The implications of the new road on Ladakhi families:
The ongoing construction of the Zanskar Highway brings a ray of light to the Zanskar region. Construction workers are working relentlessly in harsh weather conditions to complete the project. Although it would take a few years for it to reach villages like Padum and Zangla, it brings the hope of a better life and access to resources to Ladakhi families living in those villages.
For tourists, this means different things. It means the Chadar trek may come to an end since the road would allow anyone and everyone to step on Chadar for a day’s hike or an overnight camping trip. The peace and quite that prevails in the valley will fail to exist. There will also be tourists camping on the banks of the frozen river with booze and loud music, making it worse. Until we hear more from the government about the rules and regulations that will be put into place, it is hard to foresee the fate of Chadar.
But it makes me extremely happy to know the magnitude of change it would bring to the families who have been living a harsh life for years. The trek is not as important as the families stuck in remote villages on Zanskar.
And on that note, I end this post and request everyone who is planning on doing this trek in the next few seasons to be respectful of the river and not pollute the source of life of hundreds of families living in Zanskar.
Check these 15 Most Glorious Pictures of Chadar Trek before visiting Chadar.
Julley!