The Frozen Trails Of Zanskar (Chaddar)
Ever fancied walking over the frozen river with ice cold water running below your feet. At some places the layer of ice is so clear that you can actually see the water running below it. If yes , a trek over frozen Zansakr river in winter will fulfill your fantasy. For few days you are away from civilization yet safe and secure. During winter Zankar river is covered with blanket of ice with water running below it. Trek along the Zanskar valley over the frozen Zanskar River , a must extreme adventure lovers. |
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Day 1: Arrive - Delhi :Met on arrival at Delhi International airport and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Delhi - Leh :Early morning transfer to domestic airport to board flight to Leh (2400 mt). Leh is present capital of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council. On arrival in Leh, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization.
Day 3: Leh :Spend the day at Leh exploring the town. Visit Leh bazaars, Sankar monastery and Shanti stupa. It is also possible to witness the ice hockey match at polo ground (please check this information with our local rep.).
Day 4: Leh - Chilling - Tilad Do Camp:After early breakfast drive to Nimu village near confluence of Indus and Zanskar river. From Nimu village, drive further to Chilling – the road-head for starting journey of life time. A trail over frozen Zanskar river. After light lunch at Chilling, start trek following the river till Tilad Do Camp (3100 mt). Set-up the camp beside the river for overnight stay.
Day 5: Tilad Do Camp - Gyalpo Camp :After breakfast start trek following the river. Its suggested to follow the footsteps of porters who are quick to find the best route to walk as this is the only trek in the world where the trail vanishes beneath your feet as the ice formation keep changing by hrs. The trail is mostly flat upstream passing through deep gorge. The rock wall towering on both side of the river. Enjoy watching herd of ibex on the gorge walls and occasional foot print of snow leopard. Stop for lunch en route. Finish the trek in the afternoon at Gyalpo Camp (3175 mt) and set-up camp for overnight stay. Sometime during the trek, we spend time in caves along the river.
Day 6: Gyalpo Camp - Dib Cave :After breakfast we start another day on Zanskar river. After 3-4 hours of walking in amazing gorges you pass by some remarkable hot water springs with green algae. Soon after you pass a large frozen waterfall coming down from Nierag village on the mountains on your left. The waterfall was said to have come from a river given to local people who visited Tibet centuries ago to plead for water for their barren land. They were given a box which they were told they must open only on their return home. The curious Zanskaris were nearly home when one of them opened it; out jumped a tiny fish, and the river sprung from the ground high above here. The village is high above the river and cannot even be seen, however there is a bridge overhead connecting the village. You stop for lunch somewhere nearby as wood is available here. You walk for few more hours till a suitable cave (locally know as Dib Cave at 3230 mt) to spend the night.
Day 7: Dib Cave - Nieraq Camp :Another spectacular day on the trek. Early morning after breakfast start ice trek (30-35 kms). You are now in the most spectacular sections of the Zanskar gorge. Contorted strata rise vertically above you for more than two thousand feet. At many places you will find snow leopards foot prints on the snow and you are certain to see many ibex seemingly sticking to the vertical walls. Walk till evening till you reach a group of trees draped in the prayer flag which marks the entrance to Zanskar. Here the valley gorge opens up, and we see the small huts that mark some of the summer grazing of the Nieraq villagers (3400 mt). Camp at suitable ground for overnight stay.
Day 8: Nieraq Camp - Lingshed :After breakfast follow the river for some distance. At many places the gorge is very narrow and rises steeply right from river bank. After walking for an hr, leave the main river and start trekking following a side stream towards Lingshed Monastery. The climb to Lingshed (3875 mt) is little steep. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 9: Ligshed :After leisurely breakfast, walk for about 30-45 min (steep uphill walk) till spectacularly situated Lingshed Monastery (4000 mt). There are many meditation caves in the cliff below the monastery. From here you can see Mangan La and Hanumil La (en route to famous Lamayuru – Padum Zanskar trek). After spending some time at Monastery, return back to camp for well deserved rest. * It is possible to walk for another 2 days to Padum and from Padum fly to Manali by Helicopter. In the present tour, we will retrace the same route following Zanskar River downstream in next 4-5 days back to Leh.
Day 10: Ligshed - Nieraq :Today we will walk down from Lingshed Village to Lingshed Do which will through Narrow Gorge here we will have tea at a local tea shop and then we will walk on Chadar from Lingshed Do to Nyerak.
Day 11: Nieraq - Tip Yokma :Walk for 5/6 hrs on Chadar in between we will be able to see Frozen Waterfalls. Camp overnight at Tip Yokma.
Day 12: Tip Yokma - Darbau :Walk for 5/6 hrs on frozen Chadar and arrive at Darbau for overnight stay.
Day 13: Darbau - Chiling - Leh :Retrace your route back to Chilling. On arrival at Chilling drive back to Leh and check-in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Leh :Day at leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 15: Leh - Delhi :After very early b/fast transfer to airport to board flight to Leh. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The visit includes Red Fort, Raj Ghat and Rickshaw Ride / walking tour through walled city of Delhi. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 16: Depart Delhi :Optional sightseeing of Delhi. Transfer to international airport in time to board flight to onward destination.
