Chadar Trek itinerary

The Chadar Trek is among the most arduous treks across India and the world, and thus you should always inform your family or a close person about the trek itinerary. If any mishap happens during the course of the trek, they could come to your rescue. The Chadar Trek duration is typically ten days.

Let’s get down to the Chadar Trek itinerary.

• Day 1: The Chadar Trek begins after you land at the Leh airport. You will immediately experience a shortage of oxygen while breathing. Keep your woollens ready. The first day should be laid-back and super-easy. Try to spend the day without much exertion. On the first day, you must allow your body and mind to get familiarized with the low oxygen levels. A minor headache could be a common occurrence. The first day is a day of recuperation, relaxation, and acclimatization to the changing environment.
• Day 2: The second day should also be spent for high-altitude acclimatization. You will notice a visible improvement compared to the previous day. You can take short strolls to the local Leh market, Central Asian Museum, and the Leh Palace. It would help you adapt faster while spending the day appropriately.
• Day 3: The third day of your arrival at Leh should also be spent for acclimatization purposes. Further, you need to visit the local SNM hospital for a medical checkup and obtain a Medical Fitness certificate mandatory for the Chadar Trek.
• Day 4: Officially, the Chadar Trek begins on this day. You will take a ride from Leh (3474 m) to Tillad Do (3170 m), situated 65 kilometers from Leh. From Tillad Do, you will trek about 8 to 10 kilometers and reach Gyalpo (3216 m) via Shingra Koma. For the entire stretch of the trek, you need to move along the frozen Zanskar river. Alternatively, you can take a ride from Leh (3474 m) to Chilling (3195 m). From Chilling, you need to drive a few kilometers more to reach Guru Do. From Guru Do, you will trek along the frozen Zanskar to reach Bakula (3256 m). The trek occurs at an altitude lower than Leh, so it should be a comfortable journey. Camping under the night sky will also be something to look out for on this day of the trek!
• Day 5: You start day five early after breakfast. On this day, you will hike 15 kilometers from Gyalpo (3216 m) or from Bakula (3256 m) to reach Tibb Cave (3292 m). The gain in elevation is slight, and you should reach the designated camp in Tibb Cave by afternoon. The trail is marked with spectacular natural landforms like natural caves, ice sheets, frozen waterfalls, etc. You will spend the night within the tents at Tibb Cave.
• Day 6: This day is marked by a hike along the frozen Zanskar river to reach the base of the Nyerak village (3399 m). The 12.5-kilometer long hike will take you to a Bailey bridge and a massive frozen waterfall. It is the last point of the trek from where you need to turn back to Chilling. The long march along the Zanskar river is undoubtedly challenging but fascinating. The ice-cold water and the gusts of winds throughout the trail will be a new experience.
• Day 7: From Nyerak village (3399 m), you will trek for 12 kilometers to head back to Tibb Cave (3292 m) and set up camp there. You will stay overnight in those camps by the river.
• Day 8: You start the day from Tibb Cave (3292 m) for Gyalpo (3216 m). Your final destination for the day could also be Bakula (3256 m). The trek could also involve many detours, especially when the Chadar melts during warm nights and you have to climb the steep mountain faces instead.
• Day 9: On this day, you trek from Gyalpo (3216 m) or Bakula (3256 m) to Tillad Do via Shingra Koma or Guru Do via Chilling. From Tillad Do or Guru Do, you will take a ride back to Leh. It will be the ending point of the Chadar Trek.
• Day 10: You can take a flight back to your homeland from the Leh airport. Alternatively, you can embark on an optional add-on trek to the frozen Pangong Tso lake. In that case, your Chadar Trek cost will be a little higher since it covers the additional add-on trek as well.