The Frozen River Trek In Himalayas - Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek in Ladakh is like no other trek within the Himalayas Mountains. Walking on a frozen thick glass-like river, with dramatic mountains on either side, is an experience of a lifetime. At solely 11150-foot altitude Chadar Trek nearly seems like an expedition to the North Pole, where the temperatures drop to -30 degrees at night, the ration is transported on sleds, you discover refuge in caves and life blossoms on survival instincts, making it an eminently ‘do before you die’ trip. The chadar trek permits you to induce to understand the Zankari culture up close through the locals you meet on the trek and experience their hospitality. One of the highlights of the Zanskar frozen river trek is that the magnificent waterfall frozen completely from top to bottom called Nerak waterfall. The best time for the Chadar trek is from mid-January to mid-February, that is when the Zanskar river freezes and you get to walk on massive slabs of ice spreading for miles and miles. The landscapes and overall experience will leave their imprints on your hearts forever. Once it involves trekking in India, Chadar is the most exciting and glamorous trek. From 2019 onwards, the native administration has created it necessary for every Chadar Trek participant to endure a medical examination at SNM Hospital, Leh post which is a fitness certificate would be granted.

The Start of the Journey

The journey starts at the mountain town of Leh. The only way to reach Leh is by flight and it's encircled by snow giving it a whole white look. One can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains from the flight because it descends toward Leh that is found at 11400 feet higher than sea level. The trek is over the Zanskar river that lies frozen throughout the winter. The most preferred time to cross the ice would be in February. Throughout that time, the ice tends to be at its most stable state. The Frozen River Trek begins from the little village of Chilling from where the Zanskar River begins to freeze.

Across the Ice

The ice can be as dangerous at times as it can be safe during others.One has to figure out the safe paths over the precarious sheet and must always be aware of the ice conditions below the feet. The trekkers can choose to camp in the caves along the banks like the locals or set up tents where the ice is the most stable. The setting is close to twenty degrees below the freezing point and decreases further after sundown as well. Warm and layered clothes are recommended as is being on the move as much as possible. This helps invariably in keeping the body warm and preventing cold sores and also keeping the blood from freezing.

Precautions to taken

It is always recommended to be aware of the ice conditions at all times. There are several factors to consider ensuring a safe journey. Most of these factors involve the conditions of the ice and the footing choices of the trekker. The precautions include:

• The trekker must be aware of the ice sheet conditions.
• There may be cracks in the ice that should be avoided.
• Finding places with a coating of snow is the best place to walk normally.
• Slippery ice can be found on several sections as well and should be walked on with utmost care.
• Cracks may suddenly appear under one’s feet and it is required to run to more solid footing immediately.
• The ice is not a trekker’s friend and one should always respect it and be aware of the conditions at all times especially while choosing the camping spot.