Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, Commissioner/Secretary (Tourism) of Ladakh, presided over a meeting comprising representatives from the Civil Administration, Police Department, BRO, and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association heads, addressing the challenge of conducting the Chader Trek on the Zanskar River while respecting the ongoing Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road (NPDR) construction by the Border Roads Organisation (Project Yojak).
The primary focus of the discussion was to ensure the seamless progress of NPDR construction while simultaneously organizing a safe Chader Trek along a modified route on the Zanskar River. Sh. Deleks Namgyal, President of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), stressed the importance of a secure and uninterrupted stretch of at least 20 kilometres to provide a comprehensive trekking experience.
To find a practical and viable solution, a joint reconnaissance is scheduled for November 23, involving representatives from ALTOA, Ladakh Tourist Trade Alliance (LTTA), Ladakh Mountain Guides Association (LMGA), District Administration, Ladakh Police, UT Disaster Relief Force (UTDRF), Tourism Department, and BRO. The joint team will propose the starting and ending points of the Chader Trek, identify crucial trek locations, and ensure the establishment of campsites, medical and rescue facilities, and Police Posts to guarantee a safe and smooth Chadar Trek experience.
Concerns raised by religious and social organizations in the Zanskar Sub-division were duly considered, with assurances that road construction work would not be disrupted, and BRO would actively participate in the overall coordination. The Chader Trek, a significant winter tourist activity spanning about one and a half months in January and February, is poised to continue, with ongoing efforts to maintain its uninterrupted flow.
BRO reiterated its commitment to closely collaborate with the UT Administration and stakeholders, ensuring adherence to required safety measures. The meeting was attended by key representatives, including SSP Leh, PD Nitya; Director (Tourism), Kunzes Angmo; ADC, Leh, Sonam Chosjor; Wildlife Warden, Leh, Pankaj Raina; Commander, Yojak, Chilling; AD (Tourism), Tsering Spalzes; Inspector (UTDRF), Tsewang Namgial; President, LTTA, P. T. Kunzang; President ALTOA, Deleks Namgyal; Stanzin Norboo, ALTOA; and Tsewang Tundup, LMGA, among other officers and officials.