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Chadar Trek Jan 2021 by Suitcase Diaries

THE OVERVIEW

Chadar Trek, as the name implies, Chadar a sheet to cover. It’s the time when mother na- ture decides to cover herself with a layer of ice and make the way for locals to stay in touch with their Motherland, Padum. Winters across Ladakh are indeed harsh and freezing cold, mercury plummets to likes of -30 degree Celsius; there is snow all around; Rivers and water streams starts freezing.

The road to many regions gets closed for months. And it’s the time when nature comes to rescue Zanskaris and pave an ice path to connect their home. At the same time, trek- king enthusiasts flock Leh and experience this adventurous and daunting route used by Locals.

In terms of Trekking Terminology, this trek is Moderate in nature wherein we trek not more than 5-6hrs in a day and under an altitude of 3800m. The only thing that makes it tough and challenging is freezing weather during the trekking month. It involves walking over a thick layer of ice, with water underneath it.

The thickness of ice cover may vary from place to place and trek guide has pivotal role to play for its successful execution.

If you have been to Leh and not tried this trek, you are definitely missing something. It is definitely ‘A Walk of your Lifetim

Day – 1

ARRIVAL & ACCLIMITIZATION

Today you arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh. Once you board the flight to Leh, know that you are going to see beautiful mountains and you must not miss on clicking them from your shutterbugs.

Upon arrival you shall be transferred to your Hotel. You will be welcomed by chilly air and hopefully some sunshine.

It is strictly recommended to rest today and give time to your body for altitude acclimatization. You may go on a short evening walk to Shanti Stupa nearby, but if at any time you feel uneasy/dizzy/tiresome, get back to your hotel immediately. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day – 2

ACCLIMATIZATION

This day is meant to acclimatize with the change in altitude again. However, you might like to explore the local market to buy out trek essentials. Taxi if required will be available and charged extra, directly payable. During the afternoon, you could try some Ladakhi Cuisine for lunch; try the Thupka or Steamed / Fried Momos. Those with a bigger appetite could opt for the Kashmiri Wazwan. Vegetarians can head to Neha Snacks for authentic North Indian food. Later after lunch you might want to explore Leh (at own cost). Recommended attractions are Hall of Fame / Gurudwara Pathar Sahib / Leh Palace / Shanti Stupa, as time permits. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day – 3

FITNESS DAY

Today we will visit the city hospital for medical checkup. Due to the health problems the trekkers have faced in past, it is now mandatory to spend three days at Leh and acclimatize well before you begin the trek. Allow your body to get used to the cold. Today, post lunch you could further explore Leh as time permits.

The trekkers can go further to the trek only if they pass this checkup. Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Shanti Nest / Similar

Day – 4

LEH TO BAKULA DRIVE 3 HRS, TREK TO SHINGRA KONGMA (3,369)

After breakfast, drive to Bakula. It is one of the most scenic drives which brings you the delight of seeing some of the most beautiful spots in Ladakh. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus are some of the places where you can take a pit stop for clicking memorable pictures.

An hour and a half of driving along the Zanskar will get you to Chilling and then further to Bakula. The car will drop you right where the road ends. This will be your starting point for walking on the Zanskar.

Walking on the ice will be the first challenge you will face. You can check for the ice formation using your walking pole before stepping your foot. Be ready to fall on your bum or on your knees many times on the Chadar. Its okay and you will remember it and laugh off when you will be back home. We trek to the first Campsite Shingra.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Shingra

Day – 5

SHINGRA KOMA TO TIBB (3,350M)

Walking time 5 hours. In the morning, pack up and trek on ice of the Frozen Zanskar River – The Chadar, as we continue towards our second camp at Tibb Cave. The Zanskar Valley is the most isolated in the Trans-Himalayas and that true sense of remoteness will become all the more evident as we approach our camp. After walking for 3 hours, stop for hot lunch and rest.

Today, the route will get tortuous and will offer more of zig-zag crossings as the valley gets narrower. But sometimes surprises await you in the evenings at camp.

Arrive at Tibb Cave for overnight stay.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp at Tibb Cave

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Day – 6

TIBB – NEYRAK (3,400M)

Walking time 5-6 hours. As usual with the sunrise, pack up and start walking on the ice – The Chadar.

