Chadar Trek

Leh- Ladakh, words can not describe the beauty of this magical region in Himalaya. Steep mountains, snow claded landscape, and beautiful rivers but in winter when snowfall closes large portions of the mountain passes and makes this region disconnected from other part life become hard. Some villages become completely inaccessible in between November and March. The Only one way for getting to snow-bound villages in the winter is to trek on frozen Zanskar river. The Chadar trek is one such expedition, connecting villages in the Zanskar valley (somewhere down in the mountains) with Chilling (headed straight toward Leh) along the frozen Zanskar River. This route has been used for centuries for trade and transportation and is most reliable in February when the ice is most stable. The trek from Chilling to the Zanskar valley takes over a week. the journey starts from Leh in a vehicle that drops you at Chilling sumdo and from here your trek begins in a valley loaded with stunning perspectives of ice-tops and sudden hanging icicles that will attract your gaze for some time. You will spend the night at cavern camps besides bone fire that will keep you warm and relaxed. The trek comes the Tsarap River in the area of Nyerag, Lingshed and constitutes to Zanskar! Obviously, having an expert guide is basic on the Chadar trek. Trekking on the ice is threatening.But that's the beauty of this Trek. Chadar Trek is considered as one of the most amazing and novel treks – an exceptionally unique and awesome natural trek on sparkling ice on the bank of Tsarap River. 

Chadar Frozen River 
Duration: 9 Days Region :  Leh, Ladakh, J & K 
Grade : Difficult 
Group Size: 15-20
Max Altitude : 11,123 Ft. 
Best Time to do Chadar Trek: January to February 

NOTE:

Survival tips for Chadar Trek: 

Yes, Chadar Trek is difficult due to the constant sub-zero temperatures and tough terrain.......read more Here

How to Reach Leh for Chadar Trek:

By Air :- Jet Airways, Go Air and Air India provide daily (once every day) flight service between New Delhi and Leh. In the summer season, the services may even be provided twice a day. However if you plan a trip to this area of the country, you must try to book your tickets well in advance. This might even cut down the prices which may be levied on booking at the last time. You would enjoy the flight as you would fly over many untouched areas and even some mountain ranges. The aerial view is just fascinating and gives a great start to your tour.

By road :- The road from Manali to Leh is only open in the summers. The road trip by your personal may take you 2 days, but depending upon the weather conditions, the travel may also extend to 3 or even 4 days. There are also regular buses from Manali to Leh. Another route to Leh via Srinagar, also takes around two days. On this route, you would pass through some lonely yet famous villages like Kargil and Khalsi.

What to Carry during Chadar trek :

Backpack & rain cover (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps, Day pack + rain cover 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter), Walking stick Advisable (At least one), Head torch 1 Nos. (Hand torch would be an alternative), Water bottle/Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each, Snacks, Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors, Personal Medical Kit Consult your doctor. Trek pants 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris), T-shirts 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton), Fleece T-shirts 1 Nos., Fleece jacket 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater), Thermal inners 1 Pair, Sunscreen cream , Hand sanitizer, Moisturiser , Antibacterial powder, Lip balm , Toothbrush and toothpaste, Toilet Paper & wipes Quick dry towel, Sun cap 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well), Woolen cap 1 Nos., Neck-gaiters 1 Nos, Sunglasses Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, Trekking shoes 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip), Floaters/flip-flops 1 Pair (Optional), Cotton socks 4 pairs, Woollen socks 2 pairs Gumboots Required only for Chadar trek, Waterproof gloves 1 Pair, Fleece/woollen gloves. 

Normally Explore Himalaya.org expects you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack then you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay extra.If Minimum group strength is not met , we have the right to cancel the departure. As per reports, local authorities are planning to levy additional environmental fee per trekker. Any such fee, if charged, will have to be directly or additionally borne by the trekkers themselves. Any additional costs due to weather / unforeseen situations will have to be borne by the traveler. Our team reserves the right to change the plan in case there is danger involved for the group or whenever the trek leader deems it necessary. Final word of the trek leaders will have to followed by all the members.No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable.

Terms and Conditions:

10% cancellation charges if cancelled 60 days before the tour departure date.

25% cancellation charges if cancelled 45 days before the tour departure date.

50% cancellation charges if cancelled 25 days before the tour departure date.

No refund for after start or middle of the tour.

Any requests on cancellation will not be taken over the phone. In case the Chadar Trek gets cancelled cause of natural phenomenon or any other reason beyond our control, we shall arrange for alternative treks like Lamayuru Trek, Zanskar Valley Trek or the Indus River Trek looking at the situation and possibility of the events. If the participant is unwilling to go for the alternative trek, there would be no refund or no voucher issued. As for Chadar trek, all the services have to be arranged beforehand and can not be shifted to any other date. No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable. No money shall be refunded in case a person is rescued and brought back to the base camp before the said date. If the travellers need to return before the trip ends, they shall have to bear all the expenses for accommodation and meals at Leh or any other place. In Case of Casuality: If any trekker feels unwell during Chadar Trek and has to be brought back to the base camp. All the charges, Including The rescue fees, medication, Ambulance/Transport, Accommodation apart from the scheduled itinerary, Meals or any other medical or Miscellaneous expenses will have to be borne by the trekker. We have one Backup plan by which people unwilling to continue to carry on with the trek can accompany the person heading back to the base camp with the team only once. If in case a second emergency occurs, The Complete Trek will be terminated and all the participants shall be immediately dropped back to the base camp. P.S. We are only liable to offer the services mentioned as per the itinerary and inclusions. Unused Services: We shall not offer or pay any discounts or refunds for missed or unused services which were missed or unused by the client due to no fault of ours, or our representatives, which shall include any termination of the client’s participation in the tour product due to the client’s own fault, negligence or breach of these Terms.

Note Point: Explore Himalaya.org expect from you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don't want to carry your backpack, you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 400/- extra per day per bag. Max weight should be 8-10 kg/ bag

Booking Procedure:

1) A confirmation mail from you with following details: a) Guest Name/s, Age & Sex b) Guest Contact Details (Mobile & Email) c) Detailed Postal Address d) Emergency Contact Number

2) After receiving this we will okay and you may make the payment into our bank account.

3) You just need to email us the NEFT / Deposit slip.

4) Once the amount is credited in our account we will mail you the activity voucher with all the required details.

Bank Account Details:

Bank:  State Bank of India.

A/C Name: Explore Himalaya Adventure Sports Association

A/C Number:  62444339763

Branch: Patparganj, Delhi

IFSC Code: SBIN0021310