On The Edge - TNF Chadar Ice Trek

This highlight of the 2007 The North Face Chadar Ice Tek Expedition features stuning imagery of the Zanskar region, also known as a "Little Tibet". It is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world, with wild and solitary valleys at 4000m and peaks rising to over 7000m. The frozen Zanskar river, also known, as the Chador (white blanket) is the only way in and out for the Zanskari once heavy snow closes the passes, up to ten months a year. With ancient monasteries built into cliff walls, Tibetan Buddhism has been able to grow uninterrupted, unlike in neighboring Tibet, and culture and lifestyle remain relatively traditional and unchanged. With global warming affecting the freezing of the river and construction of roads into the region, the nature of life in the Zanskar is expected to rapidly change. The North Face team of Ace Kvale, John Griber, Kami Hardcastle, and Kasha Rigby embarked on a 22-day, 150-mile trek up and down the river. They follow the centuries-old Chadar Trek, the same traditional trade route used by Zanskaris, and will explore the region and its culture, which although isolated, is adapting to a changing world, as is the itself. The North Face has once again taken us on fantastic journey into a little seen region of the world. Explore their website to learn more about the Chadar Ice Trek and other exeditions.

YouTube | April 13, 2008

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