Chadar Trek 2023
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Trip Overview
Chadar Trek or The Frozen River Trek is one of a kind trek, rightly named Chadar which means sheet (in Hindi). During the course of this 9-Day trek, 5 Days will on the frozen Zanskar River.
Highlights
- Deluxe Hotels and Swiss Camps with attached bathrooms.
- Package Duration - 8 Nights and 9 Days.
- Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to help trekkers.
- All Applicable Permits, First Aid, Medical Kits, Oximeter, and oxygen cylinder.
- Porters to carry the common luggage including tents, sleeping bags, kitchen tents, camping rations and food, fuel/kerosene, oxygen cylinders, and toilet tent
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Detailed Overview
Chadar refers to the frozen lake with sheets of ice that forms over the Zanskar River. And it transforms itself from the fast and rapidly flowing river into a white coat of ice during winter. The river becomes frozen glass ice ranging from a bluish tinge to golden yellow when the sun touches the frozen river bed during the sunset. It will be a milky whitish frozen lake after dusk under the moonlight. This trek journey is unique and magical to describe the experience.
The villages are connected to the Zanskar Valley which is deep in the mountains along with the chilling and frozen lake. This is the only route for transportation and trades for centuries to the villages in the valley. Ice is more stable in February for the proper roads.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,400 ft.) | Stay at the Leh guesthouse
- One of the highest airports in the world is Leh airport, once you arrive at the airport, you will step into the fresh air and the drastic drop in the temperature.
- Reach Leh airport and board the cab to reach the guesthouse in Leh city.
- Keep your warm clothes in handy as once you land the temperature difference is going to be a considerable amount.
- The town will be covered with snow and so people will be busy shedding it off their properties.
- Check in to the guesthouse reserved for you. Meet the team and rest for some time for the body to start acclimatizing.
- Later, you can take a walk to the Leh market where last-minute shopping can be done.
- Some restaurants will be open as well for you to try some local food.
Day 2: Acclimatization walk in Leh
- The second day is reserved for acclimatization, you'll start our day early with a light walk around the Leh.
- You will start your walk towards Shanti Stupa, a sacred Buddhist stupa, from where you will get an opportunity to witness a beautiful view of the sunrise and a panoramic sight of the town of Leh.
- Stay hydrated as you spend your first day of the trek in Leh.
- You will be staying in the Leh guesthouse for the night.
Day 3: Medical check-up at Sonam Narbu Hospital OR Tourist Information Centre (TIC)
- As per the Government mandate, it is now mandatory for participants to acquire medical certification before they undertake the Chadar trek.
- A clearance certificate is issued upon a medical check-up at the TIC or Sonam Narbu Hospital.
- Please note that trekkers will be asked to show their flight boarding passes at the time of the check-up to confirm minimum 2-days of acclimatisation days in Leh.
- The ground team in Leh will arrange for the transportation for the trekkers, starting from guest-house to medical checkup station and back to the guest-house.
Day 4: Drive to Shingra Koma - Trek from Shingra Koma to Somo Paldar
- After you have relished warm breakfast served in the morning, you will start the journey by driving to Shingra Koma which is 65 km from Leh.
- This drive goes through bumpy roads and sharp bends are common on this route.
- You will have the majestic mountains and breathtaking views during the drive for the company as well.
- From Shingra Koma, your trek to Somo Paldar will start and it's a short trek to our campsite in Somo Paldar.
- Your Chadar trek expedition has technically started from here.
Day 5: Trek from Somo Paldar to Tibb Cave – (10,550 ft - 10,760 ft) | Trek 10 km - Overnight Camp stay
- After the breakfast, you will start your trek to Tibb cave today.
- We will be crossing ravines and gorges on the way with the sun mostly hidden behind the high mountains.
- Once we're at Tibb, the large cave entrance will be unavoidable.
- In the journey, you will get to see the waterfalls from a higher view than the others.
- There is a big cave at Tibb, here you will be served butter tea and some refreshments.
- The group will camp here for the night.
Day 6: Tibb cave to Naerak camp – (10,760 ft - 11,150 ft) | Trek 12.5 km - Camp Stay
- You will be walking near the river you crossed.
- On this day of the trek, you will see the frozen waterfalls.
- Right next to the waterfall is a bridge across the river which is a part of the summer-time road from Zanskar to Leh.
- The Naerak village lies several feet above the river, a vigorous hour-long trek to the village.
- The camp is set up close to the river.
Day 7: Naerak to Tibb Cave - (11,150 ft - 10,760 ft.) | 12.5 km Trek - Camp Stay
- On Day 7 you will be heading back to the Tibb cave.
- The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself.
- On the trek, you will meet a lot of locals wearing their traditional woollen Gonchas – some of them are the monks who hike from the Lingshed Monastery to Leh.
- The trekkers will be spending the night at Tibb.
Day 8: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma - (10,760 ft - 10,550 ft.) & Drive to Leh | 15 km Trek
- From Tibb, you go up to Gyalpo on Day 8. The walls of mountains from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls.
- The last day on the Chadar is today and the last chance to immerse in the pristine beauty of the frozen river.
- Once we reach Shingra Koma, we drive back to Leh and spend the night at the guesthouse.
Day 9: Return from Leh (Return Flight)
- As the memorable journey gets over, you will depart from Leh today.
