Overview/Itinerary

Chadar Trek - Frozen River Trek in Ladakh​

Our trek in Chadar starts from the mountain town of Leh. The best way to reach Leh is by flight as this will help the trekkers to catch a glimpse of the snow capped mountains. This trek is named Chadar because it is over the Zanskar River which lies frozen during the winter.

Our trek start point is a small village of Chilling as this is the start of the frozen Zanskar River. Our trek in Chadar is filled with thrilling experiences with nature as we walk on the frozen river. The ice can be dangerous at the time, and we as trekkers need to figure out the safe paths over the precarious sheet below the feet. We walk on the frozen river and camp in the caves along the river banks.

We even set up tents to avoid discomfort for our trekkers on the most stable ice floor. We recommend all our fellow trekkers to carry warm multilayer cloths as the temperature is below freezing point and drops further after sun settles down.

We will set up multiple camping sites across the trek for food and other supplies. One should make sure to have enough food to keep warm as well as to continue the momentum. Ice picks, trekking boots, several layers of extra warm clothing are a compulsion in such conditions.

Chadar trek is an opportunity for the local Zanskari people for income generation and livelihood. Zanskari people are proud experiential trekkers to explore the routes along with the fantastic mountain ghost stories.

Highlights of Chadar Trek

  • Ladakh being our start point of our trek is beautiful with its picturesque mountain peaks, lakes and scenic valley.

  • Our Chadar trek is at the deep of the whirly passage of the snow-clad mountain. The frozen river trekkers are from different corners of the world.

  • Chadar trek named after the thick blanket of the snow on the river.

  • Chadar trek is one of the most challenging and tricky treks in the world.

  • Thick blanket at times may have cracks causing troubles for trekkers. One may have to hike through the snowy rocks and boulder beside the river.

Basic Details of Chadar Trek

  • Region: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
  • Duration: 9 Days/8 nights
  • Grade: Difficult
  • Max Altitude: 11,100 Ft.
  • Approx. Trekking: 62 km.
  • Cost: Rs. 24,500 + GST. (per person for only trek)

How To Reach

In winter you can reach Leh by flight only. 

Flight operates:

  • Air India
  • Go Air

The flight tickets get very expensive at the last hour; it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to get a cheap fair.

Chadar Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Reporting day at Leh

Trekking experience starts with the bird's eye view of the Ladakh city with the layers of snow-clad mountains with the drop in temperature the minute you land at the airport. Grab your bags and get ready for a warm welcome as you meet our representative at the airport and assist you in checking in at your respective hotel. Acclimatize yourself with the climate of high altitude. Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 2: Acclimatize your body

Today is the rest day. In high altitude treks, people mostly suffer from AMS, that's why we suggest you to take rest and acclimatize your body. So you can get ready for thrilling Chaddar trek. Overnight stay at Leh.

Day 3: Medical check-up and medical certificate collection

The medical certificate is mandatory for Chaddar Trek. Today will do a medical check-up at SNM hospital, Leh. 

Day 04: Drive to Shingra Koma and trek to Bakula cave (4-5 hrs drive and 1 hr trek)

After breakfast, departure to Bakula Cave. Shingra- gets its name due to the abundance of a plant called as Shingra. After visit to Patthar Sahib Gurudwara, Magnetic hills and Confluence of Sindhu and Zanskar Sangam, the drive continues and the road begins descending right into the river valley. Night stay in Tent at Shingra / bakula.

Day 05: Bakula cave to Tibb trek (7-8 hrs)

Wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. After breakfast will start the trek towards Tibb Caves. On the way, you can see some frozen waterfalls. Overnight stay at Tibb campsite near Tibb caves.

Day 06: Tibb to Naerak Camp trek (6-7 hrs)

Today will start our day early. After breakfast start trek towards Naerak camp. Which is the coldest campsite of Chadar trek, Today will reach the iconic landmark of Chadar Trek the frozen waterfall. Our campsite will be 15-20 minutes away from the frozen waterfall. At Naerak campsite temperature goes to -30 degrees at night, so you should wear the proper layer of clothes at this camp. Overnight stay at Naerak camp.

