Zanskar River:
The much-awaited Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation, disappointing trekkers eager to participate in the adventure sport.
- Zanskar River is a major left-bank tributary of the Indus River, flowing entirely within the union territory of Ladakh in northern India.
- It drains the remote Zanskar Valley in the northwestern Himalayas.
- The Zanskar River starts high in the Himalayas.
- The Zanskar River has two main branches; one is Doda, with main source near Pansi-La Pass, and the other branch is formed by the Kargyag River (source near Shingo La) and the Tsarap River (source near Baralacha La).
- The river meanders northwestwards and finally meets the Indus River near Nimmu of the Ladakh region.
- It is famous for its incredible Zanskar Gorge, which is a super deep canyon it has carved over many years.
- The entire catchment area of the Zanskar River has been formed by the action of glaciers.
- Its valley is U-shaped, and a number of hanging valleys open into it.
- The Zanskar River offers immense opportunities for expeditions to adventure lovers.
- In the summer season, tourists can embark on river rafting trips, especially in the stretches between Chilling and Nimmu.
- Winter brings a unique and thrilling experience of walking along the frozen river of Zanskar, which is often called ‘Chadar Trek’.
