Zanskar river during winter transforms into a whole different planet I’ve had the fortune to witnessed this pristine grandeur Himalayan valley.
This River is the only route connecting to the village Nerak, it’s isolated with limited basic necessities. The daunting weather conditions and the terrain makes it hard for the locals to survive but they not only manage to get through the winter, they do it with a smile.
For Children they go through the semi frozen chadar for days from the remote snowbound village to reach the boarding school in Leh.
The locals have to maneuver through the cliffs adjacent to the river bed when the chadar is broken due to unpredictable weather, sometimes the locals hide in the caves wait for the weather to get better so they can walk on the frozen river bed again. It’s not uncommon that they Army helicopter has come to their rescue.
I can’t put into words the incredible ladakh community and their indomitable spirit. Biting cold temperature, treacherous path, carrying grocery, tents, supplies..these Ladakhis make it possible for thousands of trekkers to have a remarkable experience on Chadar..although they struggle everyday to make their ends meet they are the happiest people! They cook, sing and dance, play music, crack jokes!
I have Never come across such energy, positivity and undying spirit.
