Chadar Ice Trek

This is your second day of acclimatisation. As per the regulations and keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers might face related to Altitude and Cold, anyone doing the Chadar Trek should spend at least three days in Leh for the body to get fully acclimatised to the weather conditions. It is now mandatory and is to be strictly followed by every trekker. Trekkers can spend the day by visiting the places around the city. Drink plenty of fluids in any form including soups, lemon tea, black tea or just plain water during the day to help your acclimatisation.

This is your third day &final day of acclimatisation. From 2019 onwards, the local administrations has made it mandatory for every participant to acclimatise in Leh for 3 days. Today you will undergo a medical examination at the SNM Hospital in Leh prior to the Trek. They will issue a fitness certificate after the examination and only those who have this certificate will be allowed to Trek. This is done keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers might face related to altitude and cold during the Chadar trek. This is for your own safety and it is to be strictly followed by every trekker. Read our blog about preparing for the Chadar trek so that you can clear the fitness test easily.

Today we leave in our vehicles and drive towards Chilling and further to Shingra. The drive is quite scenic and you get to see the beautiful Indus river on the way and also the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river at Nimmu. We cover a total distance of 70 kms by road and It should take about 2 hours to reach Shingra. This is the point where the road ends and you will leave the vehicle, collect your backpack and start walking towards the river. As soon as you put your foot on the frozen Zanskar river you will get excited about your trek. Your leaders will soon give you tips on how to walk on Chadar. It takes a while to get the hang of it. It is called the ‘Penguin Walk’ as you need to drag or shuffle your feet the way penguins do. Walk around as much as possible in this style before the trek begins as it will help you get comfortable walking on glassy ice sheet. As the trek begins, you will fall a few times till you fully understand the different ice forms and patterns. Slowly you will know which surface is brittle and which is solid and you will not fall. Falling and learning to walk on the Chadar is all part of the overall trek experience. After couple of hours of trek, you will reach your first campsite at Shingra Koma. You will reach the camp site before sundown. Ensure that you cover yourself with extra layers after reaching the campsite as cold winds start immediately after sundown. Have your dinner and fill your thermos with warm water before you go to sleep . All liquids tend to freeze in this region given the extreme temperatures, so a thermos is extremely important as you may wake up in the night feeling thirsty.

After spending a cold night in the tent, you will be delighted to hear the call for a morning tea from our support staff. The Zanskari people are well known for their hospitality and they will wake up way before you to ensure you have a hot cup of morning tea in the tent. They will also give you a wholesome breakfast and reactivate your energy in the morning in such sub-zero conditions. Today you start trekking towards Tibb cave which is our next campsite. This trek route has some of the most attention-grabbing frozen waterfalls that one can encounter. It also going to be a long walking session, as you will cover a total 12 kms (approx 5-6 hrs ) on the Chadar. Marvel at the views as you walk in this huge valley with the Zanskar river flowing in the middle. The river is vibrant as it flows by and the color of the water is deep blue. Sometimes you will see water flowing right beneath you under the thick ice sheet. Our staff will cook you a warm meal mid-way to Tibb cave and give you a hot cup of tea after the meal. You’ll be at Tibb around 3 pm. Tibb cave is encircled by dry sand and your tents will be pitched somewhere around the sandy area. Walk around the camp area to keep yourself and also remember to add your layers nearing sundown

Today it is going to be another long day, so you will start early to move towards Nerak which is the most anticipated campsite of the trek. At Nerak you will get to see a wonderful natural formation, a frozen waterfall approx. 50 feet high, which has become iconic with the Chadar trek. We aim to reach Nerak campsite before 3pm, so you get plenty of time at the Nerak frozen waterfall. Hot lunch will be served on your way to the campsite. Nerak is the coldest campsite on the trek where the temperature can down to -35 degrees at night. Trekkers are advised to wear proper layers to stay safe from the freezing cold. Nerak campsite is 15-20 minutes before the waterfall. Once we reach the camp site. we will have some snacks and then make our way to the gigantic Nerak frozen waterfall. Right next to the waterfall is a bridge across the river, which takes you up to Nerak village. If time permits you may go to Nerak village, else marvel at the beauty of the frozen waterfall and click few pictures before heading back to the campsite for dinner. Camp overnight at Nerak.

Today, we trace our trace our steps back to Tibb campsite. Even though the route remains unchanged, it’s amazing to see how different it appears while we return. This is because the river can rapidly react to any change in the temperature. By this time the ice river might have taken a completely new form. You may not be able to recognize few sights, as it all seems so different on the way back. You might walk on a glass like surface or patches of slush, depending on the weather. You are now more confident of walking on the way back and there is less probability of falling. Admire the beauty of the valley as you walk confidently looking around and click pictures. On the return journey, observe the local porters and their traditional attire. They wear traditional woolen robes called ‘Gonchas’, with colourful beads around their neck and their traditional hats. It’s fascinating to see the locals swiftly walking on Chadar, as they seem to glide like the wind, absolutely comfortable with the slippery uneven icy surface. Greet them in their local phrase ‘Julley’ which is the Ladakhi term for hello/welcome. You might also catch a few locals singing traditional ladakhi songs while pulling their sledges and enjoying the journey. Reach Tibb Cave and camp overnight at Tibb.

Today we have along walk, so we start early after having a hot breakfast for Shingra Koma. En route you will get a chance to see high mountains and may get to observe pug marks of wild animals like ibex and foxes. If you are lucky enough, you just might spot a snow leopard; and in any case you don’t, then at least be sure, you would be watched by them. Today is your last day at the Chadar and a feeling of missing this beautiful landscape will slowly creep in and you would wish that the trek doesn’t end. When you reach Shingra, it is time to say goodbye to the Zanskar Valley. Vehicles are waiting for you to take to Leh. Some trekkers want to celebrate and instinctively take a dip in the river. This is best avoided as you may not be used to such cold water. As you head back to the hotels in your vehicles you cant help but remember the entire experience like a movie projection in front of your eyes. Reach Leh and overnight at hotel.

Early morning having breakfast than transfer to airport with lots of sweet memories of chadar trek.