Chadar trek over frozen Zanskar river begins today
Arjun Sharma
Jammu, January 12
After much deliberation due to unstable ice formation, the administration of Ladakh has given a go-ahead to the much-anticipated Chadar trek over the frozen Zanskar river from January 13.
The administration including the Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, held several meetings during the past some weeks to ensure safety of the visitors and tourists who undertake the annual trek.
The DC has now announced that the Chadar trek would be held from Saturday with precautions. Officials concerned and tour operators have been asked to carry satellite phones which have been approved by the administration.
All-Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) and Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) had been asked to hold a recce of the route to ensure safety of the trek. The organisations provided a detailed report to the administration only after which a go-ahead was given.
Commercial vehicles have been restricted at the checkpoint, allowing only medical, rescue teams and officials.
DC Leh has instructed ALTOA and UTDRF to promptly submit a joint recce written report to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Additionally, he directed the Tourism Department and Wildlife Department to start the installation of tents and toilets immediately.
ALTOA informed that soon, they would organise an operators’ meeting to manage and monitor the tourist influx for Chadar trek 2024.
The administration has been asked to ensure proper facilities at all camps, including medical services, toilets and heating arrangements among others.
“Ladakh Mountain Guides Association (LMGA) also requested the provision of satellite phones for emergency communication, which received a positive nod from the authorities,” an official informed.
In a bid to enhance safety, ALTOA members informed that they would conduct medical examinations, covering aspects such as insurance, acclimatisation and fitness certifications. Furthermore, LMGA and UTDRF committed to establishing rescue operation camps to ensure the safety of trekkers.
Last week, Deputy Superintendent of Police, UTDRF, Sonam Dorje, had provided a detailed briefing on the situation of the Chadar route. He highlighted that the ice formation on the trail is not stable, raising potential safety issues for those planning to embark on the trek.
