From 2019 on-wards, not everyone who books the Chadar Trek will be able to undertake this dream trek. The reason being, each trekker will now have to undergo a compulsory health check-up and get a medical clearance from the doctors appointed by the Leh administration. Along with the permission trekkers need to get medical insurance to trek the frozen Zanskar river.
This is a very important move taken by the officials in the wake of casualties and some chadar trek death which happens every year.
As the trekkers are required to bear inhospitable conditions to trek at a height of 11150 ft; where the day temperature hovers around -10 degree Celsius and between -20 and -25 degree Celsius during the night. This move would surely bring down the number of casualties as compared to the previous years.
This move will go a long way to ensure safety and security of adventure seekers undertaking the 100 km Chadar or Zanskar Trek between the months of January
Leh administration has even issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) and several guidelines to trek organizers.Here are the complete details.
What are the latest Chadar Trek Rules and Regulations of the Ladakh administration?
Leh Ladakh administration has brought three necessary regulations for chadar Trek since 2019 which will be applicable from 2019 onwards.
- Acclimatizing in Leh for three days
- Medical Check before the trek up at Leh
- Medical Insurance for the chadar trek, rescue and LMGA fees.
- NOC from ALTOA followed by the Permit from the Wildlife Department.
The Permit will be issued to each trekker only after producing the medical certificate.
What are the Chadar Trek Pre-Medical, Rescue, Wildlife Permit, Insurance, LMGA and ALTOA NOC fees?
As per the Government mandate, it is now mandatory for participants to acquire medical certification before they undertake the Chadar trek. After they clear the medical they have to pay Rescue, Wildlife Permit, Insurance, LMGA and ALTOA NOC fees.
In this year i.e 2023, the total fees for the above is INR 9,200/ –
Are the Chadar Trek Pre-Medical, Rescue, Wildlife Permit and Insurance fees included in the Chadar Trek Packages?
No. These fees are separate from the Chadar Trek packages cost and they have to be paid to the administration. The Chadar Trek organizer has nothing to do with these fees. We will facilitate this procedure by helping you fill the forms and taking you to the administration office to get the relevant permissions
What does the medical test (at SNM) for the Chadar Trek comprise of?
On the thirdd day of arrival, a Medical test is conducted by SNM doctors. The Permit will be issued to each trekker only after producing the medical certificate. Please note that trekkers will be asked to show their flight boarding passes at the time of the check-up to confirm minimum 3-days of acclimatization days in Leh.
The two essential things the doctors check are:
- Oxygen Level
- Blood Pressure
Apart from these two they also ask about your medical history like diabetes, asthma, family history of Heart disease, allergies etc. to judge if you are fit enough to complete the trek
But the most crucial is the O2 level and Blood Pressure reading. They will clear you only if these are two are reasonable.
Sometimes they may also advise medication if you have a stomach upset or mild fever.
Once you clear the medical test, you go for your insurance,rescue, LMGA, ALTOA and Wildlife permits.
What if I don’t clear the Medical Test ?
You are advised to follow this fitness routine at-least 1 month before you arrive for the Chadar Trek in Leh.
If you follow Aerobic activities, such as running, biking and swimming it will improve your O2 level i.e the maximum volume of oxygen that your body can use. This is important for a high altitude trek like Chadar Trek as there is less oxygen in the air for you to consume in Leh due to high altitude.
Pre-arrival fitness preparations will ensure you clear the medical test. If for certain reason you are not able to clear the medical test on second day, the doctor will prescribe you certain medicines and ask you come the next day. Majority of the trekkers who don’t clear the test on first attempt clear it in the second attempt.
If you haven’t worked out for years and arrive here hoping to clear the medical test you will in most probability wont clear it.
If you don’t clear the medical test even in the second attempt you will NOT GO FOR THEÂ TREK.
To avoid this regret, work out regularly, like doing intense fitness and strength classes. If you are cycling or running three times a week and other activities on the weekend, then two to three months of specific training is what we will recommend.
You’re going to be out and walking for several hours or several days in a row, so do focus your training on endurance.
And be careful that you don’t make the mistake of ramping up too quickly over a couple of weeks and risk injury. Start slowly, and gradually work your way up to longer fitness sessions.
Will i get a refund if i don’t clear the Medical Test?
Yes. You will get a refund of 50% of the total trek fees if you don’t clear the Medical Test. Also you need NOT pay for the first 3N/4Days stay in Leh. For additional days stay or trips you will be charged on actual.
Read this blog on other relevant information about Chadar Trek Preparation.