Chadar Trek 2017 . . . An experience of a lifetime . . .

A test of ones endurance . . .and you’ll be surprised at how far you can go ….. 

Chadar, is not merely a trek, it is a journey of the lifetime, it is an out of the world experience and can only be felt by being right there amidst those snow capped mountains, deep dark valleys, blue green waters under the rock solid ice, the bone chilling cold . . . . . to always be surprised by the unexpected. For me personally, God gifted me something even more pleasing every next moment . . The spiritual aspirants can identify with the term “Kadmom mein Padam” (earnings in each step) – a uplifting experience with each step  

I will cherish those 5 days - walking 60+kms on ice/icy river was a true test of patience, endurance in the extremes. The trek as originally planned was to have been nine days with about 90kms to be covered. We still managed all the elements of the journey . .BE it the frequent slip . . ..whoosh . . thud falls with thankfully no (permanent) damage . . .the chadar (Ice sheet)  collapsing and falling waist deep into the icy cold Zanskar river . ..and then trudging three hours in icy cold weather in those wet dripping clothes . . . . . “Bed tea” . . . . . . piping hot soup . . . . . Maggi . . . . . sweet dish  . Warmees . . . . . The dread of waking up at night to attend natures call . . . . . .

The trek in itself isn't so difficult, biggest challenge is the weather and the long periods of inactivity... Typically we reach base camp by 2.30 p.m.and have to leave by 8 a.m. the next day so that gives  15+ hours of not much activity ...... Crazy subzero temperatures, different forms of ice and snow, the classic frozen waterfalls , endless skies . ..endless peaks and myriad hues . . .white- grey-blue- golden . . .and of course my favourite ‘Oreo’ peaks . . . beautiful yet similar views and a great story to tell, is what u get when you sign up for the thrilling , dangerous, treacherous and adventurous frozen river trek , clothing in layers (and layers and layers ) and helpful and hardworking local porters and guides !! Have to mention meeting Arjun from Bangalore on my flight back from Leh.... Who had fractured his left hand at the trek. .... Thank God no one from our Group had any lasting damage done...... 

In a craze of Chadar Trek, many enthusiastic trekkers are turning up for the treks . . . . however Zanskar is a holy/sacred river and so is the entire track and it needs to be respected. Trashing the pristine surroundings is nothing sort of blasphemy for those who consider Nature as next to God.

You really cannot explain everything here... but in few words....

FrozenRriver + WalknWalk + ThrillingExcitmentIneverystep + SurviveInFreezingCold + WoodFire + DabakeKhao + Julley