Chadar Trek in Zanskar

Today, you will reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Keep your eyes open as you will enjoy stunning views of the snow-clad mountains during the landing. Treat your eyes to the snow-covered Himalayan and the Karakoram Ranges. Don’t forget that your first challenge is to beat the chill, so wear enough woolen clothes, globes, and warm soaks. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the day to familiarize yourself with the new environment at an altitude of 11,400 ft. Drink a lot of water and practice some fitness activities to avoid any sickness arising out of the change in weight and elevation. In the evening, you can take a walk around the local market. Taste the local food that is always yummy and also explore the handicraft products.

Spend the night at the hotel in Leh.

The second day of the Zanskar trek is reserved as the acclimatization day. Maintaining your body spirit is paramount at a high altitude before starting the trekking. The Ladakh Government has set some rules to avoid severe mountain sickness, including rest for at least two days and a mandatory medical check-up before the Chadar trek. You can walk around the nearby markets, increasing your walking ability. However, avoid visiting places at a higher altitude, which may cause altitude sickness. There are some shops where you can purchase handicrafts and gifts for your friends back home. You can also visit the Buddhist sites and the 17th-century Leh Palace.

Spend the night at the hotel in Leh.

This morning, you will have a medical check-up at the Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital. You can start your trekking tour only after the medical officer approves your fitness report. It is mandatory to submit the fitness certificate, wildlife permit, and insurance documents to the authority of the Department of Tourism. So, travelers must undergo physical training and medical check-ups before booking the Chadar Trek in India to avoid any problems passing the medical examination. The rest of the day is at ease to spend at your own discretion.

Spend the night at the hotel in Leh.

After going through the mandatory government rules for the last two days, today is the first official day of the trek. The trekking will commence at Leh, and you will reach Shingra Komayou via Chilling & Tilad pass. It is an 11-kilometer trekking trail that is covered in around 5 hours. On your way, you will be accompanied by stunning views of the Magnetic Hill formed by layers of slopes in the area and the confluence of the rivers Indus and Zanskar.

You can also visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a beautiful and historical Gurudwara maintained by the Indian army. From Shingra Komayou, the journey to the Chadar trek will start. You can also take the optional car service to cover the distance to Chilling. As the land is covered by snow, you must wear gumboots and carry a lightweight backpack to ease your journey. In the evening, you will reach Gyalpo, the base camp of the Chadar trek. This is a scenic spot at the confluence of the two rivers surrounded by snowy mountains.

Spend the night at the Gyalpo campsite.

On day 5 of the Zanskar Chadar trek package, you will start for Tibb Cave in the early morning. The 12-kilometer trekking trail will cover an elevation of 300 feet. During your six hours of trekking, you will see some frozen waterfalls while the green water of the Zanskar River will flow along with you. Halt for lunch at a Dhaba at noon and taste the momos it is famous for. After lunch, spend some time beside the rocks that shine in the sun’s rays. Resume your journey and reach Tibb Cave in the evening.

Spend the night at the Tibb Cave campsite.

Today, you will leave Tibb cave and reach Naerak camp, gaining another 300 feet altitude. This is a 13-kilometer-long trekking trail that you will cover in around seven hours. You will be accompanied by beautiful frozen waterfalls that will stun you. At noon, complete your lunch at a local Dhaba with a hot and yummy meal. You will reach Naerak in the early evening. Spend the rest of the evening visiting the nearby villages and meeting the people there. The temperature in Naerak will be freezing, so be prepared to protect yourself from this extreme cold.

Spend the night at the Naerak campsite.

You will start the return journey on day 7 of the Chadar Trek in Leh Ladakh. As you trek down, you may think it is easier, but not. You can walk on the completely frozen Zanskar River. This unique fun could be experienced only here. Several locals will come to you offering Conchas, a woolen gown they made. You can buy one to keep as a memory of your Chadar trek. Also, you will meet the monks and the schoolchildren on your way. As you descend, the temperature will become warmer. By the evening, you will reach Tibb Cave. After spending the last night at minus 30 degrees Celsius, zero degrees Celsius will be comfortable.

Overnight camping at Tibb Cave.

TDay 8 will begin performing the last trekking part of your Chadar trek package. You will trek from Tibb Cave to Gyalpo and then take a car to reach Leh via Shingra Yokma, which covers 18 kilometers. The scenic drive along the cascading river surrounded by mountains will enchant you. You will reach Leh at around 6.30 in the evening. On arrival, check into the guest house and soak in the comfort of the warm bed. You can also go for some last-minute shopping in Leh.

Overnight stay at the guest house in Leh.

Today is the farewell day. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and get transferred to the airport to catch the flight for your onward journey. You will take home unforgettable memories of this 9-day Chadar trek with you.