Day 07: Naerak to Tibb trek (6-7 hrs)

Today will start our return trek to Tibb cave. The return route would not be the same as the river can rapidly react to any change in the temperature. On the return, journey enjoy valley view and click pictures. Overnight stay at Tibb.

Day 08: Tibb to Bagula trek (7-8 hrs) and drive back to Leh (4-5 hrs)

Today will start our return journey to Leh. After breakfast will start the trek towards Bagula.And from Tilad-Dho, you will be driven back to Leh. Transfer in to Guest house/Hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at Leh - Hotel

Day 09: Departure from Leh

Check out from the hotel and move towards the airport to catch your return flight for home. Our representatives will help you and drop you off at the Leh KBR Airport. Fly back to your respective home with a memory of a lifetime and an everlasting smile.

Please Note

  • It is expected to carry your personal luggage on your own during the trek as you are challenging yourself against the odds, but in some cases, if someone fell tired, the porters can carry your extra personal luggage for a fee of approx. INR 800 per bag per day.
  • If you don’t want to continue Chadar Trails once you arrived in Leh or you are not physically well and wanted to Stay in Hotel - Charges extra as actuals
  • During Chadar Trail Trekking Days (4th to 8th day as per scheduled) – if you wish to come back to Leh Hotel – Car Charges and Hotel Charges Extra as actuals
  • Any Medical Emergency or Accident – It's complete your responsibility and Expenses
  • Due to natural calamities or poor ice layer formation on the Zanskar River for the Chaddar, no refund will be made, but we will try our best to could organize a substitute tour in Leh around only.

8 Nights 9 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give/What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Triple/twin sharing accommodation in Guest house/ Hotel in Leh on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 8th day
  • Camping during the treks in dome tents, according to the itinerary
  • All veg meals during the trek
  • Well experienced and qualified trek leader, guide and the support staff
  • First aid kit plus oxygen cylinder
  • Transport from Hotel/ Guest house to trekking point and return

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Airfare
  • Airport picks and drops
  • Food during Leh stay
  • Environmental fees, wild life, Insurance, Medical camp fee Approx. Rs 5,500/-* per person
  • Leh Permit and government charges
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Porters to carry personal luggage
  • Any kinds of extra meals and drinks
  • Tips, monastery and Monument entry fees, Mineral water, Extra tours and anything which is not specifically mentioned in the cost inclusions
  • Cost incidental to any change in  the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad  weather, ill health, roadblocks and / or any factors beyond control. 
  • GST
Things to Carry
Things to Carry
  • Personal bag/belonging, waterproof backpack with a capacity of 70 ltr.
  • Personal sleeping bag Inner
  • Water bottle.
  • Walking stick/trekking pole.
  • Head torch with spare batteries.
  • Trekking/hiking shoes.
  • Minimum 2-3 pair water proof trek pants.
  • Woolen thermal inner vest and lower.
  • Woolen 6-7 pair socks.
  • A woolen and a water proof gloves.
  • Woolen monkey cap.
  • Woolen Mufflers.
  • Water proof/windcheater jacket.
  • Woolen full sleeve sweaters.
  • Woolen socks.
  • Trekking socks.
  • U/V protected sun glass.
  • Sunscreen lotion SPF40+.
  • Cold cream and body lotion.
  • Water purifying tablets.
  • Toiletries (Towel, Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wash soaps, toothpaste etc).
  • Hot water bottle.
  • Dry fruits and chocolate bars/ energy bars.

Medicines: Avomine, Avil 25mg, Betadine, Band aid, Cotton, Crepe bandage 2 roll, Crocin, Comb flam, Diamox, Disprin, Digene, Norflox, Gauze cloth, Leukoplast, Oral dehydration Salts like Electral/Enerzal, Pain relieving spray like Volini/Moov.

Personal medicines. (if any)

Documents:

  • ID proof like: passport, voter’s card, Adhar card, driving licence etc.
  • Medical fitness certificate.
  • Self-declaration.
  • Indemnity certificate.
  • Passport size photos 04 nos.

