Chadar trek beckons !!
Chadar trek a thrilling and adventurous trek in India. In the local language “chadar” means layer- indicating the layer of ice that covers the river .
The Chadar trek is basically performed on a frozen river called the “Zanskar River”.
During the summer this river it becomes a perfect location for river rafting expedition and during the winters it transforms into an ice sheet where the famous Chadar trek is performed
The Chadar trek route has been used from Centuries as a trade link by Zanskari’s. On the way you will also get a chance to stay with the local Zanskari’s. Visit some of the ancient monasteries behind the Ice walls, wedged between the mighty Karakoram & the Great Himalayan range.
Life Away from Life , has one of the best crews to handle difficult situations during the trek. We get the best local information regarding the Chadar condition. Based on up to date info we plan the right itinerary for our clients.
The most important feature for the trek to be successful and enjoyable is the use of good equipment’s.
Note : Bring a copy of ID proof. Foreigner, a copy of passport and visa.
Medical certificate proving your fitness is required. This must be issued by a doctor (MD).
Highlights of the Exclusive edition – Chadar trek :
- Best Time: Mid January to Mid February.
- Duration: 9 days.
- Focus Ice trek, Ladakh’s winter life, culture, monks and monasteries.
- Physical Challenge: Some long trekking days & Harsh Cold, Tough Expeditions.
- Highest Point: Leh 3,505 Mts. & Padum 3,610 Mts.
- Climate: Usually sunny days but dry chilly winds, temperature can drop up to minus 25 Centigrade (- 25ºC).
- Group Size: 5 to 10 people only.
- Good quality High altitude sleeping bags are provided.
- Twin-sharing, tents give spacious comfort in adverse conditions.
- Highly qualified LAFL coordinators accompany the team.
- High nutrition meals are provided.
Chadar Trek Day 1 - Reach Leh by Flight and rest for the day
Chadar Trek Day 2 - Leh to Chiling drive & Trek to Tilat sumdo - rest and acclimatize for the day
Chadar Trek Day 3 -Trek to Tsomo Paldar
Wake up time is around 7:00 am, freshen up. Breakfast with hot tea and you are ready for a day full of frozen ice river trek by 9:00 am.
Hearing the different sounds of Chadar forming and breaking, you will soon get familiar where the Chadar or the ice cover is thick and thin. With a early lunch break in between, we would soon reach the majestic. Lunch is in between the trek, where we all stop where sunlight is abundant though duration is much less as the river flows through a gorge and direct sunlight time is limited.We trek again on frozen ice towards the designated camping site for the day. Overnight at camp
Chadar Trek Day 4 - Tsomo Paldar – Dibb
Early in the morning after having our breakfast, it is an another day of ice t expedition among some of the most fantastic landscapes and ice vistas. Vast mountain sides rise up abruptly from the river as it flows through gorge. We might even catch sight of bharals or blue sheep as we trek along the frozen river. Not to say about the frozen waterfalls!
Though today is the longest day of the trek, we pass through some magnificent beautiful waterfalls and frozen ice cliffs on the left – it is like walking through a giant freezer! The walk also crosses through narrow gorges, where the trekker may have to climb briefly on to the Rocky River bank.We trek again on frozen ice towards the designated camping site for the day. Overnight at camp
Chadar Trek Day 5 -Trek from Dibb to Nyerak Pullu
Again one of the magnificent days on the Chadar trek. However, the caution being that this can become a difficult if the Chadar is not very firm. The vistas are stunning though as we pass through giant frozen waterfalls, ice cliffs and one may even catch sight of the mountain fox.
After lunch we pass the ‘incense tree’, so called because the locals use its branches to burn in their morning rituals, and the prayer flag draped tree marks the entrance to Zanskar proper. The porters will normally take a few twigs from the tree. We reach Naerak campsite by late afternoon. An old, dilapitated bridge on the river as folklore goes is thought to be more than an 1000 years old. A trail is normally beaten through in the snow towards the village up high in the mountains. Overnight at camp.
Day 6 - Return trek: Naerak to Dibb
Though technically it is the same way back, it is also quite different. The Chadar or the blanket of ice that is forming on the River Zanskar is always changing, breaking up and forming itself again. As the Chadar dynamics are ever changing, the same route and place would look and feel different as the texture and conditions change.
All along the way, trekkers will pass by and meet a lot of locals wearing their traditional woolen Gonchas, trekking their way towards the village of Padum, Lingshed and Naerak. Pleasantries are exchanged and even a few stories and legend about Zanskar and its people can be heard. Their warmth and smile is amazing among all the hardships. Overnight at camp.
Day 7 -Return trek
Day 8 - Return trek
Day 9 - Departure
The dates for the year 2023 :
Jan 7th – Bookings Open
Jan 14th – Booking Open
Jan 21st – 50% seats left
Jan 28th – 50% Seats left
| Included | Accommodation in non-ac room (Twin Sharing) | Airport Transfers |
| Activity Point Transfers | Camping Gear | |
| Cooking Staff | Luggage Porterage on trek | |
| Sleeping Bags | Accommodation in tents | |
| Campsite Fees | Trekking Point Transfers | |
| All meals while trekking | LAFL Service Charge | |
| Guide | ||
| Not Included | All beverages (including bottled mineral water) | All Insurance |
| Camera Fees | Internet Usage | |
| Flight Tickets | Emergency Transport Costs | |
| Personal Trekking Gear | All Permits | |
| Personal Expenses | All not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section |
Please note that cancellation charges are calculated of the total amount payable and not of advance amount. If 100% of the amount is not paid while registering, the cancellation policy stands void.
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