8 Days Chadhar trek

Arrival at an altitude of 11,400ft. Overnight stay in a hotel/guest house on the outskirts of Leh city. Keep your woolen cap and gloves ready. As you fly over snow-covered Himalayan mountains, the inaccessibility of Ladakh by road in winters becomes evident. Upon landing in Leh, brace for the cold, crisp air, signaling a drastic temperature change. Leh is just awakening, with few shops open. The chill serves as a preview of Chadar river trek temperatures. Rest for acclimatization, stay hydrated, and spend the night in a guest house.

Keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers are facing (Acute Mountain Sickness), as per the new regulations applied by Ladakh Government Authorities, anyone doing the Zanskar river trek should be at least spending two days in Leh to get your body fully acclimatized to the weather conditions here.

Begin your trek from 11,480 to 10,500ft, driving for 3-4 hrs, and trekking for 5 hrs/11 km to reach Shingra Koma. Enjoy a scenic drive, passing Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the Zanskar-Indus confluence. After a 90-minute drive along the Zanskar River, start walking on the frozen river at Chilling. Walking in gumboots is challenging initially; learn to navigate various ice surfaces. Judge ice stability with a walking stick, keep a light backpack, and reach the first campsite, Gyalpo, nestled at a river bend with stunning peaks and rock faces. Experience camping in sub-zero temperatures. Overnight at Gyalpo.

Trek from 10,500ft to 10,800ft, covering 12 km in 5-6 hours. Despite the challenging terrain, the altitude gain from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave is only 300ft. Start the day with a warm breakfast after a chilly night. En route to Tibb Cave, encounter mesmerizing frozen waterfalls with an air of mystery. Lunch by the emerald green Zanskar river, surrounded by distinctive rock patterns illuminated by the sun. The campsite near Tibb Cave, surrounded by dry sand, offers a serene setting for the night.

Trek from 11,100ft to 10,800ft, covering 13 km in 5-6 hours. Begin the return journey after breakfast, heading back to Tibb Cave. Contrary to the perception that the return is easier, the ever-changing Zanskar River challenges this notion. The Chadar transforms with temperature variations, presenting a completely new landscape, almost unrecognizable from the outbound journey. Witness locals, including monks and students, navigating the Chadar with traditional woolen Gonchas, showcasing their resilience to sub-zero temperatures. Marvel at their adaptation and warm smiles in the face of adversity. Overnight at camps in Tibb Cave.

Trek from 10,800ft to 10,300ft, covering 18 km in 7-8 hours. Drive to 11,400ft. Start from Tibb, trek up to Gyalpo, and proceed to Shingra Yokma. The towering mountain walls resemble castle walls along the river. Observe fresh trails and footprints, possibly belonging to Foxes, Ibex, or Snow leopards. While spotting a Snow Leopard is rare, the feeling of being watched by one persists. Retrace your steps for a final view of the majestic Chadar before bidding farewell. Share your experience with fellow trekkers embarking on their journey. Reach Leh by approximately 6:30 PM. Consider booking your return flight on the 9th day. Enjoy a night in a warm guest-house for a comfortable overnight stay in Leh.

Your 8 days Chadhar trek ends here today with our guide seeing you off from the airport.