There are many ways to experience Ladakh - and one of the best by far is trekking on the Zanskar, also called the 'Chadar Trek' because the river is covered by a sheet of winter ice.
The old-timers may remember my posts before and after my trip in early 2011. But they were brief and did not do justice. So i reminisce, and record once again.
To embark on such an expedition - that many rate as "extremely challenging" - requires immense training and psyching of the mind. This is not for anything but to have a good and fun trip. Unfortunately, i relied more on the 'psyching' bit than the training and it showed on the last day of the trek. But uh...well...less on that a little later.
Apart from the fitness levels, there are a few initial things that need attention. Like the gear. Since this trek can be done only in the winters (if that!) it is necessary to brace oneself. The temperature dipped to minus 25 degrees while we were there. So high-quality and appropriate gear is a priority. It can really make or break your trip.
Apart from being super expensive, the stuff is also very hard to find in Mumbai. Luckily, my team leader, Milan Moudgil, rented out most of the things to me and i bought some from specialty stores. One is in Grant Road and the other is in Matunga (East). I don't think there's a third retail outlet in the city that sells gear for this kind of weather and altitude.
Apart from that, you also need to carry supplemental food that will give you a) instant energy and b) warmth. I carried a sweet made from dates and dry fruits. And of course, something to keep your skin from chapping. Now, here's a little information that not many people will know. You don't need any expensive, high-end, clinical, prescriptive cream for that. All you need is a small bottle of good 'ol Vaseline. I prefer the aloe vera flavour.
Your team leader will also warn you about high altitude sickness. And i suggest you take it seriously too. Because i (and Milan) didn't know what hit me on the first night. We both thought I wouldn't make it alive another day! Evidently, i did. But its a good thing to start with the pill. We took Diamox for 3 days prior to the trek.
To be continued...
The old-timers may remember my posts before and after my trip in early 2011. But they were brief and did not do justice. So i reminisce, and record once again.
To embark on such an expedition - that many rate as "extremely challenging" - requires immense training and psyching of the mind. This is not for anything but to have a good and fun trip. Unfortunately, i relied more on the 'psyching' bit than the training and it showed on the last day of the trek. But uh...well...less on that a little later.
 |
| My friends J&J supervising my gear a day before i flew to Leh from Delhi |
Apart from the fitness levels, there are a few initial things that need attention. Like the gear. Since this trek can be done only in the winters (if that!) it is necessary to brace oneself. The temperature dipped to minus 25 degrees while we were there. So high-quality and appropriate gear is a priority. It can really make or break your trip.
Apart from being super expensive, the stuff is also very hard to find in Mumbai. Luckily, my team leader, Milan Moudgil, rented out most of the things to me and i bought some from specialty stores. One is in Grant Road and the other is in Matunga (East). I don't think there's a third retail outlet in the city that sells gear for this kind of weather and altitude.
Apart from that, you also need to carry supplemental food that will give you a) instant energy and b) warmth. I carried a sweet made from dates and dry fruits. And of course, something to keep your skin from chapping. Now, here's a little information that not many people will know. You don't need any expensive, high-end, clinical, prescriptive cream for that. All you need is a small bottle of good 'ol Vaseline. I prefer the aloe vera flavour.
 |
| Piling up the good stuff at Gurgaon's Easy Day supermarket |
Your team leader will also warn you about high altitude sickness. And i suggest you take it seriously too. Because i (and Milan) didn't know what hit me on the first night. We both thought I wouldn't make it alive another day! Evidently, i did. But its a good thing to start with the pill. We took Diamox for 3 days prior to the trek.
To be continued...
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