Introduction
Zanskar is an inhospitable mountainous region located within the eastern a part of Jammu and Kashmir. This entire area is situated along the 2 streams of the Zanskar River. In the winter season, thousands of travelers from everywhere the country and abroad reach here in search of adventurous adventures. During this insurmountable journey within the Zanskar Valley is understood as ‘Chadar Trek’.
Today we are going to tell you about ‘Chadar Trek’, one of the most adventurous trekking routes in India, which only experienced travelers can cross.
Winter Trekking
Chadar Trek is an exciting and adventurous trekking route in India, which is done only in winters, because during this time there is snow everywhere. Let us tell you that Chadar is named ‘snow layer’ frozen on the river within the local language. In the winter season, the layer of snow starts accumulating on the Zanskar river flowing here, which makes this trekking even more exciting.
If you love the Himalayas you can also trek in Bhrigu Lake.
River rafting in summer
Travelers also wish to come more on the Chadar trekking route because they get the chance of snowy trekking in winter and river rafting in summer. During this, the Zanskar river flows at its full speed, seeing which river adventure enthusiasts get very excited. If you are also fond of adventurous adventure, then during summer you can enjoy a lot here.
Traditional route
The Zanskar River serves as a link between Leh and Zanskar, so when this river freezes during winters, an in-and-out route emerges here. With the help of which the local people travel from Leh to Zanskar. The river is still used as a traditional route. Travelers also wish to come more on the Chadar trekking route because they get the chance of snowy trekking in winter and river rafting in summer. During this, the Zansker river flows at its full speed,seeing which river adventure enthusiasts get very excited. If you are also fond of adventurous adventure, then during summer you can enjoy a lot here.
A beautiful tourist destination
The increasing popularity of Chadar Trek in winter and summer has made it a famous tourist destination. The entire trekking route on foot is about 105 km. Where a distance of 15 to 17 km is covered daily. This whole snowy journey between the mountains gives a very exciting feeling. Along with adventure, natural beauty can also be enjoyed here.
SOME FACTS
Track difficulty – Difficult
Altitude – 11,123 ft
Track time – 9 days
Track distance – 62 km
Base camp – Shingra Koma ( About 70 km from Leh)
Nearest Railway track/Bus stand – Leh (475km from Delhi)
Best time to go to – January to March
Right time to come
The best time to visit Chadar Trek is January and February. Because during this time the temperature drops very low, due to which this whole river starts looking like glass, and the ice becomes very hard. If you want to enjoy Chadar Trek to the fullest, come here during this time. And of course, don’t forget to bring warm clothes and essentials.
How to reach Chadar Trek
The nearest airport to Zanskar is ‘Leh’, which is located at a distance of about 105 km. Direct flights are available to Leh from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. You can reach Zanskar from Leh by taxi. If you want, you can also reach Zanskar by rail, the nearest railway station here is Jammu-Tawi, which is connected to the main cities of India.
DIFFICULTIES
Walking on snow is not easy, but on this track you have to walk on snow all the way, which is not free from any danger. The clear water seen under a sheet of frozen ice creates a thrill in the heart, but at the same time it also awakens a strange fear. Walking on this trek is not as easy as it looks. During the trekking, there is also a danger of drowning in the river due to slipping on the ice. Whether it is the changing weather or the snow on the breaking river, increase the risk on this route. On the one hand there is a fear of slipping on the rock and on the other hand the snow on the river.
One of the most unique and challenging track in India
The maximum temperature here drops to -15oC and the minimum temperature drops to -35oC. These days, the Chadar trek of Zanskar in Ladakh becomes the center of attraction, where tourists from all over the country as well as abroad come to enjoy the thrilling experience of walking on frozen waterfalls and frozen ice on the Zanskar river. Chadar trek is considered as one of the most unique and challenging track in India.