CHADAR TREK ( THE FROZEN RIVER TREK )

BEST SEASON: MID-JANUARY TO MID-FEBRUARY

CATEGORY: TREKKING

TOTAL DURATION: 10 DAYS (5-DAY TREK)

TREK DISTANCE: 62 KM

REGION: LADAKH

BASE VILLAGE: CHILLING

GRADE: CHALLENGING

MAX ALTITUDE: 11000 ft.

FIXED DEPARTURES: AVAILABLE

TEMPERATURE: 15 DEGREES TO -30 DEGREES

CHADAR TREK ( THE FROZEN RIVER TREK )

The Himalayas has always been admired due to its mesmerizing beauty and lush greenery. The place has served as a pacifier to many people. It takes you into another realm of nature and physical artistry. In these beautiful dales lies an adventure, surely that's not to be missed by any adventurist. This motorbike trip begins from Leh and ends in the valley of Srinagar. Both these places are so beautiful that people get awe-struck when they see the nature around them stretched for miles together.

About the trek

Chadar Trek is one of the must-to-do treks in India for the nature-lovers. Imagine walking on a frozen sheet of ice throughout your entire trek period. Isn’t it thrilling?
Yes, this trek is completely on the frozen Zanskar river that is surrounded by snow-capped barren mountains of Ladakh region. This trek is being controlled and initiated by ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association), as they decide on many things like when the trek is going to start, how many members can participate in the entire trek and in an individual group, which operators can organize the trek, when the trek ends, how much amount is to be paid by an individual to different purposes like insurance, medical emergencies, etc. The Chadar trek is a thrilling and one of the most adventurous trek on a Frozen Zanskar river. It has always been exciting to see the explorers walk on a sheet of ice on different documentaries. ‘Chadar’ is referred to that ice sheet. Anyone who has participated in Chadar trek, came with unlimited stories of an lifetime achievement as the complete trail is made up of ice sheets and the surface is extremely slippery as there is very less frictional force. The Chadar trek is about 11.500 ft. above the sea level and the temperature shows a great diversity throughout the trek duration as the trek takes place during the months of January and February, the temperature varies from -10 degrees to -15 degrees in the daytime and -20 degrees to -30 degrees post evening hours. But the porters at Geographic Tours arrange the most computable tents and highly efficient two-layered sleeping bags that give proper warmth to the trekkers in the campsite. On the other hand, trekkers who can deal with the harsh climatic conditions as for some it might be difficult to survive in such an extreme cold temperature and have a past trekking experience in a colder zone should not miss the adventure of walking on Chadar.
The Chadar trek leaves its memories in the hearts of the adventure-seekers forever as the thick-iced trails on Zanskar river takes the trekker to the most fascinating attraction of the journey – the frozen Narek Waterfall, where the water falls from at a height of about 60 ft gets frozen during the winters and gives an iconic view of the natural beauty. The trekkers call it as the most unpredictable and glamourous trek in India, which have been also documented by The National Geography, Discovery and many other adventure-filled channels.

Brief Itinearary
Day 1: Arrival at Leh - time to acclimatize

The journey begins with arrival at Leh airport. A proper acclimatization is required right after arriving at Leh. There are certain mandatory checklists that the govt. has been made for keeping in mind the health hazards as you arrive at an altitude as high as 11,480 feet. One among them is the 48 hours of acclimatization period which restricts the travellers from going to higher altitude areas like Khardung La pass, Pangong Lake, and beyond. So, once after arrival, the scenic beauty of Leh can be admired by the explorer by visiting the nearby walkable destinations and can be gradually acclimatized. You get the feeling of entering the majestic beauty of the Northern Himalayas right through your window-seat of the airplane, and finally, you reach the land of high passes. Thereafter, your adventure is taken care of by Geographic Tours.
The flights to Leh are scheduled in a way that everyone reaches the airport by the early noon hours. The temperature at the Leh airport will drastically change for you as it will be around -10 degrees to -15 degrees. Our representative will welcome you at the Leh airport and transfer you to the designated hotel. Day 1 is solely dedicated to taking rest and getting acclimatized to the climatic conditions at high altitudes.
In the evening hours a trek-briefing session will be arranged by Geographic Tours to make you aware of all the ‘do’s and don’ts’ during the trekking period. You can take a stroll at the local Leh market in the evening hours where you can grab some trek essentials by choosing from a variety of options available at different stores. Overnight stay at the hotel!
It is highly recommended to have adequate water and proper food during the day and sleep early on day 1 as it would help your body get acclimatized easily.

