Chadar Trek: The Frozen River Experience

The Chadar Trek is not an adventure or a means of recreation for the local Zanskari and Ladakhi people. For them, it is an important journey undertaken out of necessity. For a thousand years, local Zanskaris have embarked on it to ensure their own survival! 

Surrounded by high mountains, Zanskar is a secluded region inhabiting one of India’s oldest indigenous populations, the Zanskaris, who hail froman intriguing mix of Tibetan and Indo-European origins. 

The turn of winter sees this remote region get completely cut off from the rest of India for large parts of the year due to snowfall. Most of the high road passes become blocked and inaccessible.

Hundred of years ago, the local discovered an amazing natural phenomenon on the mighty Zanskar river itself, that eventually became their only winter pathway. In the heart of winter, as the cold icy winds blow and the temperature plummets, the Zanskar river freezes forming a thick layer of ice of it. 

Over many centuries, walking on this frozen river thus became a lifeline for these indegenous communities who used it for their much-needed access route to the outside world. 

Dragging primitive, indigenously-built sledges loaded with trading items, supplies, and sleeping in riverside caves around open fires, the Zanskaris have been undertaking this ancient annual crossing for many years and it is claimed that the route may have been a part of the ancient Silk road in winters. 

The Chadar trek therefore traces a historical trail that provides a fascinating glimpse into an integral part of the Zanskaris’ ancient history & cultural heritage.