Chadar Trek

Chadar trek gives you a unique trekking experience in the Ladakh Himalayas walking through the unbelievably beautiful and frozen gorge of the Zanskar river

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Duration
9 Days, 8 nights
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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
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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 Day - TrekLeh 3500m
Excursion to Shey, Thikshey Monastery & Nearby.. Return To Leh - 5 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning tea, 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: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
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
From Leh (3500m ) To Delhi (200m ) - 2 Hrs. 1100 Kms
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, 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

Chadar Trek – The Frozen River Trek is one of the most unique and thrilling trekking experiences in the world. This incredible journey takes you across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh, where temperatures can plunge to as low as -30°C. Walking on the icy sheet of a once-raging river is surreal, offering an unmatched adventure in the cold desert of Ladakh. The name "Chadar," meaning "sheet," refers to the thick layer of ice formed on the river during winters, creating a natural pathway for trekkers and locals alike. Historically, this frozen route was the only means of connectivity for the people of Zanskar during the harsh winters, adding cultural depth to this trek. The landscape is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic gorges, snow-dusted mountains, and frozen waterfalls along the way. Beyond the natural beauty, the trek offers a chance to interact with Zanskari locals and understand their resilient way of life. While modern road construction may soon replace this tradition, the Chadar Trek remains a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining cultural heritage, extreme conditions, and breathtaking landscapes.

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

Here’s an improved version of the highlights:

Explore the enchanting beauty of Ladakh: Known as the "Land of High Passes," Ladakh captivates with its surreal landscapes, snow-covered peaks, and unparalleled serenity.
Trek through one of the coldest regions on Earth: Experience the thrill of trekking in extreme winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from -9°C to -30°C—truly a one-of-a-kind adventure!
Walk on the frozen Zanskar River: Traverse the incredible ice sheet of the Zanskar River gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking frozen waterfalls.
Spot fascinating Himalayan wildlife: Witness mountain goats, who roam fearlessly in the wild, and if you're fortunate, catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard—an unforgettable experience for any nature lover.
Immerse yourself in Zanskar's local culture: Meet the warm and resilient Zanskari locals, learn about their unique traditions, and gain a profound appreciation for their way of life in such harsh conditions.

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