Chadar Trek

Walkthrough the unbelievably beautiful Gorge under extreme cold over the frozen Zanskar river

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Duration
9 Days, 8 nights
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Highest Altitude:
3500m
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Grade:
Challenging
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Best Time:
Jan, Feb
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Temperatures:
-17 to -30
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Starts From:
Leh
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Airport:
Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport ( IXL)
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Railway:
Katra, (KEA), Jammu Tawi ( JAT)

Key Geographical Highlights

2 Rivers:

Zanskar, Indus

1 Villages:

Leh

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Hemis National Park

Reach Leh find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Chadar Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayLeh 3500m
Arrive In Leh
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel / Guest House / Homestays
Meals Included: All Meals
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Leh
Checkin to the guest house. Meet for evening Snacks. Team introduction and brief about the trek. Dinner.
Day 1
220 - Delhi
Day 1
3500 - Leh
2 - 3hrs.
▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayLeh 3500m
Walk To Tsemo Monastery. Return To Leh. Explore Shanti Stupa & Nearby. - 5 -6 Hrs.
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a very important day for the team. After confronting the extreme weather of Ladakh, we today venture outside and also try and get used to both the weather and walking on these conditions. This will allow us for better acclimatization and comfort during the trek. It also gives us the time to enjoy the unbelievable beauty of Ladakh in the winters
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Tsemo Monastery
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Shanti Stupa
Day 2
3500 - Leh
5 -6hrs.
▼ Day 3Exploration DayLeh 3500m
Excursion to Shey, Thikshey Monastery & Nearby.. Return To Leh - 5 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning excursion to Shey Palace and Thikshey Monastery. Medical Check from SNP hospital and resolve Permit from Wildlife District Administration
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3600 - Shey, Thikshey Monastery
Day 3
3500 - Leh
5Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayTsomo 3150m
From Leh (3500m ) To Tsomo (3150m ), Via - Chilling (3200m ), Bakula (3170m ) - 3 Hrs.
Overnight In: Tsomo (3150m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
A picturesque and thrilling drive fro some 3 hours brings us to the trekking point after crossing Tilad Do and Bakula.

There we are, about to put our first step on the frozen river !! Its time to get excited but also to go on.. We get down from the roadhead to the Zanskar river bed, and walk on its sides to reach our campsite. As we put our steps and try walking, we do have a little problem and needs getting used to it. After some swaying, balancing and slipping act, we stand up and learn to walk on the Chadar. Its small walk for the first day.

Once we reach there, the day is for us to relax and enjoy the amazing and magical beauty surrounding us. The trek leader and the guide briefs about the techniques required to be used to walk safely and properly for a successful trek. They also pass on important information regarding the Chadar and safety practices.
Day 4
3500 - Leh
Day 4
3200 - Chilling
Day 4
3170 - Bakula
Day 4
3150 - Tsomo
3hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayTibb Cave 3190m
From Tsomo (3150m ) To Tibb Cave (3190m ) - 3 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Tibb Cave (3190m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today is a slightly longer but a day where you will witness lots of incredible beauties of nature and an interesting story too !!
As we finish our early morning activities and hit the trail, we take us deep in the gorge of the river Zanskar. Today we see lots of waterfalls and caves which are delight for to the eyes and to a photographer's lens. The interesting story is better to be heard on the trail from the locals itself, as the way have to say it is also worth experiencing !!
Hot lunch on the way keeps us comfortable and replenished. We reach campsite quite easily and the relax for the day.
Day 5
3150 - Tsomo
Day 5
3190 - Tibb Cave
7Km, 3hrs.
▼ Day 6Trekking DayNaerak 3350m
From Tibb Cave (3190m ) To Naerak (3350m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 13 Kms
Overnight In: Naerak (3350m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Everyday waking up seems to be a challenge, but the same motivation factors of hot coffee, breakfast and the trek for the day works. Added to that, today we have slightly more motivation to be even more excited, as today is regarded as the most rewarding day of the entire trek !!

