Trekking to the Zanskar Trek in North India
Everything feels easy to you! You have dived into the deep sea. You have swam with a shark, and jumped from a terrifying height onto a rough ledge. But, have you hiked to the frozen lake across a thick layer of ice? All are done and dusted! So, what will the Zanskar trek do for you?
Zanskar Trek, aka the Chadar Trek, is one of the most cherished winter trails in Ladakh, India. While the frigid weather has the entire country trembling, you still have to wait for the harsh winter to hit Zanskar Gorge. The wait won't be over until the Zanskar river is frozen completely. Only then the journey will start at the altitude of 11,123 ft above the ground level. The trekking will technically take place on the frozen Zanskar river. The river in winter looks like a thick sheet of ice, hence the name Chadar.
As the name ‘Chadar” radiates comfort to your soul, the trek is anything but easy. Rather, the Zanskar trek is considered one of the most difficult yet eye-soothing experiences in life. Yet, this does not imply that the location is only approachable during the winter. Tourists can visit the place in summer as well. Therefore, if you are not in a comfortable situation to visit the place in winter, you can try summer. The river is usually streaming during the summer. As a result, tourists may enjoy river rafting while exploring Ladakh's natural beauty. And to let you know that you will be rafting on one of the world's highest, most exotic, and isolated river trips.
The river passes roughly 105 kilometres from Remala to Nimu near Leh. But, the measurement is just one way, and the journey is both exhausting and intimidating. Though the expedition is largely about walking over the ice river, there may be some cold rocks and boulders to climb along the way.
Everything will seem simple to you at this point. But, when you walk on the frozen lake, the cold will numb your foot. Consider how the cold will freeze your body. Now, you may be wondering why your body will feel cold. Answer to this.
At the end of the day, when you have completed your quest, where will you lie down? There won't be any houses, forget about hotels. The trek coordinator will arrange tents or camps right over the ice. You have to sleep in a sleeping bag over the frozen river. As the night darkens, the temperature will decrease to -32 to -35 degrees. While we don't leave our residences in temperatures of 4 to 5 degrees, strolling in -35 degrees won't be easy for everyone. That is why it is necessary to understand your body and its durability. Zanskar trek is not for all, and people need to acknowledge that.
After the obstacles, one may wonder why the Zanskar trip is so popular among trekkers. The visitor shall bear the whole responsibility when trekking. You must perform everything on your own, from bringing fundamental supplies to using them all. Hence, when you complete the Zanskar quest, you will get an understanding of your capabilities. You will be aware of every element of your life. The adventurous spirit will be strong, and you will push yourself to finish the journey. After you finish the trip, a sense of relief and happiness will wash over you, making you feel brave.
The Chadar or Zanskar trip is difficult, but the reward is tranquil. On the contrary, if your soul yearns for adventure and the Zanskar expedition tickles your interest, you must embark on the journey.
