Introduction: 

Chadar Trek, also known as Zanskar gorge trek, is one of the most thrilling and unique treks in the world. It is situated in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India. It is an icy trek along the frozen Zanskar River, which passes through the Zanskar Valley. The Chadar Trek is a yearly winter event and is considered as one of the most challenging treks in India. It offers an ethereal experience to the trekkers, as they come across a variety of landscapes and cultures, while being surrounded by the snowy Himalayan Mountains. 

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What is Chadar Trek?

The Chadar Trek involves walking on a frozen sheet of ice (called Chadar) over the frozen Zanskar River. The trek offers one of the most unique experiences in the world, as the trekkers have to traverse the frozen river, passing through breathtaking landscapes and high altitude passes. The trek is normally organized in the months of January and February, when the temperature in the Zanskar Valley drops to sub-zero temperatures. The trekkers have to be prepared for extreme cold weather, as the temperature can drop to -15 degree Celsius or lower. 

The Different Parts of the Chadar Trek 

The Chadar Trek is divided into three parts. The first part is the trek to the villages of Lingshed and Padum, which is around 70 km long. The trekkers will have to cross various high altitude passes such as the Chumik Kangri, which is at an altitude of 5,000 m. The second part of the trek is the trek to the frozen waterfalls of Tso Moriri, which is around 80 km long. The trekkers will have to cross the Chumik La pass, which is at an altitude of 5,400 m. The third part of the trek is the return journey, which is around 40 km long. The trekkers will have to cross the Naropa La pass, which is at an altitude of 5,000 m. 

What to Expect on the Chadar Trek 

The Chadar Trek is an amazing experience that every trekker should try at least once in their lifetime. The trekkers will get to witness some of the most stunning views of the Zanskar Valley. The trekkers will also get to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local people, as they will come across various villages along the way. The trekkers will also get to witness the beauty of the frozen waterfalls and glaciers along the way. The trekkers will also get to explore the monasteries and temples in the Zanskar Valley, which are a part of Tibetan culture. 

The Challenges of Chadar Trek 

The Chadar Trek is a challenging trek, and the trekkers should be prepared for extreme cold weather conditions. The trekkers should be well equipped with proper clothing, as the temperatures can drop to -15 degree Celsius or lower. The trekkers should also carry enough food and water, as the availability of food and water is limited in the Zanskar Valley. The trekkers should also be aware of the local customs and culture, as the people of the Zanskar Valley follow the Tibetan culture. 

Chadar Trek Route

The Chadar Trek is a 9-day trek starting from Chilling. The trek begins with a drive to Chilling, which is about 3-4 hours from Leh. After reaching Chilling, the trekkers will start their trek towards Tilat Sumdo. The trekking trail is about 25-30 kilometers for the first two days, and it is mostly uphill. After reaching Tilat Sumdo, the trekkers will take a rest day. From Tilat Sumdo, the trekkers will continue the trek towards Gyalpo. The trekking trail on this day is around 20-25 kilometers, and it will take around 7-8 hours.

The next day, the trekkers will start the trek towards Shingra Koma, which is around 20 kilometers away. The trekking trail on this day is mostly downhill and it will take around 6-7 hours. On the 6th day, the trekkers will continue the trek towards Tilat Do. The trekking trail is around 15 kilometers and it will take around 5-6 hours.

On the 7th day, the trekkers will reach the final destination, Nerak. This is the most difficult part of the trek as the trekking trail is steep and very slippery. It will take about 8-9 hours to reach Nerak. On the 8th day, the trekkers will relax and explore the area around Nerak. On the 9th day, the trekkers will start the trek back to Chilling.

Conclusion: 

The Chadar Trek is one of the most unique and thrilling treks in the world. It offers an ethereal experience to the trekkers, as they come across a variety of landscapes and cultures, while being surrounded by the snowy Himalayan Mountains. The trekkers should be prepared for extreme cold weather conditions and should be aware of the local customs and culture, as they will come across various villages and monasteries along the way. The trekkers should also carry enough food and water, as the availability of food and water is limited in the Zanskar Valley. All in all, the Chadar Trek is an amazing experience that every trekker should try at least once in their lifetime.