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During the winter, Ladakh, is isolated from the whole country due to heavy snowfall. The only way to Ladakh is by air from Delhi. In winter the temperature goes down to 3o below zero and the mighty Zanskar river freezes. This seven to eight day trek from Chilling to Naerak over the Zanskar is both challenging as well as an unforgettable experience. The landscape acquires a pristine grandeur in winter as the trail enters into the gorge of the Zanskar.
Brief Itinerary :
Day 01 : Arrival in Leh (3500 m)
Day 02 : Acclimatization Walk in Leh
Day 03 : Getting a medical check-up
Day 04 : Drive Leh to Shingra Koma and trek to Tsomo Paldar (Drive 65kms, 4-5hrs/ 3kms trek 2 hrs)
Day 05 : Trek Tsomo Paldar to Tibb (15kms / 7-8 hrs)
Day 06 : Trek Tibb to Naerak Camp (13kms/ 6-7 hrs)
Day 07 : Trek Naerak to Tibb (13kms / 5-6 hrs)
Day 08 : Tibb to Shingra Koma & Back To Leh (9kms Trek 5-6kms/ 75kms drive, 4-5 hrs)
Day 09 : Departure from Leh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Leh
Leh is the second largest district in the country, situatated at an altitude of more than 3500 metres above sea level. During winters, as most passes connecting to Leh are closed, you will be flown to the highest aiport in the world, Leh airport.
As soon you touch the ground, you will be feeling dry and cold air, but what will take all your attention is the haughty, snow-capped mountains around you; a sight to be remembered forever. After completing the arrival formalities, we will take a taxi and leave for the pre-arranged hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 2 : Acclimatization Day
As per the regulations and keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers might face (AMS), anyone doing the Chadar Trek should be atleast spend two days in Leh for the body to get fully acclimatized to the weather conditions. It is unalterable and it is essential and is to be strictly followed by every trekker. Trekkers can spend the day by visiting the places around the city.
Day 3 : Getting a medical check-up at SNM Hospital
Due to the perplexing nature of this specific trek, it is mandatory according to the government, for participants to obtain medical certification before undertaking Chadar trek. A clearance certificate will be issued after a medical check-up only when satisfactorily fit and acclimatized for the trek.
Day 4 : Drive from Leh to Shingra Koma and trek to Tsomo Paldar (Drive 65kms, 4-5hrs/ 3kms trek 2 hrs)
After enjoying morning tea and breakfast, we start our journey by driving to Shingra Koma. This ride is definitely not for the faint-hearted as rough roads and hairpin bends are quite common on this route. The sight of the surrounding high mountains will give you a sense of awe. After a while, you will have to deboard from the vehicle and trek towards Somo Paldar campsite. Your Chadar trek expedition will start from here.
Day 5 : Trek Tsomo Paldar to Tibb (15kms / 7-8 hrs)
After spending a cold night in the tent, have a wholesome breakfast and a hot cup of tea that will reactivate your senses in the morning in such subzero conditions. As you start trekking towards Tibb cave which is our next campsite. This trek route has some of the most attention-grabbing frozen waterfalls that one can encounter. Lunch will be served midway to Tibb cave. After walking for a couple of hours you’ll reach your campsite, you will be camping near the Tibb cave which is encircled by dry sand.
Day 6 : Trek Tibb to Naerak Camp (13kms/ 6-7 hrs)
As you move towards Nerak, the most anticipated campsite of the trek. Today, the route is almost 13km that takes you to the most iconic landmark of the Chadar trek i.e. the frozen waterfall. Hot lunch will be served on your way to the campsite. Considerably, Nerak will be the coldest campsite on the trek where the temperature goes down to -30 degrees during the night. Trekkers are advised to wear proper layers to stay safe from the freezing cold. If we are able to to reach the waterfall on time, there are chances we might visit Nerak Village as well. Camps will be set at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the waterfall. Back from Nerak:
There are many stories that trekkers might have heard stories of how unpredictable the weather patterns can get on the Chadar trek. There are times where you might find that the formation of Chadar no longer exists and at some places a new layer of Chadar is formed. Even though the route remains unchanged, it’s amazing to see how different it appears while we return.
Day 7 : Trek Naerak to Tibb (13kms / 5-6 hrs)
Today, we start our return trip walk back to Tibb. The route of the return would not be easy as the river can rapidly react to any change in the temperature. By this time the icy river might have taken a completely new form. On our way back, we can admire the beauty of the valley and click pictures.
Day 8 : Tibb to Shingra Koma & Back to Leh (9kms Trek 5-6kms/ 75kms drive, 4-5 hrs)
After having a hot breakfast, we get ready to leave Tibb and move towards Shingra Koma, crossing Gyalpo. En route you will a chance to see high mountains and observe pugmarks of wild animals like snow leopards, ibex and foxes. If you are lucky enough, you just might spot a leopard; and in any case you do not, then at least be sure, you would be watched by them. In the evening, drive back to Leh and stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 : Departure from Leh
Next day, you will reach Leh approximately by 6:30 in the evening. We recommend trekkers not to book a flight on 8th Day of the trek but on the 9th Day.
List of Essential Items
