A Complete Guide to Chadar Trek

Here’s how you can plan your Chadar trek days!

You will have to arrive at Leh for your dream Chadar trek. Once you are at Leh, take our advice and indulge in some sightseeing for a day or two and get familiar with the local culture. Spending some time in Leh before starting the trek is very crucial. Because it will help your body to acclimate to the surroundings.

It is a mandatory process to get a medical certificate. Just to ensure you are physically fit before going for the trek.

Finally, the day you have been waiting for! Drive till Nimoo, obviously through beautiful valleys and glimpses of the Indus and Zanskar river. Then, head to ShingraYokma and start trekking towards TsomoPaldar campsite. Spend the first night of your trek here to refuel yourself. Spending the day in the camps under a clear sky will probably be one of the most magical parts of your Chadar trek days!

Next, head to your next destination - Dibb Cave. You will find yourself surrounded by beautiful cliffs and snow that will allure your senses. By the end of the day, you will reach your destination.

A new day, a new beginning! Now, you can head towards the Nyerak village. This route will take you through an enchanting frozen waterfall (a famous rafting point during August-September). Here, you can explore the village and meet the locals.

Take a step ahead in Chadar trekking by heading towards Hotang, enjoy an overnight stay here. Okay, this may be the last day of your once-in-a-lifetime experience! After having a filling breakfast, you can head to Shingra Yokma. Here, you can walk over the thick ice for over 9 hours. Don’t worry; you can take breaks every now and then!

We know it will be hard to leave all the beauty and serenity behind, but the trek comes to an end, and you will be back to Leh. Here you can stay overnight before heading back home with a bucket (read imaginary bucket) full of memory!

The best time for Chadar trek is from January to the end of February. The river freezes into a mesmerising sheet of ice during this time, which is perfect for taking up this adventurous trek. The Chadar trek is usually 9-10 days long when you cover around 16-18 kilometers per day. Trust us, all your efforts will be worth it!

Here comes the most critical part - preparing yourself for this trekking expedition. In case you are thinking about a last-minute trip to the Chadar trek in Ladakh, to be honest, you will have to prepare your body and mind well in advance before taking up this adventure.

If you have never experienced a winter trek expedition, it is highly advisable to acclimate yourself. You must spend at least 2-3 days in the cold regions so that when you are in Ladakh for the trek (where a temperature between -8 to -5 degrees Celsius awaits you), you don’t feel worn out.

It goes without saying that building your stamina is one of the most important things to do before heading to the Chadar trek route. Even if you are not a workout person, you must start exercising to train your body. After all, you will be climbing some of the country’s rarest heights!

Packing for a winter trek can be tough, but with the right approach, you can pack all that you will need without any hassle. Here’s how! By following our list of the essentials for the Chadar lake trek. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience something like never before. Oh, we almost forgot! Here’s what you need to throw in your backpack!

• Trekking boots

• Fleece Jackets

• Insulating gloves and hats

• Sleeping bags

• Raincoat

• Medium-sized daypack (waterproof)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen and lip care

• Toilet papers and toiletries

• First-aid kits

• Vitamin tablets

• Torches

• Water bottles

• Food items like chocolate bars, cookies

The Chadar lake trek is all about savouring excitement and thrill in its full glory! Take all the preparation you need and get going. The world of your dream is calling!