Ready to walk a path others shudder to tread?
If you're game for some really serious adventure, dig your woolens and layer yourself with thermals because we're about to take you to a frozen river. Think about it, how many can boast of bringing in the New Year on the stunning Zanskar River, a tributary of the Indus in Jammu & Kashmir?
Here's what to expect on this trek: high altitude, icy temperatures and a place where time stands still. As the old year melts into the new, you look at life and the universe with a fresh perspective. Suddenly, life as you know it appears mundane as you gaze at a jaw-dropping sheet of ice as far as the eye can see.
We are in Chadar - a blanket of ice - becuase it covers the entire Zanskar River during the extreme winter months of December, January and February. The beautiful Zanskar Valley can be accessed only during these months by walking on the this frozen river. Trekkers and adventure-seekers are increasingly making their way here but it's still virgin territory.
Begin your trek at Chilling village, a four-hour drive from Leh. The trek will take you through breathtaking views of sapphire skies, crystal-clear waters running under a thick veil of ice, frozen fingers of ice creeping down mountains, mystic caves and rocky gorges. And if you're lucky, you could chance upon the notoriously reclusive snow leopard.
While the more adventurous can trek up to Dambuchan for a home saty or opt for an overnight cave stay, back in chilling, you can bunk in a warm Ladakhi home (made of think mud blocks) and relish local delicacies like thupka and tsampo. When the clock strikes 12, ring in the New Year with the locals, who are always happy to regale visitiors with traditional songs and dance around a campfire. To make sure you don't freeze in the sub-zero tempreture, they serve gurgur-chai, a salty Ladakhi tea. And if you're brave enough to opt for a cave stay, you can cook your food inside a cave and usher in 2013 in classic back-to-nature style.
You trip would be incomplete without sightseeing. So reserve a day to explore Chilling - meet the local ladakhi population, learn about their culture, be wowed by their architecture, and treasure hunt for their famous iron and copperware and buddha statues.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Winter Trekking Expedition, Challenging & Exciting Trekking, A glimpse of an ancient unchanged culture, Stunning beautiful frozen river, spectacular landscapes, home stay, tempreture: 12C to -30C
INCLUDES:
Delhi - Leh - Delhi Flight Tickets
Full board meals
Field & Safety Equipment
Porters
High Altitude Trekking Tents
Mat & Sleeping Bags
Local Transfers in SUV
Guide
GETTING THERE:
By Air Only: Daily flights to and from Delhi to Leh. It takes about 75 minutes from Delhi to Leh.
WHAT TO PACK:
Thermals, Rainproof Warm Jacket (preferably furry inside), high-ankle trekking shoes, gloves, monkey cap, goggles with dark shades, personal medical kit
BOOKINGS & CONTACT DETAILS:
Mobile: +91 88 0018 0333
Office: +91 11 2953 1419
Email: info@hindustanmotorcycling.com
Web: www.hindustanmotorcycling.com
