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The Chaddar Expedition Challenge over Zanskar River

During the peak of the winter season especially in the months of January & February it is not possible to traverse the Higher Himalayan passes due to snowfall. Local inhabitants of the region, since ancient times have had to use an alternative route over the frozen surface of Zanskar River to carry back essential supplies from main towns. For them it was a need, a means of survival. The conditions in this region are still as remote and unyielding - Temperatures drop below -30 degrees centigrade at night & the solid ice can change rapidly due to Temperature fluctuation. The locals of the remote Zanskar regions pave there way to Leh City by traversing the frozen Zanskar River from their mountain stronghold to its confluence point at Nimu with the Indus River.

Picture Gallery for the Chaddar Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi ex Intl flight & met on arrival at the visitor's lounge & Transfer to Hotel.

Day 2: Board the 0600 Hrs flight to Leh arriving there by 0715 Hrs. The flight is over the Pir Panjal, Zanskar & Ladakh ranges. In one of the narrow gorge the flight descends into the Ladakh valley. Assistance on arrival & Transfer to Hotel to acclimatise to the rarefied atmosphere at an altitude of 3,500 M plus. O/NT Hotel.

Day 3: Tour of Leh city, including the sixteenth-century (Ladakh Palace) and & Shanti Stupa.

Day 4: Tour of Shey and Thiksey Monastery and Stok Palace. It’s another day to relax & pace down in the Ladakh valley to acclimatise to the high altitude conditions. This time is essential before we embark on the Chaddar Expedition in remote regions.

Day 5: Visit to Basgo fort and Alchi Monastery, a remarkably well preserved, 11th -century & of the artistic treasures of the Himalayas.

Day 6: 35 Kms drive to the Indus & Zanskar river confluence point is a place called Nimu. From here we enter the gorge to reach village of Chiling, to initiate the trek. A short walk from Chilling descends onto the frozen Zanskar River. From Chiling its time for ice craft – (ice craft – the science of walking on ice without exerting and using less energy). Negotiate the frozen Markha river tributary before entering the proper Zanskar gorge. Ice crafting ahead to Tilat Do caves, we travel uphill on the Southern axis. We will pace slowly to get acclimatised not only to the clothing but also the frozen base of the Zanskar River as we head towards our night halt destination in a cave. Overnight in cave.

Day 7: Walk upstream from the confluence point with a small rivulet & head in the North west axis. We shall be fording to two more rivulets joining the Zanskar. As above we traverse with ice craft - a refined shuffle that allows us a degree of speed and control on the frozen trail. Progress shall be regularly interrupted for rest and especially to have an insight on the many forms of nature's frozen landscapes - Fragile crystal structures erupted from the otherwise polished, undulating surface of the ice sheet. We head to Bakhu La with its spectacular view of the Vertical cliff over hangs. Today there are chances of spotting the IBEX. Overnight in cave.

Day 8: Walk through gigantic canyons, inaccessible in any other season, it shall be a challenging day. You must accept the kind attention & crossing marks catered to you by the guide porters, these are people who know this area best and will offer help wherever required, do accept the same with gentleness. Remote locations shall require more efforts on the River especial treading along thin shelves of ice on the bank of the fast flowing sections of the Zanskar River. In Few places the crossing are congested & narrow here one has to down load the carry back on the crust of the ice before fording along on our bellies & knees on overhanging rocks & cliffs. There to Nyarak. Overnight in cave.

Day 9: Continue on the frozen river to Sarakdo, enroute are sections of ice so transparent that boulders are visible down on the riverbed. Short halts will allow rest and the opportunity to share a cup of Warm Tea with the locals travelling down the route. Locals will be the right people to give us in-depth knowledge of the conditions ahead – conditions that can change all the time due to weather and temperature changes. Overnight in cave.

Day 10: Walk to Hanuma, the first village and most likely the first habitation we have seen since leaving Chiling. This Ice craft trek trail calls for very friendly & accommodating temperament. During the expedition members and our local friends, guides, porters have the opportunity to chat and learn about the local culture. Extreme temperatures on the river can reach roughly -25ºC, although this is not usual and early morning temperatures is -10ºC to -15ºC. Overnight in village house.

Day 11: Hanuma to Pishu, another small village, as we proceed close to the villages contrary to the frozen trails now at times we might have to encounter ice-cold water with sub zero climatic conditions. At such places one is required to ford across crystal clear segments or at times create a new trail adjacent to steep and rocky river banks. Overnight in village house.

Day 12: Pishu to Karsha, site of the largest monastery in Zanskar. We conclude our here & move out of the gorge into more wide valley & Locals inhabited area across the river. Now it is time to walk on the unpaved dirt road that wind's it's way towards Zangla. Even in these hard winter conditions villager will be cheering & greeting us. Enroute we shall cross Tsa zar and sTongde - local villages. Overnight in village house.

Day 13: Karsha to Padum, the regional capitol of Zanskar and the goal of our journey. Losar - Tibetan New Year celebrations.

Day 14: Rest day to explore Padum and the surrounding valley. This region can be as fascinating in the harsh winters as it is in summer when there are many travellers here.

Day 15: Visit to local villages and gompas, including the kingdom of Zangla.

Day 16: Helicopter over the main Himalayan range to Manali. A spectacular one-hour flight over the main Himalayan range.

Day 17: Tour of Manali. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day 18: Flight from Kullu to Delhi.

Day 19: Depart-Delhi, Transfer to airport for flight to onwards journey.