chadar ice river zanskar, ladakh

The Chadar (meaning 'ice sheet') is the name of the ice river which threads its way through the frozen valleys of the Zanskar ranges in Ladakh.

Due to Zanskar's extreme geographic isolation, the Chadar is the only means of access for Zanskaris in and out of the region during winter months.

For 6-8 months each year, Zanskar is cut off from the rest of the world by snow which blocks the roads and high passes.

Villagers must wait until the depths of winter when the Indus river has frozen over before they can be linked again to the outside world.

For centuries the Chadar has been used as a trade route transporting salt, timber and other goods along the Indus river by porters who brave the treacherous conditions each year.

For many of our sponsor children, the gruelling 12 day walk along the frozen river is really their only option to get to school when it resumes after the winter break in March.

During late February and early March when the children set off, the melting ice is at its most dangerous. As the sun thins the ice in places, the children's many river crossings are fraught with danger.

The children often do not have walking shoes or warm clothes. Many trek the route in their traditional yak fur boots which offer little comfort or protection against the sub-zero temperatures or proofing against the icy waters below.

In the evenings when the temperatures drop, the children and their families take shelter in the caves holed out of the mountain face overlooking the Chadar. At this time of year, fuel for campfires is difficult to find.

It is incredible the extremes to which these children and their families are prepared to go to experience the gift of an education ... a basic right which we take for granted.