Preparing yourself for the Chadar Trek

An unusual expedition of trailing on ice, Chadar trek (3850 m) has cloudy blue-green waters. Black rocks are covered under a thick veneer of ice and snow. Chadar trek is also known as the “Chadar” (or veil). A very unique winter trek is worth experiencing in winter in Ladakh. Chadar trek is also familiar as Khado sanglam in Zansakari lingo – Dakini Path. Local people of Zanskar use this path to connect with other nearby places and hence, this trek is left almost alienated from many people. Every year this route remains chop off due to heavy snow fall.

The literal meaning of Chadar means white sheet of crystal ice. Trekking on silent blanket of snow can be a life time experience for the trekkers. One of the most exciting treks of Ladakh is very special as there is a pleasant river of Tsarap. You will be stopped by the Chilling Sumdo, a small settlement. Continue trekking towards a narrow vale filled with exciting and breathtaking sights of ice peaks. There are grazing grounds on the way. Spend your nights at camp side or in cave camps. Enjoy dinners with campfire. You will be amidst the whole serene and tranquil surroundings of Ladakh region.

A born fire will make you relaxed and warm. Sun's up and blue skies will let you cheer despite the cold weather. The trek trails through the pleasant Tsarap River in the region of Nyerag, Lingshed and forms to Zanskar region! Zanskar is a complete portal of Trekking trails in Ladakh. Explore the ancient cloisters and monastic establishments of Zangl and Karsha. These places promise you to give a deep insight into the mystic Ladakh and its culture. Chiling and Lingshed are the only sizeable settlements on this trek till you reach Hanamur and Pidmo before Pishu and Zangla.

Trekking on Zankar valley is a quality experience for adventure lover as well as trekkers. The trek traces the river gorge through a scenic landscape, a photographer’s heaven, providing rare sighting of Wildlife.

An ideal time to hike Chadar trek is mid January to end of February. Level of difficulty for this trek is moderate to challenging. You need to be very fit for his hike.

The necessary steps one should take before the trek:

• Chadar trek is quite a high altitude trek.

• This trek is an unsafe voyage with temperatures regularly getting below minus 30° C.

• This trek needs reasonable fitness as quality trekking gear is difficult.

• Make sure that you are done with your trekking equipments properly.
• Carry all your equipment with you before you leave home.

• Make a list of important things and equipments you will need for Chadar trek.

• Get adjusted with the climate before trekking.

• Sort out or divide your trekking equipments as per their need.

• Before leaving home for high altitude trek, it is advisable to have a medical check up.

• Carry essential medications and remedies, common medicines.

• Carry warm sleeping bags, warm clothing, gloves, pairs of socks and specially walking sticks.

Tips for Foreign visitors:

• Carry valid passports and visas.
• Ensure that your ‘tourist visa’ contains the duration of your visit.
• You need to take special permits before get into the territory of Ladakh.
• Special permits are not need for hiking in the Indian Himalayas, with the exception of certain restricted areas.
• If you carry heavy equipment like, special cameras or scientific equipment, then you will have to hire porters, and hence you will be charged for this extra service.