Would I be stating the obvious talking about the best time to embark on Chadar: The Frozen River Trek? Maybe. But there is more to it than meets the eye! Located in the Zanskar region, the Chadar trek involves traversing the frozen Zanskar River, covering 62 km over 9 days. And yes, of course it is only possible during the winters! Chadar is the only possible route into Zanskar during harsh winter months, which means the region is completely cut off and inaccessible.
This article looks at the best time to do the Chadar Trek and what to expect from the landscape during this time.
Best Season for the Chadar Trek
With snow-clad mountains and thick sheets of ice over the turquoise waters of the Zanskar River, winters are the best time for the Chadar Trek. The river freezes to the optimal level for the trek from mid January to mid February. This period sees varying weather conditions from clear days to snowstorms. However, the river is frozen to a depth of 6 ft below its surface, making it stable enough to traverse on. The sheet of ice is not fully solid in the beginning of January and towards the end of February, so it is advisable to not attempt the trek during this time.
Temperatures range between -25℃ to -5℃ during this season, making it extremely cold. It is important to pack layers of insulation and cover all parts of your body to avoid frostbite. In spite of the biting cold, this season makes Chadar strikingly beautiful with the whites from the snow and the blues from sky dominating the landscape.
The Striking Landscapes of Chadar
Not only is Chadar your gateway into Zanskar in the most fascinating way possible but it also offers icy landscapes that leave you wondering if you’re in the Disney movie Frozen! During the winter months, the Zanskar ranges are whitewashed in fresh snow and ice sheets slowly start to develop over the river. If the water in the river is freezing, so will the water in the Nerak waterfall! Nerak waterfall is visible on the trail of Chadar trek and can be seen in all its frozen glory during the winter months. Long sparkling icicles dangling from a height amidst the grandiosity of the snowclad mountains are a sight to behold during this trek!
Contrary to this winter landscape, Chadar offers rustic views in the summer. The Zanskar ranges stand in all their might in varying hues of brown and the Zanskar river flows in a captivating colour of turquoise, making for the most picturesque scenery. The trek however, is impossible during the summer months, because well, there is no Chadar!
Temperatures on Chadar Trek
Needless to say, temperatures in the region during the trek are extreme and challenging. If it is cold enough to freeze a river, it is cold enough to pierce through our skin! Day temperatures range between -5℃ to -15℃ and drop to as low as -25℃ at nights. Such extreme temperatures are bound to test you mentally and physically, requiring you to be prepared in the best possible manner. While most high altitude treks see low temperatures, the bitterness from the cold is not as harsh as the one felt on this trek. Even when the sun is out, you feel the chill from the snow and ice that surrounds you throughout the journey. Lack of preparedness, right clothing and equipment could make the journey more strenuous and also result in health issues that could have been avoided.
Tips to Protect Yourself in Extreme Temperatures
Layer Your Clothing
Instead of wearing one thick jacket or sweater, it always helps to wear multiple layers of insulation, with your insulation jacket being the outermost layer. This helps trap body heat and will keep you warm on icy days and nights. Always remember to insulate your feet and hands as well. These parts are more prone to frostbite and it is extremely important that we keep them warm at all points of time.
Eat Full Meals
Ensure that you consume your meals at regular intervals. This helps maintain body temperature and allows your body to produce the heat to keep you warm.
Hydrate Frequently
It is essential that you hydrate your body in order to regulate body temperature. Dehydration can lead to hypothermia and make things worse for you. It helps to carry an insulated bottle with warm water to sip on during the trek.
Avoid Sweating
Sweating, either during the trek or while sleeping at night should be avoided. Sweat makes you feel cold and will also dampen your clothes, making it difficult for your body to regulate your body temperature and keep you warm. This is to say, be careful of not wearing so many layers of clothing once in your sleeping bag that you sweat through the night. The same applies for when you are walking on the trail.
Do Not Hold Your Pee
If you feel the urge to pee, go for it and do not hold back. Our body expends significant energy when we hold our pee in order to keep the urine warm.
For a more detailed guide on how to keep in chilly temperatures, read: Staying Warm in Winters.
Staying Healthy on a Trek
Maintaining your health is of utmost importance on a remote trek like Chadar. Apart from keeping yourself warm it is important to get the right nutrition to help your muscles recover from the day’s trek. Munching on nuts, dry fruits and protein bars is a great source of energy apart from consuming the warm cooked meals. Make it a point to keep an eye out for the smallest of symptoms and do not delay taking action or informing your trek leader. Last but not the least, do not hesitate to seek help.
