Of all the wonders in life, walking over a frozen river at 11,000+ feet high elevation is a fantastical experience that we rarely imagine! The ultimate 105 km long winter trail over the frozen Zanskar river, a tributary of the mighty Indus, is a special experience that will give you a peek into the tough life of locals who inhabit the inhospitable terrain amidst the mighty Himalayan ranges. The exotic trek starts in mid-January and ends in late February in the UT of Ladakh. Check out winter travel deals online and make a last-minute booking to India to witness this unique spectacle with your own eyes.
The turquoise-colored frozen river spread over a white sheet of thick ice and lined by 600 m long brown vertical cliffs is a magical and unique sight! The breathtaking pictures of excited adventurists en route the trek or reticent & brave locals and monks who carefully tread over the sheet of ice make it an iconic sight! The incredible Chadar river trek is an old route and the only pass which is open during extreme winters in the towering Himalayan ranges of the region. Locals, nomads, and monks mostly make use of this trail in case of emergencies in this forlorn distant place.
105 km long trek takes 10 days to complete:
The lovely trek has been covered by international travel magazines and channels like National Geographic and Discovery, bringing the ‘Chadar’ meaning ‘a sheet of ice’ river trek to the international limelight. But the 9-12 days long trek is not for ill-prepared or beginner-level trekkers. In fact, every participant has to go through a Preliminary Medical Checkup near the ALTOA office at Leh market. The starting point is Leh where a mountaineering group with an expert guide and a team of porters, experts, and cook start the journey. International passengers can check Tripbeam to find budget-friendly travel deals online and plan a memorable trip to the enchanting Himalayas.
A participant walks 5-6 hours a day covering 16-20 km each day to complete the iconic trek. Walking at an elevation of 11,110 feet in sub-zero temperatures requires some basic physical fitness and mental acumen. The journey starts from Chilling which is a 5-hour drive from Leh town. You can reach Leh easily and at a cheap rate by booking discounted travel deals online.
Tilad Sumdo campsite can be reached within an hour of the trek. ‘Sumdo’ means ‘confluence’ and this is where a small tributary joins the mighty Zanskar river. You can start to notice the ever-changing chadar/sheet of ice here as sunlight is only for a few hours. From crystal clear colored to turquoise colored sheets of ice, watching the changing colors of ice amidst high Himalayan ranges is a magical experience.
The next campsite is Shingra Koma which is 10 km away. The trek and view to Tibb, which is the next site, is one of the most scenic ones. You can notice small frozen waterfalls along the path, which makes the experience even more delightful. The last stop is at Nareak village.
Naerak village is 12 km ahead and is popular for its gorgeous frozen waterfalls. The sight of snow-white frozen waterfalls, swaying multicolored Buddhist prayer flags, and mystical Zanskar mountain ranges in the background make a perfect backdrop for instagramable pictures and viral vlogs. The village is 200 ft. higher than the river and the temperature can go down to -25 or lower here. This is the point of return of the ecstatic trek. Trekkers from the USA can check Tripbeam to find winter travel packages and book last-minute flight tickets to India.
Things to carry during the ultimate trek:
Clothes: Carry multiple layers of clothing like t-shirts, thick jackets, woolen/sports socks, hand gloves, and warmers to brave the -30 degrees temperatures. Wear comfortable clothes like warm track pants. Carry small and easy-to-dry towels in case it snows or rains
Electronics: Carry extra batteries, cells, memory cards, and power banks of all kinds. LED Torch and headlamps are mandatory. A camera or a phone is a must as you will want to click every scene you can. Extension cords are also valuable.
Cosmetics: Take high-quality and high-SPF sunscreen lotions to prevent sunburn. Lip balms and cold creams or oils will help prevent dryness due to the harsh temperatures.
Medical Aid: Though most of the groups carry medical aid, you should carry your own medicines as per your health condition.
Trekking Pole: It is essential to carry a good quality trekking pole to be able to walk easily on snow.
Documents: Carry fitness certificate, international passport, passport-size pictures, and Photo ID proofs in a small carry-on. It is best to carry the optimum amount of cash as ATMs are only available in Leh.
Food: It is best to carry snacks and small food items in your small bag. Stay hydrated and carry water bottles to prevent dehydration. Never miss a meal to keep body temperatures optimal for long laborious walks.
The daunting 8-10 days trek isn’t for the faint-hearted. The experience can be both rejuvenating and tough depending on weather conditions and your fitness level. Book cheap flight tickets to India already if you are an experienced trekker. The thrill of walking over a frozen river is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At a few points, you will also need to sleep in the frozen caves, an experience that is a rare opportunity. If you are fascinated with the Zanskar river trek, check online and find cheap airline tickets & flight deals to India.
From meeting locals who live in inhospitable conditions to sighting rare animals like the elusive Snow Leopard, Ibex, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, etc. the mind-blowing experience of walking over the Zanskar river will change your life forever. You can also visit popular monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Shanti Stupa. The trek is popularly called the “wildest trek”, but the enchanting beauty of the forlorn landscape will warm your hearts for a lifetime!
