No chadar trek until formation of stable ice: Leh administration

The Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve chaired a meeting to discuss the conduct of the Chadar Trek 2024.

The meeting addressed concerns about the safety of tourists undertaking the trek, considering the current conditions of the Chadar route.

During the session, Deputy Superintendent of Police, UT Disaster Response Force (UTDRF), Sonam Dorje, provided a detailed briefing on the present 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 Chadar Trek.

Expressing genuine concern for the safety of tourists and the overall enthusiasm surrounding the Chadar Trek, DC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve directed the UTDRF to collaborate with the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA) Leh to conduct a thorough review of the situation on January 11 or 12, with a primary focus on ensuring the safety of the Chadar Trek participants.

In the event that the situation is deemed critical, Deputy Commissioner Sukhadeve made it clear that he would prohibit tourists from undertaking the Chadar Trek until conditions improve.

With fluctuation in temperature and changing weather patterns, a thick layer of ice is missing from the surface of the Zanskar river. Sometimes, the chadar (ice on river surface) breaks at some places making it risky for tourists to walk on it. January and February are the ideal months for chadar trek. The Chadar trek in Leh provides employment to hundreds of local residents including porters and guides. The local people are worried for freezing of the thick ice as Leh administration has made it clear that chadar trek will be allowed only after ensuring safety of the tourists.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Leh; Chief Planning Officer, Leh; Sr. Superintendent of Police, Leh; Superintendent of Police, UTDRF, Ladakh; Dy. Superintendent of Police UTDRF, Leh; Chief Medical Officer, Leh; Wildlife Warden, Leh; Assistant Director, Tourism, Leh; Assistant Director, Information; President, All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), Leh; and President, Ladakh Mountain Guides Association (LMGA), Leh.