Why do I do this? Chadar Winter Trek begins...almost

Am about a week away (leaving to Delhi on Jan 29th, to Leh on 30th). The reality is sinking in after reading Milan's mail. I think the part that made me read twice is that Leh is shut down in winter, the water doesn't flow through the pipes because it's frozen. Of course, I knew that. I mean I intuitively should know that. So if Leh's that way then Chadar, the frozen river will be a little more interesting! :)

Here's Milan's (our trek leader) mail...


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Folks, its around the corner!
The fact that we are off is finally hitting me... big time!!
I write from the lobby of a hotel in Kathmandu, from where I leave this afternoon with the goodies. Its all done! Now fingers and toes crossed that I am not held up at Customs.

Road Ahead:
Over the next couple of days I will make packets of the gear, one per person, and request you to collect the same from my place.
Praveen and Hazel, we will need to put our heads together on how to get your stuff to Bombay. Please help.

Diamox:
Buy a strip each. You will have half a tab, starting the 29th morning, and then again on the 29th eve.
Its a half-tab, twice-a-day dose.
This will help you aclimatise.
DO NOT HAVE if you are sulfa drug allergic!!!
Side effects: There are a range of not-so-bad side effects, but the most popular is tingling in the hands and feet!
Plan on continuing with the medication for 3 to 4 days.

Personal Medical kit:
We have a comprehensive medical kit, but you are advised to carry a few of your faourite medicines... things that you know, from experience, suit you, and you react well to.

ORS:
Carry packets of Oral Rehydration Salts (eg. Electral). Carry large packets, which will produce ONE LITRE of fluid.
Carry 8 packets each.

Band Aid:
The typical long strip, and the large square patch. Great for blisters. 10 each.

Packing for the flight:
This is the most important part of your briefing, at this stage. Listen up!
When you disembark at Leh, you will step into sub-zero temperature. Boom! So you will need to be well clad.
Wear the Chadar shoes, and socks.
Wear thermals (not polypro) if you have them.
If you do not have thermals, no worries, T-shirt (long or half-sleee) is perfect.
Above this wear the micro-fleece and fleece (or keep them handy, to be deployed just before you disembark from the plane). Finally the Down Feather jacket. You will see that it packs amazingly small, and can be carried in a carry on bag without the bulk of the GoreTex jacket.
For your legs: Wear the fleece trousers, and then either normal trousers (or tracks).
Gloves, warm cap, neck gaiter to be kept in the carry-on bag as well

At Leh on day-one:
IMP: Make sure you are well hydrated at the Delhi airport, and drink whatever fluids are served on board the flight.
Typically a small water bottle is doled out. Keep one in reserve, and quaff it just before you de-plane at Leh.
You may feel a little heady at the airport. Meaning a little 'high'. "Take it easy. Keep it realxed and purposeful, and you will be ok. Remember you are in high altitude and that needs a little respect. The effects of the lack of available oxygen will only show up 4-6 hours later, so don't fool yourself if you feel ok at the airport. Slow and steady. :)
The airport and facilities are primitive compared to what we are used to. There is a single conveyor, and that too is pint size!! Typically there is a scramble to get the luggage, and only a few of us will be able to crowd around the belt. To make things easy, I will distribute pink ribbon pieces to each person, to tie on their bags, making it simple for us to identify each other's bags.
Do not 'carry' your bags please... only on trollies.

After that its only a short drive to the Guest House.

We are staying at Shanti Guest House in Changspa, Leh, owned by Tsering our guide.
Its one of the few places open at this season, as the rest of Leh shuts down for the winter.
Its a family-owned set-up, and the family looks after us.
The rooms are nothing spectacular... basic... but happily have gas heaters!
In Leh in winter, there is no running water in taps, as the plumbing is drained dry. (Freezing water expands and causes the pipes to burst)!
So we will need to pour water into the toilets. (happy initiation to what lies ahead!)
Hot water can be arranged in the rooms every morning.
Note: The water is from the local stream, as there is no municipal supply. So don't be thrown if the water is not clear as you are used to at your homes.

At the Guest House:
There is a lovely common area. Gather around for a briefing of what lies ahead!!
Basically expect to do little else that lie down, and drink plenty (and frequently visit the loo!)

m

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inn-tuh-res-ting!