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India: The Chadar Trek Considered among the world’s greatest adventures, the Chadar Trek is not for the faint of heart! For 10 months of the year heavy snows descend on this remote region of northern Indian, closing off a dramatic wonderland of snow, ice, and giant peaks—the only route in is the iced-over Zanskar River. Mike Speaks—mountaineer, ski patroller, and internationally renowned whitewater guide—will lead you into this arctic-like backcountry, where cloudy blue-green waters and black rock shrouded beneath a thick veneer of ice and snow, known as the “Chadar” (or veil), lie dormant like a downy white blanket. Along this 55-mile journey, we will visit Buddhist villages, camping, staying in local homes, and exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries built into cliff walls. Traveling this route involves learning the “Ladakhi shuffle,” a slippery skate-walk on the frozen river. But soon, lost in the meditation of the shuffle and the beauty of the gorge, you’ll fall under spell of the Zanskar’s icy veil. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
"When I first visited the Zanskar region of Ladakh I immediately knew I wanted to return to this lovely place, often. Little Tibet it is known as and there are so many wonderful Tibetan people here and a history that does not include a Chinese cultural revolution. As a result the monasteries contain fabulous works of art sitting among a most incredible mountain gallery, and the people are kind and humble. And to venture there in winter and witness the unspoiled way of life while walking on a semi frozen river is bound to be a beautiful adventure. Located at the same latitude as San Francisco it will get just as much sunlight as the Bay area in winter. And clean winter air! What more could we wish for." ~ Mike Speaks |
 Itinerary: India: The Chadar TrekDay 1 ~ Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel. Day 2 ~ Fly to Leh and transfer to the Grand Dragon Hotel to rest and acclimate for journey. Day 3 ~ Travel to the Ladakh village of Shey to visit the Thiksey Monastery, home to the largest Buddhist statue in Ladakh. Also visit the wealthy Hemis Monastery. Day 4 ~ Drive to Chilling to begin trek to Tilat Sumdo (10,170’). After mastering the “Ladakhi shuffle,” trek to camp on a sandy plateau. Day 5 ~ Trek to a cave at Bakula Bawo, considered a holy place by the Zanskari. Continue trek along the Zanskar, traversing steep rocks due to melting ice at this lower elevation. Day 6 ~ Difficult travel is rewarded with magnificent scenery of frozen, sculpture-like waterfalls. Lunch near Zanskari caves at Yokmado. Overnight in the village of Nyerak. Day 7 ~ Trek through a tremendous canyon to Tipu, and continue to Lingshed, a large village with an interesting monastery and a solar school. Day 8 ~ Visit the Lingshed Monastery, journey through the valley to reach the frozen Chadar, and walk on the frozen river to Tsarak Do. Day 9 ~ Continue to follow the trail alongside the frozen river. Day 10 ~ Leave Chadar for a short road walk to the large village of Zangla, the home of Zanskar’s erstwhile king. Here we will visit a large village where you will see children skiing and sledding! Day 11 ~ Visit the local nunnery and then follow a jeep road to Stongde to visit another monastery. Day 12 ~ Trek to Karsha, home to one of the region’s largest monasteries—covering an entire hillside and offering fantastic rooftop views! Day 13 ~ Drive over bridge and make short trek back to Pidmo to overnight in village homes. Day 14-18 ~ Descend to the Chadar and make return trek to Chilling. Transfer to Leh. Day 19 or 20 ~ Fly to Delhi and depart, or join one of our extensions in India. (Note: we have scheduled an extra (Day 20) to account for flight schedule changes due to poor weather conditions.) 
Detailed Itinerary - India: The Chadar TrekDetailed Itinerary - India: The Chadar Trek
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