Experience Ladakh, the land of endless discovery. Strange, exciting, primitive – Ladakh is incomparable in its mountainscapes, in the rugged beauty of its rocky escapements and in the splendour of its snow-covered peaks.
This Ekno Travels trek takes in the enchanting capital city of Leh as well as the natural wonders of the the Zanskar River during the icy winter months. Known as the Chadar Trek, meaning frozen sheets of ice, you will walk along the Zanskar River which lies frozen during the winter. Over 6 days you will be following an ancient trading route of the Zanskari people. Along the way you will meet locals from all walks of life: monks travelling to the Lingshed Gompa, young students returning to school in Leh and traders travelling in both directions.
The Chadar Trek is an adventure of a lifetime that every trekking enthusiast should experience. Although it is difficult to walk on the ice and a high level of fitness is required, this is a trek where you will not be gaining altitude in quick succession.
Let Ekno take you on the journey of a lifetime.
TOUR DATES
|
Dec – Feb (private travel with a local guide) |
TOUR COST |
Price on Application |
DURATION |
10 Days, 9 Nights |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
|
TOUR ROUTES |
Leh – Tsomo Paldar – Tibb Cave – Nerak – Tibb Cave – Gyalpo – Tilad do – Leh |
Arrive in Leh
Take the spectacular flight to Leh, which passes over the snow-capped Himalayas. At the airport you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your hotel where you can rest. After lunch you can take a walking tour of Leh Bazaar to get your bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting town. With trade routes loosely dated as far back as the third century, Leh is an ancient whitewashed city set between the mighty mountains and the Indus river.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to acclimatise and rest. You will spend the first few days of the trip in and around Leh to give your body a chance to acclimatise to the altitude.
Overnight: Guest house, Leh
Sightseeing in Leh
Overnight: Guest house, Leh
Sightseeing in Leh
Overnight: Guest house, Leh
Leh to Tsomo Paldar via Chilling & the Tilad do Pass (3kms, 2 hours)
Walking on the frozen river with gumboots on is a challenge in the initial stages. Understanding the ice patterns takes time, but over time you will be able to recognise the difference between stable and fragile ice surfaces. Planting your foot steadily on the ice is important but you can check the steadiness of the ice with your walking stick before stepping on it. A small and light backpack will help as you will able to manage your body weight in an effective manner. After an hour and half of slipping, falling and trying to gather your balance you will reach the first campsite at Tsomo Paldar. This will be your first experience of camping under sub-zero temperatures.
Overnight: Camping, Tsomo Paldar
Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave (15kms, 7-8 hours)
You will follow the mighty Zanskar which will be flowing along with you on the trail, the emerald green water having a smoothing effect. Midway to Tibb Cave you will take a break for lunch. As you continue towards the campsite you will pass many different rock patterns and formations which look beautiful under the afternoon sun. You will be camping for the night near Tibb Cave which is surrounded by dry sand.
Overnight: Camping, Tibb Cave
Tibb Cave to Nerak (13kms, 6-7 hours)
Nerak is by far the coldest of all the campsites on the trek, sometimes seeing temperatures as low as -30 degrees during the night. It is important to wear proper clothing in order to stay safe from the freezing cold. If time permits, you will be able to visit Nerak village once we reach the campsite.
Overnight: Camping, Nerak
Note: Trekking back from Nerak
The weather patterns can be very unpredictable on the Chadar trek. There will be instances where the formation of chadar (frozen sheet of ice) has completely changed. Even though it’s the same route, you’ll be amazed to see how different it appears while coming back.
Nerak – Tibb Cave (13kms, 5-6 hours)
Overnight: Camping, Tibb Cave
Tibb Cave to Gyalpo (15 kms, 7-8 hours)
Overnight: Camping, Gyalpo
Gyalpo to Tilad do to Leh (10kms, 6-7 hours)
A driver will pick you up and transfer you to your guesthouse in Leh by approximately 6:30 in the evening. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Overnight: Guest House, Leh
Depart Leh
Thank you for travelling with us and we look forward to seeing you on another Ekno experience soon.
INCLUDES
4 nights’ guest house accommodation and breakfast in Leh
5 nights’ trekking accommodation in a tent, including all meals
Guide and porters for 6 days trek
All internal transfers by private car/jeep
Airport pickup and drop off in Leh
Sightseeing tours in Leh
Entrance fees to all monuments
Local English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour
All trekking permits
EXCLUDES
Return airfares to India
Return internal flights from Delhi – Leh (cost for internal flights will be available at the time of booking)
Cost of Indian tourist visa
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Lunch and dinner when not on the trek (unless otherwise specified)
Personal expenditure such as drinks (including bottled water), laundry service and souvenirs
Tipping and personal expenses
Extra activities and transport not stipulated in the itinerary
Donations to Monasteries