We will encounter some spots of hot spring where the ice may not be strong and needs to be checked by the guide. If the ice is weak, we may have to climb a small peak to avoid River Crossing.

Trek on the frozen River till Neyrak – one of the windiest places around. Come across some stunning Frozen Waterfalls on this day. The Frozen Waterfall is nature’s masterpiece in itself and attracts lots of trekkers from across the globe.

Here, you will come across an old, dilapidated bridge on the river, claimed by the villagers to be more than 1,000 years old.

Arrive at Neyrak and settle in your camp for overnight stay. Neyrak village is situated just above a small cave where we plan to setup the camp. If we reach on time, you might like to trek to the village too.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Neyrak

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Day – 7

NEYRAK – TIBB (3,350M)

Walking time 4-5 hours. Trek back to Tibb. We will be retracing our steps back to the previous campsites. The most astonishing fact about the Chadar Trek is its ever-changing nature. Though you have trekked the same way back, you will still be amazed at how different the trail and surroundings look on the way back.

You will see a lot of locals around, and will be surprised to see how these people have adapted to such harsh temperatures & lifestyle and endured all this with a smile.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Tibb

Day – 8

TIBB – SHINGRA KOMA (3,369M)

Walking time 5 hours. Today will be much safer and easier comparing to the previous days. Take it easy, capture as many experiences as you can; these are the moments that will be itched in your memories for a lifetime.

We will be just concluding the Trek; this one would be a penultimate day over the Chadar.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camp at Shingra

Day – 9

SHINGRA TO BAKULA BAO – DRIVE BACK TO LEH

of Trek): Walking time 2 hours. Trek for couple of hours until Bakula/ where the road begins. Vehicle will be ready to drive back to Leh (2-3 hours).

Pamper yourself with a much needed hot ehow- er and a great dinner.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner;
Accommodation: shantl Nest Similar.

Day – 10

DEPARTURE

Morning after an early breakfast, we will wansfer you to the airport to board your onward flight, with memories of ALifetimeTrip.

**You might like to extend the trip for a couple more days to visit the Frozen Pangong/Khardungla pass (Day Trips/Overnight Stays). You can speak to our customer representatives for customizing the same.

ACCOMMODATION

Centrally Heated Shanti Nest / Similar on Double Occupancy Basis at Leh. Tent sharing for 5 – 6 people (it keeps you warm too). Note: In case the trek is discontinued due to unavoidable natural circumstances, the decision of the Trek Guide/Captain is final. Guests will bear all accommodation expenses on their own when they get back to Leh.

INCLUSIONS

This is not your regular trek itinerary. We have included an up market accommodation in Leh with a view to cater even the most faint-hearted individuals. We limit to 12 Persons only with personalized attention. We have even served Chicken, Fish & Chole Puri during our previous treks.

• Cook.
• Helper for Kitchen and help in Pitching / Folding Tents.
• Sleeping Bags (Double Layer for Minus 50 Degrees).
• Mattress.
• One Trek / Route Guide.
• Expedition Equipment – Ice Axe, Ropes & Harness.
• Porters to ferry the personal luggage.
• Comfortable Client Tent (Dome Type) or (Alpine Tent – 10ft x 12ft).
• One Dining Tent.
• Toilet Tent.
• Pick and Drop by Innova / Scorpio / Tempo Traveler to & from Airport.
• Pick and Drop by Innova / Scorpio / Tempo Traveler from Start & End point of T rek.
• Hot Water Bags.
• ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operator Association) Permission Fees, Wildlife Tax, Environment Tax, Forest Permits and Camping Charges.
• Oxygen Cylinder (15 liters)
• First Aid Kit
• Kitchen Tents with Utensils & Equipment.
• Breakfast & Dinner at Leh.
• All Meals during Trek.
• Hand Sanitizer & Face Mask on Arrival.
• Taxes including GST @ 5%

EXCLUSIONS

• Return Air Tickets to Leh.
• Mandatory Medical Insurance Fees directly payable to authorities at Leh.
• Any Taxi Services during stay in Leh.
• Lunch in Leh.
• Transport for Local Market or Leh Sightseeing.
• Stay & Meal Charges in case of emergency evacuation or if you decide to leave the t rek before / in-between the scheduled itinerary.
• Breakfast on Day 1 (Day of Arrival into Leh).

WHY US

Our services and modus operandi can be starkly differentiated on ground.

