Why You Should Do Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek takes you hiking along the Zanskar River, which remains frozen during the winter, which makes it a picturesque sight. Chadar Trek, which is considered to be a winter trek, has both jaw-dropping scenery and bone-chilling climates. This trek offers several views, from Magnetic Hill to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and natural wonders like frozen waterfalls, knee-deep snow, and white sand (cold desert like Ladakh).
- Wildlife – There is a possibility of seeing some exotic wildlife, such as blue sheep, foxes, snow leopards, and ibex, which are usually found in this region of the Himalayas. Another elusive creature, the Tibetan Wolf, roams the area but is rarely encountered by trekkers. They tend to avoid human presence.
- Culture and Traditions – You get to know the Zanskari culture, which is a blend of Tibetan and Indian cultures, in-depth as you trek and experience the hospitality of the locals. As you come close to Tibb, you see local porter wearing traditional woolen robes, ‘Gonchas,’ with colorful beads around their neck and traditional hats.
- Chadar Frozen River – The chill in the air will serve only as a preview of the temperatures during the Chadar River trek. Chadar translates to ‘Sheet,’ and during the winter, the whole area gets covered in a thick sheet of snow.
- Mythology – There is a legend of praying for water as Narak Waterfall went dry, and a holy man went to Kailash. He returned with a pot of water with two fish in it; there was a condition that he did not put the pot anywhere. Upon his journey, he coincidently placed the pot at this pot, and two fish jumped off, creating a vast waterfall. According to the myth, this waterfall has its source at Kailash in Tibet.
- Tibb Cave is a beautiful place where sand and small stones are found beside the river. Get to spend the night in the ancient cave, Tibb Cave. Tibb Cave is a natural shelter formed by a large rock overhang, which protects it from the elements. Trekkers often camp here, taking advantage of the cave’s shelter to rest and prepare meals.
- Gyalpo – At Gyalpo, you would see high-rise mountain walls on the riverside, which appear man-made. This is also where steep rocks are throughout the landscape and the river curves.
- Pangong Tso Lake – This lake is also called Hollow Lake and is one of the biggest saltwater lakes in Asia. The lake’s water is so clear you can see it crystal clear, changing color from blue to green with the backdrop of huge mountains.
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Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Important
Guidelines
Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Government Employees
Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
- Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
- Leave Details:
- As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
- Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Application Process:
- You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
- How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Your booked trek date.
- The trek name.
- Aadhar Card
- Designation
- Office Address
- Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
- Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Documentation Support:
- Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
Age-Based Requirements for Junior Trekkers
- A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
- Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
- Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.
Medical Fitness Required for Trek
If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:
1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):
- Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
- Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.
2. Blood Pressure (BP):
- Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
- Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
- Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.
Recommendations:
- Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
- BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:
- Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
- Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
5. Bronchial Asthma:
- Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
- Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
6. Heart Problems:
- Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
- Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
7. Hypertension:
- Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
8. Pacemaker Implant:
- Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
9. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
- Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
Additional Recommendations:
- High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
- Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
- Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.
Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator