On Hold : Chadar Markha via Charchar-La Trek: A 26-Day
Looking for a challenging trekking experience that promises to be truly rewarding? Consider the Zangla to Charchar La trek, which follows the course of a previous trek along the Zanskar River, before ascending steeply towards the Charchar La, the first of two major passes to cross on this 26-day journey.
With a maximum elevation of 4950m and a grade ranging from moderate to strenuous, this trek is not for the faint of heart. Once the ice of the river is left behind, the trek involves possibly strenuous trekking in deep snow, adding to the challenge and adventure.
While the trek on ice shares many characteristics with the Chadar trek, the Zangla to Charchar La trek offers unique opportunities to explore the winter wonderland of the Zanskar Range. However, note that the crossing of the passes is only undertaken weather-permitted and is subject to change on short notice.
Although this trek is one of the most difficult due to its sustained trekking for twenty days, it promises to be one of the most rewarding, with visits to some of the region's most unique monasteries. The trek offers the best of Ladakh and Zanskar trekking and provides the chance to experience an unforgettable adventure in a stunningly beautiful landscape.
Minimum group size for the trek is six people, and for maximum appeal to potential travelers, the information provided can be broken down by date.
Day 01: Begin your journey with an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, followed by a transfer to your hotel for some rest.
Day 02: Take in the sights of Leh with a morning visit to the Shanti Stupa and Sangkar Gompa, followed by lunch at your hotel and an afternoon of rest.
Day 03: Embark on a day trip to the Shey and Thikse monasteries, where you can explore the history and culture of the region.
Day 04: Travel from Leh to Chiling by private bus or jeeps, along with your porters from Zanskar, stopping to visit coppersmithing workshops along the way.
Day 05: Begin your trek on the frozen Zanskar river, known as Chadar, starting from Chiling and trekking for five hours to reach Zaribago.
Day 06: Continue your trek from Zaribago to Deepyokma, a four-hour journey that takes you deeper into the beautiful landscape.
Day 07: Trek for four to five hours from Deepyokma to Nyrakpulu, where you'll set up camp below the Nyarak village and take in the stunning scenery.
Day 08: Embark on a one-hour walk on Chadar before a steep five-hour climb up to Lingshed village, where you'll stay in a private house and relax in a heated room.
Day 09: Take a full day to rest and explore the remote village of Lingshed, where you can visit the monastery and school for monks, and roam around the village.
Day 10: Complete your trek with a journey from Lingshed to Deepkongma, taking in the stunning scenery and reflecting on the unforgettable adventure you've just had.
Day 11.
Today's trek starts from Deepkongma and leads to Warsangdo. The trail is scenic and filled with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the valley. The journey will be challenging, but the experience of trekking in this remote region of Ladakh will be worth it.
Day 12.
From Warsangdo, we'll trek to Pishu. The trail will take us through beautiful landscapes, ancient villages, and small streams. We'll pass through several traditional Ladakhi villages and get a glimpse of their lifestyle and culture.
Day 13.
Today's trek takes us from Pishu to Karsha. The trail passes through barren landscapes and rocky terrain. However, the beautiful vistas of the Zanskar River and the mountains will make up for the difficulty of the trek.
Day 14.
We'll take a rest day in Karsha and visit the famous Karsha Gompa. The gompa is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh and is home to several ancient artifacts, paintings, and scriptures. We'll also get a chance to interact with the local people and learn about their customs and traditions.
Day 15.
The trek from Karsha to Zangla will take us through picturesque valleys and ancient villages. We'll visit the Zangla Gompa, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in the region. The gompa is known for its ancient murals and statues and is a must-visit for any trekker in Ladakh.
Day 16.
Today's trek will take us from Zangla to Zangla Sumdo. We'll walk in the valley following a small stream and witness some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The trail is not too challenging, making it an enjoyable day of trekking.
Day 17.
From Zangla Sumdo, we'll trek to Chupchak, crossing the Charchar-La pass (4950m) along the way. The pass is the first and highest of the two major passes to cross on this trek. The journey will be strenuous but rewarding, offering some of the best views of the Zanskar Range.
Day 18.
The trail from Chupchak to Wangchuk Chenmo is scenic and takes us through a variety of landscapes. We'll pass through high altitude deserts, snowy mountains, and narrow gorges. The trail is challenging but offers some of the most breathtaking views of the trek.
Day 19.
Today's trek from Wangchuk Chenmo to Kharnak Sumdo takes us through a beautiful valley. The trail is relatively easy and offers ample opportunities to explore the area's unique flora and fauna.
Day 20.
The final day of the trek takes us from Kharnak Sumdo to Rabrang, walking in the valley. The journey will be relatively easy, and we'll have plenty of time to reflect on the experiences and memories we've created on this incredible adventure.
Day 21:
Start your day early and gear up for an adventurous trek to Themkachen. This will be a challenging day as you will be crossing the Rabrang-La pass which stands at an altitude of 4750 meters. However, the stunning views of the mountains and the valley below will make it all worth it.
Day 22:
Embark on a trek from Themkachen to Markha, which is known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional villages. The trek will take you through barren hills and narrow gorges, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
Day 23:
Explore Markha village in the morning and visit the Markha Gompa, an ancient monastery nestled in the heart of the village. Then, continue on your journey to Skyu, a small village located on the banks of the Markha River. Take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 24:
Today, you will trek back to Chiling, from where you will take a private bus or jeep to return to Leh. This will be your last night in the wilderness, so make sure to enjoy every moment.
Day 25:
Take a well-deserved day off and relax in Leh. You can explore the local markets, indulge in some delicious food, or simply unwind in your hotel room. This will be the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventure and soak in the culture and beauty of Ladakh.
Day 26:
Board your flight from Leh to Delhi and bid adieu to India, carrying memories of a lifetime.
Important Information:
If you are planning to participate in one of our Ladakh tours that takes you above altitudes of 4,500 meters or 14,000 feet, it is essential that you are familiar with altitude illness prevention, recognition, and treatment. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, restlessness, sleeplessness, and headaches, among others, as well as other potential health hazards that can arise from trekking at high altitude.
For more information on this topic, please call +91 9419178747 or email [email protected].
Please note that for some treks, we require proof of medical fitness, a comprehensive physical examination, and certification from your doctor stating that you have no general medical problems that could result in any potentially serious medical consequences while on a trek.
Trekking at high altitudes is demanding, and you must be in top physical condition to endure up to eight hours of trekking over steep, rocky terrain, and snow. To sustain and hopefully enjoy such a demanding exercise, you need good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.
To prepare for your trekking tour, you should engage in regular aerobic exercise or training that includes jogging, cycling, or swimming, exercising 3-5 times per week for at least six months prior to your trip.
