Chadar Trek

The Chadar Trek is considered a challenging trek in India due to several factors:

1. Terrain: The trail passes through deep gorges, narrow canyons, and steep cliffs, which require careful navigation and steady footing. The trek involves walking on a frozen river, which can be slippery and uneven, making it physically taxing.

2. Altitude: The trek takes place at high altitudes, ranging from 3,300 to 4,600 meters, which can lead to altitude sickness for those who are not acclimatized to the altitude. Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue, making the trek more difficult.

3. Weather Conditions: The weather conditions during the trek are extreme, with temperatures dropping to -25 degrees Celsius or below at night. The cold weather can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related ailments if proper precautions are not taken.

4. Logistics: The trek requires carrying heavy backpacks, walking long distances, and setting up camps in challenging conditions. The remote region’s lack of facilities and infrastructure can make the trek more difficult.

Chadar trek involves walking on the frozen Zanskar River, which can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. While there are risks associated with any outdoor activity, experienced guides and proper safety measures can significantly reduce the danger.

It is important to note that the Chadar Trek is not recommended for beginners or those with limited experience in cold weather conditions and high-altitude trekking. The trek requires physical fitness, mental toughness, and proper gear to endure the harsh climate and terrain. It is highly recommended to go with a company and a guide who is knowledgeable about the area and the trek to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Chadar Trek is a challenging winter trek in the Zanskar region of Ladakh. Here are the requirements for participation:

1. Physical fitness: The trek involves walking on a frozen river, so you should be physically fit to undertake the journey. You should be able to walk long distances in sub-zero temperatures and navigate through challenging terrain.

2. Age requirement: Participants must be at least 14 years old, and those between 14-18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

3. Medical fitness: You should not have any medical conditions that may come in the way of completing the trek. Also, the region is prone to high-altitude sickness, so you should get a medical check-up before the trek.

4. Equipment: You will need proper trekking gear, such as sturdy trekking boots, a warm jacket, gloves, a cap, a backpack.

5. Experience: While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it is recommended that you have some experience in high-altitude trekking to better understand the challenges of the terrain.

By meeting these requirements, you can participate in the Chadar Trek and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Zanskar region.

During the Chadar Trek, you will mostly be served hot and nutritious vegetarian meals, which will provide you with the required energy and warmth to complete the trek.

Breakfast usually consists of porridge, muesli, eggs, bread, jam, butter, and tea or coffee. Lunch will be packed, and it will consist of parathas, cheese, boiled eggs, cookies, chocolates, juice, etc.

Dinner includes soup, rice or noodles, lentils, vegetables, and chapatis. You will also have tea and snacks like biscuits, which will be served during the breaks.

As the trek is located in a remote area, the food options may be limited, but the meals are designed to provide you with the required energy and nutrition. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, it is recommended that you inform us in advance so that they can make arrangements accordingly.

During the Chadar Trek, you will be staying in basic accommodations such as guesthouses or homestays in Leh. The guesthouses will have comfortable rooms with attached washrooms and may also have a common dining area.

While trekking, you will be staying in tents that are specially designed for sub-zero temperatures. The tents will have sleeping bags and foam mattresses to keep you warm and comfortable during the night. You will also have a separate kitchen tent and toilet tent.

It is important to note that the facilities may be basic, and you may not have access to showers or running water. Despite this, you will be provided with hot water for washing and a warm and comfortable environment to rest after a long day of trekking.

As the Chadar Trek is located in a remote area, medical facilities are limited. However, the Advenchar’s trek leaders carry a first aid kit, which includes basic medication for common ailments and injuries such as headaches, altitude sickness, and blisters.

In case of a medical emergency, they will provide assistance in getting you to the nearest medical facility. It is recommended to carry your own medication if you have any pre-existing medical conditions and inform us about your medical history.

Furthermore, it is recommended that you get a medical check-up before starting the trek and consult a doctor if you have any concerns about altitude or any pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to prioritize your health and safety during the trek, so it is essential to take necessary precautions and be prepared for any medical emergency that may arise.

The Chadar Trek takes place in subzero temperatures, so it is crucial to carry appropriate clothing and gear to keep yourself warm and safe. Here are some essential clothing items:

1. Thermal Innerwear: You will need thermal innerwear to keep yourself warm inside as you will be trekking in sub-zero temperatures.

2. Windproof Jacket: A windproof jacket is mandatory as it will protect you from strong chilly winds.

3. Down Jacket: A down jacket will provide the required insulation to keep you warm during the trek.

4. Fleece Jacket: Fleece jackets are recommended as they are lightweight, and provide additional warmth.

5. Trekking Pants: You will need comfortable and warm trekking pants that are suitable for sub-zero temperatures.

6. Woolen Cap and Gloves: You will need woolen caps and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.

7. Woolen Socks: Woolen socks will keep your toes warm and provide the required insulation.

8. Trekking Boots: You will need sturdy and comfortable trekking boots with crampons to get a good grip on the icy surface.

9. Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from the glare of snow and bright sunlight. Sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

It is essential to carry suitable clothing and gear for the trek to keep yourself warm, comfortable, and safe, given the sub-zero temperatures and extreme weather conditions in the region.

Preparing for the Chadar Trek is essential, given the challenging terrain and sub-zero temperatures in the region. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the trek:

1. Physical Fitness: The trek involves walking long distances in sub-zero temperatures, so physical fitness is essential. You should engage in regular exercise and build up your stamina before the trek.

2. Acclimatization: Acclimatization is crucial as the trek takes place at high altitudes. Spend a few days in Leh before starting the trek to get acclimatized to the weather and high altitude.

3. Hydration: Stay hydrated during the trek as dehydration is a common problem at high altitudes. It is recommended to drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day.

4. Medical Fitness: Get a medical check-up before starting the trek and consult a doctor if you have any concerns about altitude or any pre-existing medical conditions.

5. Packing: Pack suitable clothing and gear, including sturdy trekking boots, a windproof jacket, a down jacket, and thermal innerwear.

6. Mental Preparedness: Trekking in sub-zero temperatures can be challenging, so it is essential to prepare yourself mentally and stay positive throughout the journey.

7. Altitude Sickness: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness and inform the trek leaders if you experience any symptoms.

By following these tips, you can prepare yourself for the Chadar Trek and have a safe and memorable experience exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Zanskar region.

You can make your booking at our website www.advenchar.com or you can contact us at hello@advenchar.com.

You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking with us. After the booking, our team will send you a confirmation of the booking.

We understand that you may have to change your travel plans due to the Covid-19 situation, so considering this we have introduced a Book Now, Pay Later facility for all the participants. However, you will be required to pay the full amount at least 15 days prior to the departure date.

If you wish to cancel/modify your existing booking, you can do so by logging in to www.advenchar.com, and pay through the dashboard or you can drop us a mail at hello@advenchar.com with all the details of your booking, and we’ll cancel it for you.

You can claim a 95% refund if you choose to cancel your booking before 30 days. The refund will primarily be in the form of a voucher valid for two years.  You can also opt for a cash refund, provided the booking is not part of a promotional offer, coupon code, or discount provided by Advenchar. 

Refund

• Cancellation before 30 days from departure date – Get a 95% voucher refund valid for 12 months.
• Cancellation between 30 and 15 days from departure date  – Get a 50% voucher refund valid for 12 months.
• Cancellation less than 15 days from departure date – No refund. You can modify your trek free of cost and transfer it to a friend/family member.