The journey for chadar trek starts from the mountain town of Leh in Ladakh. The preffered way to reach Leh Ladakh is by airoplane and the city of Leh is surrounded by snow showing it a complete white look. One can catch a scene of the snow capped mountains from the airoplane as it starts landing in Leh which is located at 11400 feet above sea level. You are just landed to start the trek over the Zanskar River which lies frozen during the winter season. The most suitable time to cross the frozen river is in the month of February. During that february, the ice tends to be at its most stable frozen state and do not breaks easily. The Frozen River Trek starts from the small village of Chilling from where the Zanskar River starts in frozen state.
The walking on ice can be as dangerous some times you have to figureout safe time during winters. you needs to figure out the safe ways over the dicey sheet of frozen river and must always be aware of the ice conditions below your feet. The trekkers can select the caves to camp in along the banks of zanskar river like the locals people or you can set up the tents where the ice is the most stable and strong. The temperature of zanskar river is twenty degrees below freezing the point and it further decreases after sunset. Warm and layered clothes are recommended as is being on the move as much as possible. These warm and layered clothes helps invariably in keeping your body warm and prevent cold sores and frost bite.
It is always adviceable to be aware of the ice conditions zanskar river at all times during the trekking period. There are many factors to consider ensuring a safe trekking journey on chadar trek. Most of these factors involve the conditions of the ice and the footing choices of the trekker. Some of the precautions include:
Trekking gear should be brought from your home city as there are not many places available in Leh during the winter where you can find the supplies. Packaged food that can be preserved and made quickly slike instant noodles. you should always have enough warm clothes before starting chadar trekking in order to keep warm as well as keeping the journey in momentum. Ice picks, trekking boots, several layers of extra warm clothing are a compulsory in such weather. Tents can be used but optional as you can easily camp in caves like the locals peoples who journey across the river.
