The Fauji Dream: Puneet’s First Adventure to Chadar Trek
Everyone was sharing stories of why they had come to this frozen river in Ladakh. Now, it was Puneet’s turn, who proudly shared, “I am a Fauji kid, and I always wanted to push my limits and do something exhilarating. So, when he got the chance, he chose the most dangerous and exciting Chadar Trek.”
Listening to this, the group of trekkers, wrapped in their thick jackets and huddled against the biting cold, looked at him with respect. The words uttered by Puneet had struck a deep chord.
It was the second night of the trek, and a light snowfall had dusted the Zanskar Gorge. That had turned the already beautiful landscape into something magical, which brought sparkle to everybody’s eyes. There was a sense of celebration with a bonfire and Bollywood songs.
But, it was a special experience for Puneet as he had experienced snowfall for the very first time. Despite the chill, his heart was warmed by the beauty of it all.
The Bond
There were 12 people in total, a group of strangers who had come together with Thrillophilia for this trek. But they had bonded as a team from the time they had stepped onto the frozen Zanskar River. Whether it was sharing stories over warm cups of chai or helping each other along the slippery sections of the trail, their companionship was unshakable.
Puneet had formed a special rapport with the trek leader, Satya, from the very first day. Both came from military families, and that shared background created an instant bond. They had a small ritual that they followed every morning. Just before setting off, Satya would look at Puneet and say, “Hum honge kaamyab!”.
This phrase has become their daily motivation, a reminder that no matter how hard things got, they were in it together.
The Real Test
Five days in, and the trek was testing every bit of their patience. The cold had become a constant companion, biting at their faces and numbing their fingers. At night, the tents and campfires were the only refuge, but finding a good place to set up camp was becoming increasingly difficult.
That evening, after hours of trekking, Satya, Shashank, and Dorge called the trekkers together. He announced, “We will reach Nerak soon. But the trail ahead is tricky. The Zanskar River is the deepest and weakest here, so everyone should walk carefully. Once we cross it, the path gets easier after that, so stay calm and mentally strong.”
After announcing, Satya shouted, “So, how’s the josh?”
To that, everybody replied by saying, “High, Sir!”
With the gathered courage, they moved ahead.
Nerak’s Fall and a Patriotic Heart
The next morning, we packed up camp and set out for Nerak. The trail was easier than expected, and we reached Nerak’s frozen waterfall sooner than planned.
There was a waterfall, a magnificent cascade frozen in time, standing tall and proud, glistening under the sun’s rays. It was one of those moments that made them stop in awe, admiring the raw beauty of nature.
Upon witnessing the frozen waterfall, Puneet could not resist. He stripped off his jacket and shirt and yelled loudly, “Hurrah! We made it.”
His “josh”, as he called it, was contagious. He seemed unaffected by the cold, his spirit keeping him warm. At that moment, he was not just a trekker - he was a symbol of passion, pride, and resilience.
A Crack in the Ice
After lunch, they spent some more time at the waterfall before setting off for the next campsite at Tibb Caves. But they felt that something was not right. The trail, which had been relatively smooth, suddenly seemed weird.
After walking for some time, Dorge asked them to stop. When asked, he told the group that there was something unusual.
And then, they heard the ice crack beneath their feet. Everybody was in panic, but our team leaders made us calm and asked them to walk carefully and in small groups.
As they moved, Dev’s leg sank knee-deep into the icy water. Everybody gasped.
He was visibly shaken, but Shashank quickly helped him out, replacing his wet socks and pants.
Then it was Puneet’s turn.
Despite being cautious, Puneet misjudged a patch of ice. His right leg plunged into the freezing water, but unlike others, he remained remarkably calm. Satya, who was leading his group, helped him out as soon as he could.
After changing into dry clothes, he was ready to move on. Being impressed, Satya told him, “You were quite calm for someone who just fell into a frozen river.”
Puneet jokingly replied, “I heard the crack. I knew I would fall. But it was oddly satisfying.”
Both laughed and the tension eased out.
The Final Stretch
As he reached the end of the trek, he realised how much this journey had taught him. This trip was not just about walking on a frozen river or braving the cold, it was about the people who shared the experience.
Puneet’s unwavering spirit, Satya and Shashank’s leadership, and the support of the entire group made this trek a memorable adventure for all.
Read More: Thrillophilia Chadar Trek Reviews