Leh: The Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh has been postponed, as the river has not completely frozen despite temperatures plummeting to as low as -23.5°C in Drass, -13.5°C in Kargil, and -13.0°C in Leh. Local authorities have cited environmental factors, including global warming, as the primary reason behind the unusual delay in the freezing process.
The Chadar Trek, one of the region’s most sought-after winter expeditions, typically begins in early January. However, a reconnaissance mission last week revealed that the riverbanks, which trekkers use as their pathway, remain unfrozen. Besides, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Ghulam Mohammad, expressed concern over this anomaly. “During this time, the river is generally frozen on both sides. However, the reconnaissance team found that the riverbanks were not frozen, which is unprecedented,” the ADC told the Chandigah-based newspaper, The Tribune.
Experts have pointed to global warming as a contributing factor to the delayed freezing of the Zanskar River. In recent years, shifting weather patterns and rising global temperatures have impacted the Himalayan region, altering its delicate ecological balance. This year’s delay adds to the growing concerns over climate change’s impact on Ladakh’s environment.
The ADC further announced that another reconnaissance mission is scheduled for January 11-12 to reassess the river’s condition. “Preparations for the trek are complete, but we need the river to freeze before allowing trekkers to proceed,” he added.
The Chadar Trek draws hundreds of adventure enthusiasts from across the country annually. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging conditions, the trek is a 7-9 day journey from Chilling to Padum in Ladakh. However, in recent years, road construction by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has led to a shortening of the route, and experts anticipate this year’s trek will also be truncated if it proceeds.
Tour operators and local businesses, which depend heavily on the annual trek, are now left in uncertainty. While the infrastructure for the event is ready, the delay in the trek’s commencement poses logistical and financial challenges for the stakeholders involved.
Despite the unfrozen river, Ladakh continues to experience extreme winter temperatures. Drass, often referred to as the “Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth,” recorded a bone-chilling -23.5°C, while Kargil and Leh reported -13.5°C and -13.0°C, respectively.
The postponement of the Chadar Trek underscores the broader implications of climate change on the region. Ladakh’s unique ecosystem, which depends on freezing temperatures, is increasingly vulnerable to global warming. Environmentalists and local authorities are calling for urgent measures to mitigate the impact of climate change and preserve the region’s fragile environment.
The Chadar Trek in Ladakh, a premier winter adventure on the frozen Zanskar River, continues to draw significant interest despite fluctuations in participation. In 2023, it saw 1,325 trekkers, including 62 foreign participants, compared to 949 in 2021. The trek’s popularity persists despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to Ladakh’s broader winter tourism boom.