We	Other
* We use special Double Layer Sleeping Bags which can be used upto -50 deg Celsius and is generally used by Indian Army at higher altitudes.	* They use sleeping bags of temperature range -10deg Celsius.
* Porter to carry your personal luggage is included in total price. In case you want to carry your own luggage to save on cost, kindly subtract INR 6000 from the final payment amount.	* You need to pay extra for the porter.
* Meals served are vegetarian, non-vegetarian and Chinese. Our last group was surprised to eat Palak Paneer, Momos, Manchurians, Puri Chana, mutton on the tour. They were literally taken aback when the head chef baked chocolate cake for a trekker who had anniversary on the trip.	* Meals served are basic and vegetarian only.
* Airport return transfers included in price pay-able.	* Airport transfers not included.
* Breakfast and Dinner included when you stay at Leh.	* No Meals for your stay at Leh.
* Your stay at Leh is in a luxury, centrally heated and comfortable hotel.	* The stay at Leh is in a basic guesthouse
* ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operator Association) Fees Permission, wildlife tax, environment tax, forest permits and camping charges included in price payable.	* ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operator Association) Fees Permission, wildlife tax, environment tax, forest permits and camping charges are charged extra.
* Tents used for stay are dome type, or Alpine tents of higher size (10ftX12ft). These tents can accommodate more people (4-6), more the num- ber of people, warmer it becomes during such cold weather. There is more space to walk inside the tent	* Tents used are good for maximum of two people, and it feels chilly.
* GST 5% included	* GST 5% extra payable

WHAT TO CARRY

• Photo ID CARD/PASSPORT.
• Walking Sticks/Trekking Pole (1 is enough, in case you are not sure take 2).
• 3 Fleece Jackets, Thermals & Water and windproof Trousers (2Nos., No Denims), Woolen Socks (Socks-best to buy from army shop at Leh market), 3 T shirts (prefer the ones that can cover your collar).
• InsulatedWater Bottle(2nos.) {Miltonis usually one of the best option for this kind of trek).
• Trekking Shoes (Water proof, high ankle with good grip) + 1 floaters (would be helpful while you would be camping, flip flops generally don’t work well since you would be wearing double layeredsocks).
• Gum Boots (Can be purchased from Leh Market@~400Rs).
• Crampons/Microspikes (do not rely on Leh market for these, please buy it online in advance.
• Monkey Cap/balaclava (you get a good one from the army shop at Leh market).
• Head Lamp/Flash Light/Torch with extra batteries(comes handy in the camps in the night, especially when you wish to go out to the toilet tent).
• Hand Gloves – 1 pair waterproof, 1 pair fleece/ woollen.
• Waterproof sack cover.
• Antibacterial powder for your feets.
• Sunglasses (U/V protected).
• Toiletries.
• Personal medicines.
• Camera with extra batteries/power banks.

Chadar Trek – Do’s

• Follow your Trek Captain under any circumstance; he / she knows the best.
• Keep a good stock of protein / energy bars & water during the trek.
• Consult your general physician before the trek and carry your personal medicine kit.
• If you’re planning to visit a shrine/stupa, ensure that you dress moderately and pay your respects when you enter these shrines.
• Buy mandatory trek insurance to ensure that you are protected at every step along the way.
• Keep your loved ones informed and ensure that you share the details of your emergency contact with your trek captain to ensure that they are well informed of your well-being during the trek.

Chadar Trek – Don’ts

• Avoid carrying jeans for the entire trip. You won’t be able to wear it even in Leh.
• To avoid littering, we strongly recommend against carrying plastic water bottles and instead carry insulated thermos bottles / flasks.
• Avoid carrying single-use plastic of any kind, this will ensure that you do not litter during the trek.
• Don’t skip your meals during the trek. This trek is demanding and you will need all the energy you can possibly get for the trek.
• Do not bathe or even wash hands with soaps or any kind of chemicals. Remember that this water goes directly to the locals who consume this in their day-to-day life. Do not contaminate it.
• If you’re visiting religious shrine or stupa in Leh, pay your due respects and respect the sentiments
• of the locals. Do not touch the idol or do anything to hurt their sentiment.
• DO NOT LITTER. Chadar is one of the most beautiful & protected trails in the world. Remember that it is one of its kind and as a rule do not litter.