- The Chadar trek will be a cherished memory for life.
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Basic Details
Inclusions
- Accommodation. Leh Guest House (Day 1,2,3, 8 according to Itinerary) and Camping while on Trek on Day 4,5,6,7 according to Itinerary)
- Meals while on trek (Veg.) – Hot Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner starting from Day 4 Breakfast to Day 8 Breakfast.
- Celebratory Dinner on Day 8 in Leh
- Trek equipment including -30 degree comfortable double-layer Siachen sleeping bags, sleeping mats, air breathable 4 season camping tents, mobile kitchen, and utensils for food
- First Aid, Medical Kits, Oximeter, and oxygen cylinder
- Qualified & Experienced trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to help trekkers
- Fixed return transfers from Leh Guest House to Trek Base Camp are included in the package as per the itinerary on Day 4 and Day 8
- Porters to carry the common luggage including tents, sleeping bags, kitchen tents, camping rations and food, fuel/kerosene, oxygen cylinders, and toilet tents.
Exclusions
- Food / Meal in Leh. Available in Leh Hotel / Guest House @ Rs.250/- Per Meal (Approx)
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Adventure Insurance premium cover of Approx Rs.4,100/- to be paid directly after the medical check-up in Leh(Premium amount based on 2021 Chadar Trek).
- Local authorities (LAHDC, ALTOA) charge fees for the environment and Wildlife for the trek which totals Aprrox 4,500 INR per head (The fee may be revised) and will have to be paid by trekkers before starting the trek in Leh,
- A medical check-up may happen either at SNM Hospital or as advised by the ALTOA association.
- Porter to carry personal luggage. The same may be arranged @ Rs.4750/- for the complete trek days ie from Day 4 to Day 8 (5 Trek Days) up to 10Kg baggage
- Airport pick from the Leh Airport (Govt Pre Paid Taxi Charges @ Rs.500/-)
- Anything not specifically mentioned under ‘Inclusions
Why book with TRODLY
- Best Price Guarantee
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- Free Cancellation on Most Trips
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Important Information
- Extra night stay at the Leh guesthouse is available at Rs.3625 per person per night (Room accommodates up to 3 members) - Meals not included.
- Sightseeing/Taxi can be arranged on request
- Tented accommodation will be provided on twin sharing basis to couples during the trek (Subject to availability)
- Single occupancy at Leh guesthouse accommodation and tent accommodation during the trek at Rs. 8500 Flat charges (Add-on available during booking)
- We suggest to not use room heaters during the stay at the guesthouse in Leh, as room heaters dehydrate your body, which in turn will have adverse effects on acclimatization.
Medication
- Oxygen Cylinders (25 kg) and First Aid will be there during the trek. Rescue and medical team will be available on call in case of any exigencies
Chadar Trek Guide to Prepare for the Trek
Trodly guide for Chadar Trek covers key aspects to help you know and prepare for the trek better
Click to view the Trodly Chadar Trek Guide: https://www.trodly.com/blog/article/chadar-trek-ultimate-guide-to-walk-over-the-frozen-river
This guide covers the following:
- Fitness level requirements
- Food during the trek
- Accommodation
- Toilet facilities
- Things-to-carry
- Cloths for the trek
- Shoes for the trek & where to buy
- Avoiding AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
- Emergency response
- Answers from an expert on common questions from trekkers
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if cancelled before 45 days
- 50% refund if cancelled before 30 days
- No refund after that
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Chadar trek is categorized as a moderately difficult trek. The trail is relatively easy and very much doable by trekkers who have no prior trekking experience. The biggest challenge on Chadar Trek is cold in real low temperatures. Trekkers on Chadar Trek should keep themselves warm by layering, carry the right kind of clothing and follow all instructions given by the trek leaders and guides.
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Meals will be provided while on trek. Our cooks will be serving the simple vegetarian nutritious veg hot meals for breakfast and dinner during the camping. Pack lunch will be provided during the trek. (Rice pulao, potato, dal, local dishes, hot soups, eggs, breads, poha, sweet, tea, milk, high energy bars, dry fruits, juices etc. is the regular menu).
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Our operators take utmost care to ensure safety of customers during the trekking expeditions. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, operator or Trodly will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trekking and expeditions.
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An identification card (like driving license, voters ID card etc), along with a photocopy. A passport size photo. A medical certificate Format will be sent after confirmation. Disclaimer certificate. Format will be sent after confirmation.
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Joining on day-2 of the itinerary is not possible anymore. As per the new safety mandate from the local authorities, a guest needs minimum 2 days of acclimatisation before the medical test on day-3. The arrival date is confirmed by the medical officials by checking the guest\'s flight boarding pass date.
Helpful
This year it is a total of Rs. 5000 per person. The fee structure changes on yearly basis and for 2019, the charges are as below (all mandatory items): 1. Wildlife Department permits - Rs. 2200 per person for foreigners 2. Wildlife Department permits- Rs. 2000 per person for Indians 3. ALTOA will provide Adventure Insurance and Medical Check-up at Leh at Rs. 3000 per person
Helpful
Meet-up Information/Reporting Point
- Pick-up from the Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport),
- The local contact person details will be shared with you in the booking voucher, sent to you once booking is complete.
- The guesthouse address in Leh is shared 1-week before the trek start date.
₹ 17250 Per Person
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