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Class 7: Unit-10: Walking on a Frozen River by Salehin Arshady (Only For Reading & Discussion)

 Walking on a Frozen River by Salehin Arshady (Summary Only For Reading)

This travel account chronicles the experience of the writer-speaker as he undertakes the greatly challenging but deeply rewarding Chadar Trek in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India. The account gives the readers a glimpse of the breathtaking journey that travellers take across the frozen Zanskar River.

The Chadar Trek takes place in the Zanskar Valley, a remote and isolated region ensconced within the Trans-Himalayas. This region is known for its stunning beauty and harsh winters and this combination offers a unique and challenging experience for trekkers. The Zanskar River freezes over during the winter months and forms a blanket or a chadar of ice over the river thus creating a perilous path that winds through the valley. The word chadar which means blanket refers to the thick blanket of ice that forms on the river.

Inspired by a documentary showcasing the region's beauty, the speaker had long dreamed of embarking on the Chadar Trek. He was also particularly intrigued by the the hardships faced by its inhabitants. The speaker and his group begin their journey in Leh, Ladakh, where they spend four days enjoying the beauty of remote Ladakhi hamlets. They experience the region's art, architecture, and culture, heavily influenced by Tibet, especially evident in the Buddhist monasteries. They also immerse themselves in a way of life that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. From there, they embark on a scenic drive to Tilat Sumdo, the starting point of the trek. As they descend to the frozen river, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the Zanskar River, transformed into a thick sheet of ice with the waves quaking beneath.

From there on, the trek gets more and more challenging but equally fascinating. After indulging in Kargil’s famous salty tea, they move on to their next destination, Shingra Kongma where the river becomes even narrower and the treacherous water causes the ice blocks to break and get carried away. Their next destination, Tibb, offers them the breathtaking view of frozen waterfalls. After reaching the narrowest part of the river, just eight feet wide, the group arrives at their final destination—the ancient village of Nerak. There, they witness the frozen Nerak waterfall, one of the largest in the region.

They also have the unique experience of spending the coldest night with a temperature of minus twenty-five degrees. And as the sun rises the next morning, dispelling the cold spell, the group goes on to experience the village and immerse in the cultural extravaganza that the little place and its warm and hospitable people have to offer.

The travel article helps is understand that the Chadar Trek is an extremely gruelling but an equally rewarding adventure that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travellers to explore the breathtaking but rugged beauty of the Zanskar Valley. It is a journey that tests one’s physical and mental limits but offers a spiritual transformation by providing a deep connection with nature. The treacherous landscape, the icy surface, the unpredictable flow of the currents, the sub-zero temperatures and the remote, isolated environment add to the adventure. However, in spite of the difficulties, the speaker finds a deep sense of accomplishment as he overcomes all the challenges. The trek also gives him an opportunity to connect with the Zanskari people and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. In conclusion, the Chadar Trek offers a scintillating combination of breathtaking natural beauty, physical challenges, and cultural immersion resulting in a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. 

Question and Answers








Detailed Summary in Points: Walking on a Frozen River by Salehin Arshady

  1. The travel account describes the writer-speaker’s experience of the Chadar Trek in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India.

  2. The trek takes place on the Zanskar River, which freezes during winter and forms a thick sheet of ice called the “Chadar” (blanket of ice).

  3. The Zanskar Valley is a remote and isolated region in the Trans-Himalayas, known for its extreme cold and breathtaking natural beauty.

  4. The speaker is inspired to undertake the trek after watching a documentary that showcases the region’s beauty and the hardships of its people.

  5. The journey begins in Leh, where the group spends a few days exploring local villages and surroundings.

  6. During their stay in Leh, they experience:

    • Ladakhi art and architecture

    • Tibetan-influenced Buddhist monasteries

    • The traditional lifestyle of the region that has remained unchanged for centuries

  7. From Leh, the group travels by road to Tilat Sumdo, which is the starting point of the trek.

  8. As they descend onto the frozen river, they witness the Zanskar River completely transformed into a thick sheet of ice, with water still flowing beneath it.

  9. The trek becomes increasingly difficult due to:

    • Slippery ice surfaces

    • Unpredictable river conditions

    • Extreme cold and isolation

  10. Along the way, the trekkers experience:

  • Kargil’s famous salty tea

  • The narrow and dangerous section at Shingra Kongma, where ice breaks and moves with the current

  • The stunning frozen waterfalls at Tibb

  1. At one point, they cross a very narrow stretch of the river, only about eight feet wide, making the journey even more challenging.

  2. The group finally reaches the remote village of Nerak, their final destination.

  3. In Nerak, they witness the magnificent frozen Nerak waterfall, one of the largest in the region.

  4. The trekkers spend a night in extreme conditions, experiencing temperatures of around -25°C.

  5. The next morning, as the sun rises, they experience:

  • Relief from the intense cold

  • Warm hospitality of the Zanskari people

  • A closer look at their culture and way of life

  1. The speaker reflects that the trek is both physically and mentally demanding but also deeply rewarding.

  2. The journey helps the speaker:

  • Build resilience and endurance

  • Develop a strong connection with nature

  • Gain cultural insight into the lives of the Zanskar people

  • Feel a deep sense of achievement

  1. In conclusion, the Chadar Trek is presented as a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, hardship, and cultural immersion, making it a truly unforgettable experience.



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