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Chadar Trek 2022
Chadar Trek up to Lingshed village
Region: Leh (Ladakh & Zanskar)
Season: 1st January till Last February.
Max. Altitude: Nerak (3,385 Mtrs.)
Duration: 11D/11D.
Grading: Arduous Trek
Special interest: Nature, Culture, Panorama, Wilderness.
Requisite Group Size: - 10 - 16 PAX
Trek cost: @ TBD
There are very few adventure treks in the Himalaya to match the Chadar winter expedition. The frozen Zanskar river, part of the Indus watershed, freezes in peak winter times and is used by the people of Zanskar to come to Leh or see the outside world when the passes are locked into frozen winter silence with heavy snowfall. This particular route becomes life line of Zanskaris. They go back and forth taking children to school, trading and visiting places of worship around Leh.
It's a Moderate Trek but what sets it apart from any other trek is the condition and backdrop. The walks are long and temperature is always in minus. Gradient is easy and it is almost a flat walk on the frozen river except where there is no formation of chadar, in that case Trekkers then have to forge a new trail climbing over snow covered embankments to descend to a spot on the river where the ice is more stable.
D1 Leh Arrival, Rest & Acclimatization. Leh
D2 Orientation Walk to Shanti Stupa & Leh Palace & Market. Leh
D3 Medical check up day. Leh
D4 Drive to Shingra Kongma 70Km. Trek to Gyalpo/Tsomo Paldar & Camp 2hrs Trek Camp
D5 Trek to Dib Cave. 6-7hrs Trek Camp
D6 Trek to Nerak. 6-7hrs Trek Camp
D7 Trek to Lingshed. 7-8hrs Camp
D8 @Lingshed. Camp
D9 Trek back to Nerak Camp
D10 Trek back to Dib. 5-6hrs. Camp
D11 Trek back to Shingra Yokma & drive to Leh. 5-6hrs Trek. Camp
D12 Departure
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
General Guide for Chadar Trek
Chadar Gear In Leh
The temperature in the daytime maximum hovers around zero centigrade, depending on how clear the sky is. Down jackets are ESSENTIAL not just for the trek but around town, along with gloves and hat. While Visiting the monasteries it is necessary to take your shoes off...thick socks are also really nice and vital to have!
What to expect While trekking in Chadar
On Chadar trek you can come across whole range of Ladakh winter conditions. You must plan for getting wet feet, and dealing with that in sub zero conditions. Normally we found that we would start the day in down jacket, wind or soft shell pants, fleece hat and heavier gloves. By mid morning, both through exercise and sun, we would be in shell jacket with light layers under it, and sun hat. At the campsite we would quickly change into the down jacket, insulated pants and down booties.
Who carries what
You carry your rucksack with all your personal stuff . Rest of the things will be carried by porters like sleeping bags, mattresses, tents, kitchen etc.
Note: the 10-12kg bag weight limit for the trek (depending on one's capability). Participants should make sure to be able to carry their rucksack.
The Chadar trek - what you are planning for
Basically you should plan your trip with below mentioned specific climates/functions in mind:
Gear discussion
Sleeping bag
A down-filled 4 season bag with a DryLoft or similar outer is better. The nights will be down to -15/20°C in your tent, so your bag must be comfortable down to minus 25°C. We can provide a suitable sleeping bag for you; pls ask.
Sleeping bag liner
Silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth.
Sleeping Mattress
Will be better with Thermarest or similar. We can only provide non inflatable sleeping mattress but if you have your own Thermarest, please bring it.
Large daypack
This should be comfortable and a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, down jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends.
Boots
In the past we have used high altitude mountaineering boots, great for when you break through a foot or more of ice, but not, even then, totally waterproof and they are also heavy. But warm!
Another solution is to get a full waterproof high ankle boots with thermal liner they work out to be good. Nowadays we take the cheapest alternative high ankle Plastic/rubber boots (foam type), they are super cheap and work well too.
Shoe Nails
This is the most important thing if you are planning to walk on sheet of ice. You will be super comfortable to tread on ice without any hindrance. There are many models available in stores nowadays. Don't go for cheap ones as they may not last even for a full day.
Fleece top
Essential, adds versatility. A thick thermal top is an alternative. With a hood is even better, try the Patagonia R1 hoody.
Down jacket
Essential, could be down or synthetic. You need a real hooded parka, big and long, not a lightweight 'sweater'.
Wind/rain jacket
Waterproof and breathable shell. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.
Thermal underwear top and bottom
Expedition weight
Nightwear thermal top
Mid-weight or expedition-weight, and this is your second to incase the first gets wet
Insulated pants
Synthetic (not down) and essential for the evenings; Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and all the US outdoor brands make them.
Day wear tops
Different layering combinations work for different people.what works out best is mid-weight long sleeve top, a zip tee fleece, and an insulated soft shell. If I had on a hard shell, I would add another fleece layer, and for our lunch stop, a big down jacket.
Daywear bottoms
The best is some sort of soft shell pant, a good combo of part water and windproof, and warm and flexible. In addition to these you need Gore-Tex or similar wind shell pants or bibs, all with thermals beneath.
Underwear
4 to 7 pairs.
Warm hat or balaclava
A good fleece hat, preferably windproof. Also a balaclava and a neck gaiter, or a buff (preferably the winter ones that also have fleece).
Gloves
Shell gloves plus both medium and lightweight fleece gloves. A good alternative to this is a pair of windstopper fleece gloves, and a pair of down mitts (synthetic is fine). You really do need a variety.
Trekking poles
Essential, we recommend good brand for reliability like Black Diamond or Leki and avoid inferior brands.
Sunglasses
Essential, with side pieces or wrap around. The glare can be painful and actually injure your eyes.
Water bottle
Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. You need three liters total, and if you have an insulated cover, even better. Camelbaks and other drinking systems, even with insulated tubes, are no good. You must have bottles.
Pee bottle
This is used while you are in your tent. For the ladies, look into the freshette or some similar system to use for your pee bottle. The best pee bottle, we've found, is the Nalgene wide mouth rollup version (big and stows easily).
LED Torch / Flashlight
Essential, and ideal for reading in the tent and night toilet trips (bring an extra set of batteries).
Toiletries and odds and ends
Essentials for the month only. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper, for the toilet; not for cosmetic or nose blowing! Please bring your own tissues. Nasal gel is nice to bring for sore noses (sold in most drug stores). Roll-on deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner.
Towel
Bring only a small one trekking, or better, a face cloth.
Sun screen and lip care with sun protection
Essential. The sun is very strong at altitude. Absolutely the best lip balm is Banana Boat's sports, Aloe Vera or Vitamin E.
Moisturizer
A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.
Sunhat
Essential the air is thin up here, and the reflection from snow can be brutal.
First aid kit
We carry a comprehensive kit. You must bring any personal medicines that you need.
Camera
Bring three sets of batteries; see our separate digital camera discussion.
Video camera
Ask. While trekking there is nowhere to recharge batteries.
Money pouch/belt/inside pocket
Most people find wearing one while trekking a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack.
Body Powder
Non-essential, for feet at the end of the day, you'll appreciate it, and so will your boots.
Evening camp wear
Around camp you can wear
Snacks and nutrition
You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water, but the last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Leh but Clif bars, Power bars and the like are not available. Bring multi-vitamins from home.
What is available in India
Most of things are available in india these days as many stores have opened up recently that cater to outdoor enthusiast's interest. Major Metro cities have stores like that and you will also find many things available here in Leh market but no guarantees that you will get everything. So we suggest you get them from your place or ask us.
Gear List:
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with #manutourismcoop.
Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