A huge frozen waterfall take our imagination to fly and the curiosity and a 'silent excitement' created by it within your heart gets you on your toe.. The reflections off it is even more abstract making it a fantasy..

We near the Naerak village. We dont climb upto it and camp beside the river. Interested folks may visit the village for photography.
Day 6
3190 - Tibb Cave
Day 6
3350 - Naerak
13Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 7Trekking DayTibb Cave 3150m
From Naerak (3390m ) To Tibb Cave (3150m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 13 Kms
Overnight In: Tibb Cave (3150m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today we start retracing our trek route back to Tibb Cave.. If you hadn't had enough of the trek last time, its time you fulfill it today.. however, the Chadar keeps motivating you as you head back.
Day 7
3390 - Naerak
Day 7
3150 - Tibb Cave
13Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 8Trekking DayLeh 3500m
From Tibb Cave (3190m ) To Leh (3500m ), Via - Tsomo (3150m ), Bakula (3250m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
We head back to the road head of this trek today - Bakula, from where we drive back to Leh tomorrow reach by evening
Day 8
3190 - Tibb Cave
Day 8
3150 - Tsomo
Day 8
3250 - Bakula
Day 8
3500 - Leh
14Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 9Departure DayDelhi 200m
Departure From Leh
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Itinerary and our service ends. You will be dropped to the airport as per plan.
Day 9
3500 - Leh
Day 9
200 - Delhi
1100Km, 2hrs.

Chadar Trek - An Elaborate Description

MinTeam Size: 2

Max Team Size: 10

Chadar Trek, Also called The Frozen River Trek is one of the best treks to be done in the World. Doesn't the name itself sound interesting? One of the most beautiful and unique trek on the planet, the Chadar trek is an ultimate experience to cherish for lifelong !! Its an amalgamation of experiences. That of being in the Cold Desert of Ladakh, that too in winters where the temperatures drop to as low as minus 30 degrees. The already beautiful and magical landscape of Ladakh is further beautified and made interesting by white snows covering the landscape.

Chadar Trek With Himalayan High

WHY IS IT CALLED 'CHADAR' TREK

The Zanskar river is one of the major tributaries of the Indus river which originates in the Tibetan Highlands. The river flows through the valley, named by its name, into the highlands of Ladakh into the Indus river and flows to Pakistan. It's a ferocious river and the sheer gush and force of it is scary during summers. It attracts lots of adventurers seeking Himalayan High with its rapids and is offers a great platform for river rafting. It is a very popular river rafting destination and the Zanskar river pleases the adventurers with rapids up to class 4. However, it is unbelievable to witness the same river freeze down during the winters and the surface of it forms a thick ice sheet above which you can walk! It is just so fascinating to witness a fierce river to freeze down and calm its moods in the winters. In return, it does make you much more calmer and excites your heart at the same time!

The frozen Zanskar river served and still serves as the traditional and only way of connect between Leh and Zanskar for the locals during the harsh winter months of Ladakh. It has been used by the locals for centuries and is a unique way of commute in the World. It's so unique that it attracted the National Geographic Team to do a documentary on it which brought this epic journey of the locals to the outside world and limelight. Since then, the Chadar Trek has fascinated many passionate travelers around the Globe and has hit the popularity burst. It's rated as one of the best treks to do on our planet by many.

The experience of walking the Zanskar gorge on top of a frozen Zanskar river, in the cold winter months of Ladakh is just so amazing !! This is a porter supported trek and hence while on the trek, you will also get a rare chance to know the local Zanskaris, their deep-rooted culture, and traditional beliefs and their difficult, but cheerful way of life !!

Presently, a road is under construction to maintain year-round connectivity between Leh, Zanskar, and Manali. It has seen an unexpected delay in completion but is expected to be completed in a couple of years. The locals have been demanding this road for a long time and will make their life a lot easier, especially to answer medical emergencies during the long winter months. The road construction has disturbed the local wildlife, primarily the elusive snow leopards. It used to be its prime territory for the snow leopards in the winter, but now they dwell up higher in the valley. Once the road starts functioning, it will bring a very old tradition to an end.

