Before you start packing, a slight reminder: pack light! The Chadar Trek is all about being nimble-footed on frozen water. The cold is unbearable, and the atmosphere is thin and lugging your heavy bags can just make it more difficult. So, just pack the essentials into your rucksack or take a small daypack too (if you have porters to carry your luggage). And just in case you're wondering what these essentials are - we have a checklist for you!
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You don’t need to carry too many changes of clothing. Thermals shirts, thermal trousers, woollen gloves, woollen socks and woollen caps are a must. Take necessary jackets, and windcheaters. Raincoats or ponchos are another necessity. The trick is to layer. Wearing one thick sweater isn’t as warm as layering two or more sweaters because the trapped layer of air acts as an insulator and keeps you warmer.
Proper shoes are a must. Waterproof high-ankle hiking boots with proper grips are a necessity because the ice is very slippery. If you like improvising, wear those good ol' rubber gumboots over regular hiking boots. And make sure they are well broken into before the trek. Do remember that even your hiking boots are useless for walking on glass-smooth ice. You will need to fit crampons on them.
Pack in antipyretics, analgesics, antiemetics, anti-allergens, medicines for diarrhoea, altitude sickness, oral rehydration pills and other prescription drugs. A pain relief gel and a couple of band-aids can be handy. Taking water-purification tablets is a good idea too. We always recommend a thorough medical check-up before starting out on the Chadar Trek, because nowhere on the frozen Zanskar will you find a chemist, let alone a doctor unless one is trekking with you!
You can take a print out of this list to check off "Everything You Need to Carry" for the Chadar trek -
Wanted to know, what all are my options from where I can buy good Gum boots. I don’t want to buy any expensive stuff as it is only for one time use.
Is it Ok to use only one trekking pole?
At one time, how many layers is necessary/important?
Saurabh
December 28, 2015
Also, are gaitors necessary for the trek?