A Free Bird: Chadar Trek (Leh Ladakh)

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter trail that lies, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. Traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months, the trail has become popular with international adventure tourists.

Breathtaking moment

Note:- This trip is only possible with the group. I am Sharing one of the group details. Where you can find Itinerary details and the amount. This is a very tough trek and the first question comes what to take what to not. We generally search the information on google and start visiting stores like Decathlon. which is not good. SO I will try to clear your doubts.

Detailed Itinerary

Days required - a minimum of 10 day

Budget - 19 k and flight rate varies

Best Month - Jan - Feb

Travel By Own - Not possible

Suggesting Trip Group - (Adventure Studio)

WebSite - http://www.adventurestudio.in/

Name - Rigzen

Contact Numer - +91 80821 1102

Email Id - Rigzen@adventurestudio.in

Things to carry - (Suggested store to buy things)

layering is important (Carry 4-5 thin shirts)

Things to buy from Decathlon-

1 Thick jacket full-sleeved
2 pairs of fleece shirts and pants.
2 Dry-fit track pants, dry-fit shirts
Trekking pole(Spend good money here)
Woolen monkey cap/balaclava that covers the ear,
LED Torch
SunGlasses it should be U/V Protected
3 Full sleeve woolen tees with collar, woolen pants ( mostly you use only 2, but 1 extra for any tragedy )
Hand gloves (lining in gloves) + synthetic waterproof glove(Spend good money here)

Things to buy from the Leh market -

4-5 Pairs woolen socks( You need to say army socks, You will get good woolen socks in 100 rs)
Gumboots -(300-400 rs, Do not spend money on waterproof trekking shoes, carry 1 normal sports shoes)
2 pairs of Hand gloves woolen for safer side.

Things to buy local market

2 Milton Tharams flask ( 1 LTR bottle).
Cold cream and sunscreen lotion (SPF 40+).
Snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruits(protein bar is very helpful).
Glucose and Tang will keep you hydrated.
Toilet Kit (Toilet Paper) & Quick-Dry Towels (Carry Toilet Paper as much as you can shortage of water, You will get water only for drinking purpose, forgot about hygiene 😂).
2 pairs of thermal inners.
Raincoat.
3-4 pairs of sports socks.
Personal and necessary medication.

Important things to Note

Itinerary can be changed based on the situation.
Keep a 1-day buffer while traveling, If not used you can visit nearby places - like Monestry, Leh School, Shanti Stupa
Trekking Pole height adjustment should be done according to height, because in extreme condition once it will be stuck, u can't do re-adjustment.
If you can't carry the whole bag u can hire a porter to carry your belongings, They will charge you 300 -350 rs per day, keep a small bag with you in which you can carry water, chocolate, snacks.
Trekking shoes not worked, only helpful in the tough cliff, but you can do with gumboots as well.
If you have fear of walking on ice u can buy crampons from decathlon.

Day 1:- Fly to Leh (Altitude 11,400 ft.). Stay in the guesthouse, All arrangements done by the Travel Group

Getting used to the temperature and the altitude we eat, rest, and repeat for the day. Have a briefing session in the evening over tea where we share the entire details of the trek once again. Hydrate well

today as it helps in acclimatization.

Landed Leh (- 40 temp) without jacket scolded by the army officer 😅

HeartWarming welcome and greeting by Rigzen

Day 2:- Acclimatization day

Walk around the Leh Market and Buy suggested things from here(gumboots, Socks, woolen gloves)

Thukpa- Tibetan noodle soup

Chilling and enjoying local food and visited the local market

Day 3:- Visit the SNM Hospital for a checkup(This is new When we visited we stared Drive to Shingra Yokma)
By the end of the Chadar season 2018, a new policy for the safety of trekkers was introduced by the Leh Got. As per this policy, each trekker has to visit the Sonam Norbhu Memorial Hospital and get a routine check-up done. On completion of this, we sort the wildlife permits and permissions and head back to our accommodation and get ready for the next day to start.

Day 4:- Drive to Shingra Yokma via Chilling and trek to Gyalpo (Altitude 10,550 ft.) - And travel began 😎 - Drive 75 KM

Once we reach we assemble for a short briefing and start the trek of 9.5 km. Depending on the weather, the path will be decided on the way.

First Snow skating

Patthar Saheb

Isn't looking scary, 1 hr to cross

Now you can get an idea of why crossing took 1 hr

Nimmu valley

Day 1 Camping

Top view of tents

Day 5:- Gyalpo to Tibb Cave (Altitude 10,550 to 10,760 ft.) - Trek for the next 13.5 km.
Today's walk through the deep ravines of the Zanskar is stunning. The sublime walls of the mountains on either side of the river keep the sunlight away from the Chadar for the most part of the day. At Tibb, there is a big cave. This cave is the dwelling of all the porters, and they welcome you warm-heartedly in here. Stay in a tent.

don't forget to see spring water on the way.

Try to capture as much as memories you can collect

Heaven

I am wondering, After seeing natures beauty

Most scary trekking, Always pray Chadar should not melt

Yes it Was dangerous and risky

Why we need to climb the mountain

No End, Still Happy

Day 6:- Tibb cave to Nerak camp (Altitude 10,760 to 11,150 ft.) -Trek 12.5 km.
Most Beautiful view -
The Naerak village lies several feet above the river, a vigorous hour-long trek can take you to the village if you want to see the life of a Zanskari.

Bridge across the river which is a part of the summer-time route - Zanskar to Leh

Frozen waterfall

Achievement

Yes I am tired and Happy

Day 7:- Nerak back to Tibb Cave (Altitude 11,150 to 10,760 ft.) -Trek 12.5 km.
While Returning journey. Don't be disappointed, by now the whole landscape would have changed. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself. The Chadar would have assumed a completely new form and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before. Stay in a tent.

Day 8:- Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma to Gyalpo (Altitude 10,760 to 10,550 ft.) -Trek 17 km

Day 9:- Shingra Koma to Shingra Yokma and drive to Leh (Altitude 10,550 to 10,390 and drive to 11400 ft.)