DAY 2: Acclimatization Day followed by a customizable sightseeing

Leh city, set amidst the beautiful hills, offers many options to avail to experience its beauty, located at a nearby distance that can be covered on day 1.
The Shanti Stupa, which is one of the most visited devotional tourist spots in Leh, located at 3 kms from the city, can be a perfect option to begin with, followed by watching the mesmerizing sunset at Leh Palace, which lies adjacent to Leh market. Geographic Tours can also arrange a sightseeing to a few famous destinations around the city, like Hall of Fame, Shey Monastery, and Thiksey Monastery which is included in the cost. It is advised not to visit any high-altitude places as that is not permitted during the acclimatization period. It might take around 3-4 hour to visit all these major places mentioned above. The trekkers are not supposed to tire their body on day 2 as according to the new rules and regulations by the govt., the trekkers opting for Chadar trek should be strictly follow the two-day acclimatization period for their bodies to get used to the altitude and climatic conditions.
The day ends with a short briefing by our representatives to provide the schedule for the following day, which is the medical test day, which is a vital step to get the final pass to Chadar trek. Overnight stay at the hotel!
On Day 2 You are advised to keep on having enough water and maintain your food habits according to the plans shared and arranged by the guides during the briefing.

Day 3: Medical test day

This day is a big day as it is the final stage to decide whether the trekker get the pass which allows him/her to continue with the trek. Passing all the tests done at the medical camp is a must. You have to wake up early and our representative will guide you to the medical camps post having your breakfast. We will then proceed to the medical check-up camps with the duly filled medical forms which includes your basic details.
The check-up and all other formalities of insurance facilities tend to get over by the afternoon hours. In any case, if a trekker doesn’t pass the medica tests, he/would would not be allowed to go ahead with the trek, as it’s a huge matter of being physically fit for the trek!
Once all the formalities are over, you are advised to come back to the hotel, have meal, and re-check all the essentials to carry with you for the trek. You can contact our representatives if any recommendation is needed at any point of time!
An evening briefing will be conducted by our representatives at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel!

Day 4: Leh to Sumo

Day 3 starts with a refreshing breakfast and a cheerful joy on your face as the day finally arrives when you get to have the first glimpse of Chadar. Post breakfast, we start our journey towards Sumo, which is the first campsite before you start your trek. Reaching Sumo from the hotel might take around 2-3 hours, as there are several checkpoints where the document verification of the travellers is to be done. As the dive starts from Leh, you would go through many exotic and beautiful sceneries around you. The drive to the first campsite is adventurous and full of natural beauty of the barren mountains. You get to see the confluence of the rivers Indus and Zanskar, too.
After reaching Sumo, you will have the beautiful picture of the trails of Chadar. You will be amazed to see the completely frozen broad-width Zanskar river. You breathe faster; this is the time you’ve been preparing for. You step on the chadar for the first time and you feel the grace of the trail. You look around and can only see the diversity of ice-formation. You feel the charm of walking on Chadar! The wait is finally over! You may cherish the moment by having small trial walks on the ice sheets and understand the nature of the trail. The guides help you reach your camp and give you briefing on Chadar, the tent stay, unwrapping the sleeping bags, and other essential guidance. The cooks prepare and serve hot meals to you. Overnight stay at the campsite!

Day 5: Sumo to Tibb Cave

In Chadar trek, there is no sudden hike in the altitude as the altitude increases very gradually and at a very lower rate. Last night was definitely an adventurous one as you spent such a cold night in the tents. The journey from Sumo to Tibb Cave is a long and quite difficult one, as this is the first time you are trekking on the ice sheet and the trek is 12 km long that might take around 6-7 hours or longer depending upon the speed you are able to take up.
You need to be very particular about wearing the warm clothes according to the instructions given during briefing to keep yourself safe from the extremely chilled temperature. You will see many small frozen waterfall around you on your way to Tibb cave which are treats to your eyes. The sources of such frozen waterfalls are still unknown to people and your guide will tell you the myths about such formations which are believed by the local villagers.
On your midway, you will have some rest time when the cooks will prepare and make you some ready-to-cook meals so that your stomach is energized. You will also get to fill your thermos at that time, if needed.
After 6-7 hours of walk, you reach your second campsite at Tibb Cave. The Zanskar river takes a beautiful turn around the campsite and it broadens even more. Overnight stay at the campsite!

Day 6: Tibb Cave to Narek Camp

As day 6 arrives, you get geared up for the most awaited part of Chadar Trek, the Narek Waterfalls! This trail is 13 km long and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach the iconic identity of Chadar trek, the frozen Narek Waterfall.
This attraction of experiencing the completely frozen waterfall is extremely popular among the trekkers from all over the world. You will get to have a glimpse of Narek bridge just ahead of the waterfall. If you want to explore the bridge, you can have a view of the waterfall from above.
So far, you would feel the coldest temperature in Narek, where the temperature can go down as low as -30 degrees during the post evening hours. So, it is advised to wear proper layers of warm clothing. The campsite would be around 20 minutes away from the waterfall. Overnight stay at Narek Campsite.

