Kaza, Ladakh, India - Chadar
Trekking in Ladakh is one of the top adventure activities you can do
in India. What’s more, it’s among the best treks in India. The
trek goes along the frozen Zanskar River with views of snow-capped
mountains and past frozen waterfalls that trickle over ice-covered
rocks. It’s an adventure like no other, and here are some reasons
why you should definitely do Chadar Trekking in Ladakh once in your
lifetime.
You’re
going to hear plenty of adjectives and nouns used to describe the
frozen river trek through the Himalayas, but you won’t find any
better than these few simple ones. Chadar
Trek –
Frozen River Trek is one of the best trekking adventures you’ll
ever have, and one that you should definitely add to your bucket list
if you haven’t already. Here are five reasons why it’s the best
trekking adventure around and exactly what makes it so special. The
Best Trekking Adventure You'll Ever Have!
How
to Prepare
For
first timers, there are several things you’ll need to do before and
after your trek. The most important thing you can do is actually
prepare for your trip. The first step to preparing is signing up for
a trek guide with a reputable company that specializes in treks in
Ladakh. These companies usually include everything from airfare, to
hotels, to airport transfers and most importantly (if not obvious) a
professional trek guide who will assist you every step of the way. As
you get closer to your departure date it’s time to buy some extra
gear if needed – tents, sleeping bags, boots and other necessary
equipment can be purchased in Leh or New Delhi but make sure they
have quality liners as they’re better at protecting against water
leakage.
What
to Expect
If
you're looking for an adventurous trek that takes place along a
frozen river, look no further than Chadar. This frozen part of a
larger region in northern India is unofficially referred to as
Leh-Ladakh, after its two largest cities. It's home to some of
Ladakh's most iconic mountain ranges, like Pensi La and Namika
La—which both have peaks over 21,000 feet—as well as endless
rolling desert dunes. And its famous Chadar trek offers more
adventure than one could ever expect from a walk across ice.
How
to Start Trekking on the Frozen Zanskar River
When
most people think of winter travel, they think of sledding down snowy
hills and making snow angels in sub-zero temperatures. But for
experienced trekkers with sufficient skills and a high tolerance for
risk, a frozen river can be far more inviting. In fact, crossing a
frozen river can offer some adventure seekers an unrivaled outdoor
experience that is safe to attempt with competent training from
experienced guides. Here’s how you can join them on Chadar Trek –
one of India’s most exciting trekking adventures.
Where
to Stay
If
you're not camping, I recommend camping at least one night. While
there are many campsites throughout Zanskar and Ladakh, most of them
are on or near river banks. If you don't like crowds or prefer to be
in a more secluded area, consider finding a campsite elsewhere. It
can be difficult to find such areas without help from locals who know
their way around (or GPS), but it's worth looking for it if you have
time.
What's
Included
The
Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most exciting and
entertaining trips one can take to Ladakh. This trek takes you
through frozen rivers, villages, and remote lakes nestled in
beautiful valleys. The first few days are spent acclimatizing your
body to cold weather so that by day 3 you’re completely ready for a
full day of walking on ice. What makes it even more unique is that
since there is no tourist activity during the winter season, you are
truly one of a kind! It does get very cold (temperatures reach as low
as -45 degrees) so layers are a must-have along with thermal socks,
boots and gaiters.
Things
to Pack
The
most important thing to bring with you on any trek is good company.
The great thing about a Chadar trek is that you’ll be sharing your
journey with a group of people who share your passion for adventure.
Just remember to pack enough clothes for the trip, including warm
jackets, waterproof shoes and equipment like trekking poles. Make
sure you’re covered up in layers to keep yourself warm – even if
it’s not cold, wind can cause your body temperature to drop
quickly. Also be sure to pack rain gear as that constant moisture
will seep through clothing and leave you shivering!