Walking Along Icy Trails: Bithi's Solo Chadar Trek Review with Thrillophilia
'Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained.' – Aleksander L.
I could relate to every single word of this quote as it's exactly how I felt about my desire for adventure. After all, why would somebody in their right mind want to trek along a frozen lake in subzero temperatures?
I have always felt captivated by icy mountains and the majestic peaks that whispered a promise of adventure in my ears. After several years of juggling between work and personal commitments, I could hear a loud calling for self-discovery and freedom. One evening, while browsing some travel blogs online, I came across the Chadar Trek - a trek across a frozen river in Ladakh.
The images of breathtaking landscapes and shimmering ice sparked the adventure enthusiast within me. Charged with excitement, I decided to plan my solo trekking adventure with Thrillophilia. Armed with a spirit of exploration and lots of determination, I headed out to discover my true self and connect with nature along the way.
And the Journey Begins...
This was my first solo adventure, and the Chadar Trek was something that sounded perfect to me. Despite knowing the difficulty level of the trek, I was filled with such excitement that it couldn't get the best of me. The moment I set foot on the breathtaking terrain of Ladakh, a wave of freezing wind swept past me.
"Maybe that's how Ladakh greets its visitors..." I thought to myself.
It was amazing to be surrounded by the stunning snow-capped peaks that dazzled under the bright sun.
After checking into my room, I spent the remaining day at leisure to acclimatize to the extreme weather conditions. I thought of exploring the nearby area and after walking a few steps I found several shops that sold a variety of items. From Apricots and vibrant handicrafts to local snacks and shawls, the vendors sold everything.
I also visited the historic Leh Palace, which stunned me with its historic architecture. It's hard to put into words how beautiful the town looked from the top of the palace.
Sipping tea with some of the Ladakhi people, as they shared their life stories, made me feel strongly connected to the regional culture and tradition.
After spending a few hours roaming around, I started feeling more comfortable with the altitude. I also focused on staying hydrated and keep munching on light snacks to stay energized. I could feel the thrill of anticipation that had started to build within me.
Beneath the Iconic Peaks, Over the Frigid Waters
The trek finally began the next day with the drive to 'Chilling' - an apt name for a place with temperatures going below 10°. Over there, I got a chance to witness the natural beauty of the frozen Zanskar River. I felt a sudden rush of exhilaration as soon as our group was instructed to don the trekking gear.
I was super ready to embrace the adventure ahead.
As I stepped onto the ice, the ground felt uneven and slick, requiring as much attention as I could have given it. My heart raced with thrill and fear as I walked along the icy terrain, led by our seasoned trek leader Salamat sir.
As I trekked further, the stunning landscapes unfolded all around me. Rugged cliffs lined along the frozen river, and the sounds of ice cracking under our feet echoed in silence. The lofty and snow-covered mountains were so beautiful to watch that I forgot about the cold wind seeping through multiple layers of clothing.
Our first stop was Gyalpo, which translates to 'King' in Tibetan - it was where we set up our campsite for the night. Parth, and Anshuman from the Thrillophilia's ground team, made sure we had constant onsite support throughout our expedition. Trekking across challenging terrains was exhausting, but I was able to push through. It all felt achievable with the support and encouragement of my fellow travellers, with whom I had formed a strong connection.
That night, as I slipped into my sleeping bag, I thought about the day’s triumphs and challenges. The trek proved to be just as exciting as it was demanding.
Cold Struggles and Warm Connections
The days that followed brought both unforgettable moments and challenges with them. The trek from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave and then to Naerak Camp was a whirlwind of emotions. There were several times when the cold was unbearable, and the trails, daunting. The ice would shift underfoot, causing me to stumble, but the constant support of fellow trekkers kept me going. They would exchange words of encouragement and offer help whenever I would need it.
With each day that passed, I became more comfortable with the challenging terrains. From waking up early to the sound of cold winds, and enjoying hot chai made by our guides, to admiring the changing landscapes - everything was just beautiful.
Where My Soul Camps…
During the final phase of the trek, as we returned to Tibb Cave and went back to Leh, I reflected on my journey. The physical challenges had indeed pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but it was the emotional journey that truly changed me-
I headed into an unknown territory, learned to trust myself, and discovered a determination I never knew I had.
Rahul Bisht and Shyamal Modak from the support team of Thrillophilia were incredibly proactive, ensuring I had the best assistance during the trip. Their attention to minor details in the itinerary and constant support made the challenging trek feel like a cakewalk (more like an icewalk in my case).
On the last day in Leh, I explored the local markets and picked up a few souvenirs as reminders of the incredible journey. As I sat in a local café, sipping a hot cup of tea, I realized that the trek had triggered the explorer in me. With a spirit reignited by Chadar Trek, I packed my bags, promising myself to plan another adventure as soon as possible.
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