The Journey for chadar trek frozen river starts at Leh in Ladakh. It is recommended to acclimatise for 3 days in Leh before you proceed to attempt the chadar trek. Pay 3 is reserved for a medical test that includes testing basic vitals like SPQ2, BP and other ailments. Every trekker needs to pass this test in order to go ahead on the trek the following day.

On day 4, the team head towards the valley and on the way we come across the confluence of the riveras Indus and Zanskar. The 2-3 hours drive along the Zanskar will get you to the trail head. It is a fascinating start before you walk on the frozen Zanskar The section from trail head down to the frozen river is a bit sketchy.

After a a quick briefing by the trek leader and some tips on how to walk on the ice. The team advances towards the first campsite. The layer of chadar may seem thin here, You can also see various rock formations. Walking with gumboots is a challenge in the initial stage. 

Understanding the ice patterns will take time, Slowly but steadily you will love it. You can use a walking stick before taking the next step.It is hard to explain the surreal feeling of being on a land where white ice and blue flowing water blend Perfectly in the surroundings-Frozen white carpet shines like a gleaming star in the barren land of Ladakh. The wide chadar suddenly may transform into a tiny pathway, you must be careful here. 

Walking on the ice is like ice skating, the ice platform offers various patterns and challenges at every step. But most importantly Just enjoy. Although, walking Frozen river is something that cannot i be put into words, it’s another worldly and takes you by surprise. 

Also Read:Leh Ladakh in winter

After sliping falling and trying to gather your balance you’ll be reaching your first campsite at Shingra Koma. (First campsite can change from Shingra koma to Tsomo Paldan based on the road conditions near trail head) Next morning, the thrill continues. 

The ravishing beauty of the different sections of the river keeps you enchanted throughout the trek, Although the beauty here is disguised in the form of hansh temperatures and these sub zeroes temperatures allows the river to hold itself into the form of ice sheets. 

The trek leader on this brutal trek plays a vital role in keeping a check every individual trekker and is always there to guide them on ditterent sections of the river. He will be sometimes in front and behind the team to ensure the safety of the team. 

They are well experienced on this terrain and have done this trek multiple times and know all the tricks of this particular trek. In terms of fitness this trek is not so difficult but mentally it is challenging and tests your will power every day. The temperatures are similar here, Chadar can be different. The river flow here is silent and chadar is is not hand in some places. 

Overcoming fear at every step you will arrive at Tibb, our next campsite. There will be moments where you will be walking in a freezing pool of water. Chadar is a unique trek, in order to keep the body warm You will come across trekkers dancing and doing Insane! crazy body movements to keep themselves warm. 

Also Read:Spiti Valley

As you move on the most awaited location of the trek which is Nerok you will witness the most iconic landmark of the Chadar trek. The Frozen waterfall of Nerak. The waterfall is a nature’s masterpiece that attracts trekkers around the world and a sight that one Can never forget. By for, Nerak will be the Coldest section of the trek where the temperature goes down to as low as-30 degrees celsius. 

while returning from Nenak, we encountered some broken sections on the way, the Frozen sheet of ice and the still rapids were not Frozen any more slabs of ice had gotten lose and got broken from the main river. In fact, there was no chadar left to walk on. We could not go back and there was absolutely no way of going forward. 

Trek the Himalayas as an adventure travel Company commits and assures of getting all the trekkers back in these kind of situations. It is only possible because of quick response team at the base camp that co-ordinates with local authorities and keeps transparent communication in order to rescue the stranded trekkens. Here, the credibility and authenticity of the company that you have chosen comes into play, Recognised by IMF and Ministry of tourism. Trek the Himalayas made sure that all the trekkers must get rescued at any cost and thus maintained their optimum level of operation even in this adverse scenario.

This is how I ended my Indus river chadar trek. If you want to know about chadar trek then comment “thanks”.