Classical Chadar Trek

Duration: 15 Days, 14 nights · Grade: Challenging · Highest point: 4500 m · Best time: Jan, Feb

Highlights

• The mesmerizing land of Ladakh: Ladakh is popular for a reason, and the reason is simple... its unbelievably beautiful !!
• Experience trekking in one of the coldest places on Earth. The winter temperatures ranges between -9 to -30 degrees. This is definitely not a common experience. Its unique !! 
• Trekking on the Ice Sheet of the Frozen Zanskar. On this trek you walk through the mighty and awesomely beautiful gorge of the Zanskar river. 
• Wildlife sightings. Seeing mountain goats is easier as they don't fear humans too much. Fair chances of seeing these on this trek. If lucky, you might sight a snow leopard as well.
• Local culture and villages of Zanskar. The locals are the charm of this trek. To witness their energy, humbleness and hard life is a eye changer.

Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive in Leh (3500 m). Rest in Hotel. Explore Leh market in the evening.
• Day 02: Rest / Acclimatization / Local Exploration Day
• Day 03: Medical Check and Permit Day
• Day 04: Trek From Leh (3500m ) To Tsomo (3150m ), Via - Chilling (3200m ), Bakula (3170m ). 3 Hrs.
• Day 05: Trek From Tsomo (3150m ) To Tibb Cave (3190m ) . 3 Hrs. 7 Kms
• Day 06: Trek From Tibb Cave (3190m ) To Naerak (3350m ) . 5 - 6 Hrs. 13 Kms
• Day 07: Trek From Naerak to Lingshed. ( 5 - 6 Hrs. 12 Kms )
• Day 08: Local Exploration and Sightseeing. ( local homestay )
• Day 09: Trek Lingshed to Tsarak Do. Drive to Zangla
• Day 10: Drive Zangla - Padum. Local Exploration and Sightseeing. ( local homestay )
• Day 11: Drive to Explore Karsha & Stongdey Monasteries. ( local homestay )
• Day 12: Drive back to Tsarak Do. Trek to Naerak. ( camps )
• Day 13: Trek From Naerak To Tsomo (3150m )
• Day 14: Trek From Tsomo To Bakula, Drive to Leh
• Day 15: Unpaid Buffer Day

Terrain

Best time

The best time to do the Chadar Trek depends upon temperature, wind and snow conditions. Chadar is the frozen top layer of the river water and a strong Chadar is preliminary requirement for a safe and good trek experience. Formation of strong Chadar is dependent upon good wind and subzero temperatures. Snow isn't good for the Chadar trek. Considering all these points, best time to do the Chadar trek varies by year. However, January mid to February mid can be considered as the best time.