Come have a lifetime experience with us on this historical and unique route in the Trans Himalayas.

Safety Gears We Provide On Our Trek

Chadar Trek Safety and Warmth With Himalayan High

Our trek fees for the Chadar Trek is significantly on the higher side compared to the mass-trekking agencies in India as we provide a premium, safe and comfortable trekking experience in that extreme cold temperature and conditions. We are happy that people chose us for our values, work ethics, and the warm, good service and high hospitality that we offer even in such inhospitable conditions. We are happy NOT TO BE CATEGORIZED AS THE Lowest Price Category Service Providers For The Chadar Trek.

Come, join us for this awesome adventure in January and February.

Read The Below For More Information

HOW DO WE ENSURE SAFETY AND COMFORT ON OUR CHADAR TREK GROUPS

HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR THE CHADAR TREK

WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE CHADAR TREK?

Chadar Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The mesmerizing land of Ladakh: Ladakh is popular for a reason, and the reason is simple... its unbelievably beautiful !!
Experience trekking in one of the coldest places on Earth. The winter temperatures ranges between -9 to -30 degrees. This is definitely not a common experience. Its unique !!
Trekking on the Ice Sheet of the Frozen Zanskar. On this trek you walk through the mighty and awesomely beautiful gorge of the Zanskar river.
Wildlife sightings. Seeing mountain goats is easier as they don't fear humans too much. Fair chances of seeing these on this trek. If lucky, you might sight a snow leopard as well.
Local culture and villages of Zanskar. The locals are the charm of this trek. To witness their energy, humbleness and hard life is a eye changer.

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate +

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging +

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Chadar Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 9 Days / 8 nights of trekking and climbing cost Ex. Leh
Accommodation In Leh: 4 nights of Stay in a Premium hotel in Leh with guided acclimatization walks and emphasis on local food and culture.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Inflatable Air Mattress, Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Very Warm and Soft Goose Down Inner Sleeping Bag For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and table for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals (except for lunch in leh), specifically curated for high altitudes will be provided from breakfast in Leh on Day 1 till breakfast on Day 9 in Leh. 3 meals (B, L, D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks and extra energizers/juice for summit days. Nutritious, Soupy, Balanced and light on the stomach.
Common Safety Gears: All required safety gears like rope, ice axe, helmets, etc
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied with a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:5. That is 1 guide for every 5 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local route guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Trekking Permits: All required forest and other local association permits as per the prevalent rules of Local administration and our Country, including mandatory insurance and medical checkup.
Transfers: Return transfers from Leh to trek roadhead in private cab for the trekking team and support crew. Also airport pick up and drop on Day 1 and Day 9.
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 10 members. You can make any batch a private batch by paying a little extra over the base trek fees.
Free Cloakroom in Leh: for extra leftover luggage while leaving for trek.
Personal Porterage: Yes, upto 9 Kgs only per trekker in only 1 well-packed trekking bag

Personal Trekking Equipment For Free Use:
(No Rent will be charged. A refundable security amount of Rs. 5000 need to be deposited. You may use what you need and also bring your personal gears. )

1 Gaiter pair
1 Microspikes / Ice Tracktion Crampons
1 Poncho
1 Trek Pole
1 Rucksack
1 Fleece Inner Gloves
1 Neck Warmer
1 Waterproof Gloves
1 Clean and Sanitized Down Sleeping Bag Inner
1 Helmet
1 Gumboot Pair
1 Hot Water Bag
-20 deg waterproof expedition down jackets

ADD ONS:

Single Supplement For Tent & Hotel. ( @ INR 35000 )

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Personal Travel and Climbing Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears
Lunch in Leh
Bottled Water or Any Other Drinks
Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Chadar Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 2 - 10 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 5000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Chadar Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

Must Read - Important Pre-Booking Information

from Rs. 70000 to Rs. 210000/-
+5% GST PER PERSON

Batch Size:
25-40 <10