While in winter the passes get closed due to snow fall, the only way to go out of the valley is by trek through the frozen Rive (Chader Trek), this route has been used by the inhabitant of Zanskar valley since the time immoral to be in touch with the main town of Leh and with rest of the world. The access from zanskar allows inhabitants to barter their goods, to full fill the resupply for their living and to bring their children to school.
Climate is harsh, temperature can go down till minus 30 even more which makes life harder for local.
On the traditional winter trail of Zanskar this trek remains one of the world most adventurous trek. While trekking one have to sometime wade even through icy chilled water and scramble over the rocky cliff. you will enjoy staying in local family house which allows on to experience local lives, its sky touch deep brown gorges, white and blue sheet of ice on river bed and frozen cascades makes this trip a life time memory.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Leh (3600m)
Arrival at Leh pick up and transfer to hotel, check in at hotel rest of the day will be at leisure, overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Day 2: Acclimatize in Leh
Leh is located at high altitude and has a desert climate with hot summers and extreme winters. So it is very important to get acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness. Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Fort.
Shanti Stupa:It was built to promote world peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. It is considered a symbol of the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base.
Leh Palace: Leh palace was built in the 17th century by King Singe Namgyal as the royal residence. It was deserted in the mid-19th century after the family shifted to Stok. The Leh Palace of Ladakh still retains an old worldly charm about it.
In the afternoon visit the Market, overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Day 3: Drive Leh to Chilling and trek to cave
Three-hour drive will take you to west of Leh known as Chilling, where the adventure starts. Porters will pack all the baggage and after 2-3 hours walk we will reach our first camp. While walking on the ice follow the guide and porters. As it is the first day, you will need time to get used to walking on ice. You will learn to keep warm and keep the circulation going. Tonight you will sleep in a cave, a unique experience for many.
Day 4: Trek to Gyalpo camp (7 hours, 3170m)
Pack your gear before breakfast. Then follow the guide as always. People often try to climb on the rocks to avoid getting wet, but it's not always possible. So carry plenty of socks to change.
Day 5: Trek to a second cave (3225m)
Today it will be uphill on a curving slope of ice, passing a frozen waterfall. Dinner and sleep in another cave.
Day 6: Trek to Neraks camp (3390m)
A spectacular day to enter Zanskar, with excited shouts of welcome from the porters. You might see some wild life and if you are very, very lucky perhaps a footprint of the elusive snow leopard. We camp outside the village.
Day 7: Nieraq to Dib Gongma (3400m)
Leave early morning for an interesting trek with a challenging climb up a steep slope.
Day 8: Dib Gongma to Hanumil (3500m, 8 hours)
A long amazing day on the ice as we exit the gorge. Tonight we will stay with villagers and sleep in room.
Day 9: Hanumil to Pishu (6 hours)
Most of today's walk may be along a dry path, if there's no snow. Walking hours depends on snow conditions. Overnight in a family house
Day 10 to 14: Return to Leh:
We follow the same route back to leh.
Day 15: Leh to Delhi:
Today is free day .And end of our servieces. In the evening back to Delhi.