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Chadar Trek (Frozen Zanskar River)

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LocationLadakh
Duration9 Days
Max Altitude11123 FT
Distance62 km
GradeDifficult
Support9520557784xplorethedreams@gmail.com
Starting from
₹25,000
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Overview

A Look at the Trek

The Chadar Trek is one of the most unique, thrilling, and glamorous treks in the world. 'Chadar' refers to the blanket of ice that forms over the Zanskar River in the dead of winter, creating the only viable route connecting the isolated Zanskar valley with Leh.

Walking on a frozen river in sub-zero temperatures (ranging from -15°C to -30°C) inside a dramatic, deep gorge is an extreme adventure. You will witness frozen waterfalls, sleep in caves or tents pitched on ice, and experience the unparalleled resilience of the Zanskari people.

Highlights

  • Walking on IceLearn the unique penguin-like walk required to safely traverse the fragile, ever-changing ice sheet of the Zanskar River.
  • Nerak WaterfallWitness the magnificent frozen waterfall at Nerak, a massive cascade of blue ice that serves as the turnaround point for the trek.
  • Extreme SurvivalExperience the thrill of surviving in one of the most extreme environments on earth, camping in temperatures plunging to -30°C.

Quick Facts

Base CampLeh
SeasonWinter
MonthsJanuary | February
Rail HeadJammu Tawi (very far, flying to Leh is mandatory in winter)
AirportKushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
Trail TypeFrozen River Expedition | Trekking on sheet ice.
Day by Day

The Itinerary

A carefully crafted journey ensuring you experience the best of the landscape while acclimatizing safely.

01

Arrival in Leh

Fly into Leh. The dramatic flight over the snow-covered Himalayas is spectacular.
Transfer to a heated guesthouse.
Strict rest for the entire day to acclimatize to the 11,400 ft altitude.
02

Acclimatization and Medical Check-up

Mandatory medical check-up at the SNM Hospital in Leh.
Acquire wildlife permits and ALTOA NOC.
Short acclimatization walk around Leh market and Shanti Stupa.
03

Leh to Shingra Koma to Tsomo Paldar

Drive from Leh to Shingra Koma (approx 3 hours) via Chilling and Tilad Do.
Step onto the Chadar for the first time.
Trek to the first campsite at Tsomo Paldar (2-3 hours).
Overnight in tents on the banks of the frozen river.
04

Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave

Trek 14 km (approx 6-7 hours) on the Chadar.
Navigate through narrow gorges where the sun barely reaches the river.
Camp near Tibb Cave, historically used by Zanskari locals.
05

Tibb Cave to Nerak

Trek 12 km (approx 6 hours) to the most anticipated point of the trek: Nerak.
Witness the spectacular 50-foot frozen waterfall.
Nights at Nerak are notorious for being the coldest on the entire trek (up to -30°C).
06

Nerak to Tibb Cave

Begin the return journey. The Chadar changes dynamically; the ice formations you saw yesterday might look completely different today.
Trek back to Tibb Cave for the night.
07

Tibb Cave to Gyalpo

Trek 14 km back towards Gyalpo.
Enjoy the last few days of walking on this surreal icy mirror.
08

Gyalpo to Shingra Koma to Leh

Final walking day on the Chadar.
Reach Shingra Koma, board the vehicles, and drive back to Leh.
Check into a warm guesthouse and celebrate the successful expedition.
09

Departure from Leh

Transfer to the airport early morning.
Fly out of Leh with memories of a lifetime.
Preparation

Eligibility & Fitness

High altitude treks require a baseline of physical fitness. Review the criteria below and check your readiness.

Age RequirementMinimum 15 years. This is an extreme weather trek.
Fitness Criteria
  • Excellent cardiovascular endurance.
  • Mental toughness to withstand extreme cold (-30°C).
Health & Awareness
  • Mandatory medical checkup at Leh hospital is required before the trek.
  • Not suited for asthma or blood pressure patients.

Calculate Your BMI

Logistics

How to Reach

Details on arriving at the base camp and meeting points.

Meeting Point

Leh Guesthouse

Drop Off

Leh Guesthouse

Travel Options

  • 01The only way to reach Leh in winter is by air. All roads (Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh) are closed due to heavy snow.
Pricing

Cost Terms

What is included and excluded in the expedition cost.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in heated guesthouse in Leh (Day 1, 2, 8).
  • Camping in alpine tents during the trek.
  • Specialized extreme-weather sleeping bags (-20°C to -30°C rating).
  • All meals during the trek.
  • Transport from Leh to trekking point and back.
  • ALTOA fees, Wildlife fees, and ALTOA NOC.

Exclusions

  • Flights to and from Leh.
  • Meals in Leh.
  • Personal extreme weather clothing (gumboots, down jackets).
Equipment

Trek Essentials

A comprehensive packing list to ensure you are well-prepared for the expedition.

Basic Gear

Gumboots are mandatory for walking on the Chadar (can be bought in Leh).
High-quality Down Jacket (at least 700 fill power).
Multiple layers of thermal innerwear.
Fleece balaclava, waterproof gloves, and woolen socks (at least 4-5 pairs).
Two 1-liter insulated thermos flasks (regular bottles will freeze and crack).
Policies

Cancellation Terms

Review our cancellation policies and refund options before booking.

Prior to 30 days

  • 90% refund

15 to 30 days

  • 50% refund

Less than 15 days

  • No refund

Emergency Cases

In case of failure in the mandatory medical test at Leh, 50% trek fee is refunded as voucher.

Important Notes

  • 01The Chadar trek is highly dependent on weather and ice formation. Itineraries may change on the spot for safety.

FAQ

Know before you go
No, normal trekking shoes will slip on the ice and get wet if the ice breaks. Gumboots are the most effective footwear for the Chadar.
You will likely get wet up to your knees. Your guides will quickly take you to the bank, start a fire, and have you change clothes. This is why you must carry extra dry layers in a waterproof bag.