Day 7: Narek Camp to Tibb Cave

You might have seen the nature changing its form and shape in different documentaries, but now you would experience it on your own. The trails you took while going to Narek from Tibb, on your way back to Tibb you find that trail exists no longer, and you are surprised to see the pathways you took gave formation to several different trails. Nature is unpredictable, so as Chadar!
Today you come back from Narek to Tibb campsite and you are again amazed to see a different route on your journey to Tibb Cave. Sometimes the ice sheet breaks below your feet and there is absolutely no trail below your feet. You might have to dip your feet into the shallow water near the edges.
Chadar trek is a beautiful experience that is completely unpredictable from the beginning of the trek until the last step on it. Overnight stay at Tibb Campsite.

Day 8: Tibb Cave to Sumo

Here comes the end to the trekking journey, as this is the last trail you trek before you depart fo the Leh city.
The trek to Tibb cave to Sumo takes around 4-5 hours and you get to experience a complete different trail on your way back and the difference in the formation of ice sheets can also be witnessed.
As the voyage gets over it definitely gives a sense of how the locals are surviving on daily basis through such hardships and cold climate, which we actually find quite adventurous. And thus with warmth in our hearts and the journey in our minds, we leave with ultimate contentment, joy, and memories to cherish forever, happily and blissfully.
You reach Sumo, have freshly prepared meal and celebrate the success!

Day 9: Sumo to Leh

On this day, you close your eyes, look back and feel the achievement of completing your dream trek on Chadar! Isn’t it mesmerizing?
Yes, you bid a goodbye to the trails, to the snow-capped mountains that surrounded you, the thrilling sheets of ice: you are going to miss them all! But you did it, your soul was thirsty, and it’s been quenched. Its time for the onward journey!
On your way back we can arrange a visit to Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Indus and Zanskar. The irresistible beauty of Magnetic hills and the surroundings on your way to Sangam and a visit to Gurdwara Patthar Sahib will keep you satisfied before your trip ends. It will take around 2-3 hours. Overnight stay at the hotel!

Day 10: Bid Adieu to Leh

Now it’s time to bid goodbye to the journey that started 10 days back. After breakfast, will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Delhi and onwards.

*In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled or change of dates might happen, and in such cases the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will be provided for the same.

Inclusions
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Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy & Refund Terms It is advised to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want to secure a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend you organize your trip at least three months in advance. Please contact us for more information.
Payment for booking your experience: The fee can be paid by Online Bank Transfers (NEFT)/Cheque deposit/ Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your booking confirmation details via email.
Once the transfer is initiated from your end, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can secure your reservation promptly and make further arrangements for logistics.
In the event of cancellation of your booking due to any unavoidable circumstances at your end, we must be notified of the same in writing.

  • Cancellation Policy:
  • Up to 24 Days: 90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Between 14-24 Day: 70% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Between 14-10 Days: 50% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Less than 10 Days: No refund.
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      As adventurous as it may seem, the trek can get dangerous at times if you are not precautionary enough. So it is advisable for a trekker to gear up with all the significant things such as :
      · Glares/Glasses for the eyes, keeping in mind the snowy and windy weather one faces during the trip.
      · Snowshoes, often known as crampons, with a perfect grip,
      · Facemask for the face.
      · Thermals and warm clothes for trekking in minus temperature.
      · Medical kits are a must.
      · And most importantly, get well acquainted with the ice layer conditions. It's a lot better to have a guide along. The safety lies in the numbers, larger the group, better the safety.
      Our aim is to ensure you have the most enjoyable and exciting experience possible, whether in trekking, package leisure tours, mountain biking, motorcycling, mountaineering expeditions. We understand the importance of vacation time away from our hectic life and it is our business promise to give you the best of the experience. Our knowledge of creating journeys is extensive, and our attention to logistics impeccable. We can also arrange for your medical and travel insurance.

      Tailor-made tours offer you the flexibility to choose your own way of travel. You can decide when to travel and when, the level of service (standard, economy, luxury) and the hotel standard. Pack in as many activities and locations as possible, and take some time off to explore life on your own terms. With all that choice it can seem overwhelming, so we have a small, tight-knit tailor-made team of travel specialist to advise and assist you to craft the ideal experience for you. Booking Policy & Refund Terms It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organizing your trip at least three months in advance. Please contact us for more information. Payment for booking your experience: The fee can be paid by Online Bank Transfer(NEFT)/Cheque deposit/ Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your booking confirmation details via email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can secure your reservation efficiently and make further arrangements to logistics.
      Experience of any high altitude trek at least 1 trek
      · The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45minutes without a stress.
      · The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack.
      · Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
      · Back pack & rain cover (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
      · Day pack + rain cover 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
      · Walking stick Advisable (At least one)
      · Head torch 1 Nos.
      · Water bottle/Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each
      · People who use hydration pack
      · 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter
      · Carry at least one thermos flask
      · Snacks Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
      · Personal Medical Kit Consult your doctor
      · T-shirts 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
      · Fleece T-shirts 1 Nos.
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