Terms & Conditions

  • 100% payment to be deposited before the trip starts.
  • Final Confirmation will be provided on full payment.
  • Vehicle provided as per the mentioned tour plan (Point to Point Basis only)
  • No Refund or Compensation for any unused services / transportation in any circumstance
  • Any changes done on trip, applicable charges will be charged.  

Cancellation Policy

The company owns the right to apply the cancellation charges; any legal matter is subjected to Leh jurisdiction only.

In the event of making cancellation of the trek, the company must be informed before in writing, the cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive cancellation notification.

The cancellation charges are as follows:

  • 60 to 45 days before the tour: 40% of the trek cost will be refund
  • Less than 45 days before: no refund
  • No show No refund
  • No Refund or Compensation on any changes on ongoing trip
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ on Chadar trek:

1.    When is the best time recommended for the trek?

Best time to go for Chadar trek is from June to October.

2.    How difficult is the Chadar trek?

Chadar Trek in comparison is a moderate difficulty with another high altitude trek.

3.    How much distance do we have to trek each day?

On an average, we cover roughly 10-14 kms between our camping stations.

4.    What will happen if a trek is extended?

Beyond our controllable reasons when the trek is extended, then additional charges tend to be applied.

5.    Who will be our lead guide person?

Lead guide person is certified & experienced personnel. These guides are locally sourced and have other team members including local guides, cook, helpers, and porters.

6.    Is this trek safe for girls?

Our treks are planned with a male: female ratio. As an organizer, we make sure that their tents are shared only with other female trekkers.

7.    Many people in a tent?

Our tents are all three person tents.

8.    What is the level of fitness expected from the trekkers?

Good physical and mental fitness is expected to complete the Trek.

9.    Ideal Food menu during a trek?

We make sure that wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snacks are served. We believe and serve only vegetarian food as it is easy to digest and preferable in high altitudes.

10.    What if we encounter a medical emergency?

We are trained to manage emergencies in high altitudes. Our lead guide is Professionals and experienced. Our team do carry emergency first aid kits and oxygen cylinder.

 

Chadar Trek | Frozen River Trek | Amazing Treks near Ladakh

Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek) is one of the most popular and beautiful treks near Leh Ladakh. We assess the best routes and walking and trekking holidays in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter trail in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months, the trail has become popular with international adventure tourists.

Chadar Trek - Winter Treks in India. Get detailed Information about Chadar Trek in Ladakh, Book Online in Fixed Departures with Treks and Trails India.

Walking on a frozen river under -30 degrees temperature, no wonder Chadar is on every trekker's bucket list. Here is a complete guide to this glamorous trek.

This beginner's guide to Chadar trek comprises the minutest details right from Do's and Don'ts to things to carry and how to prepare for this daunting.

Meant to be tried only by seasoned professionals, Chadar river trek is about endurance, focus and fitness. The beauty of this region attracts a lot of visitors.

Is chadar Trek closing?

There is no confirmed news of the Chadar trek closing after 2019. I was in the Chadar trek in 2018 and there was a rumor during our trip that the chadar trek will be closed soon. One of the the reason for this rumor was during 2018 season there were few casualties and trekkers had to be evacuated in serious condition.

How difficult is chadar Trek?

Chadar Trek Difficulty Level. Located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Chadar trek for beginners seems extremely difficult. However, that's not the case. If you're a healthy individual with above-average stamina and endurance, there's no reason why you can't go on this trek.

How long is chadar Trek?

Chadar trek in the beautiful landscape of Ladakh is one of the most adventurous and most difficult treks in the country. The distance that is covered on foot is approximately 105 km and on an average, a trekker covers 15 to 17 km every day.

How do I get to Zanskar valley?

Best Season to Travel to Zanskar Valley. The shortest route to reach Zanskar Valley from Delhi is to travel first to Srinagar and then take Srinagar – Leh highway to reach Kargil. Once you reach Kargil, you have to travel rest of 250 KM to Padum on Kargil – Padum road.

How can I reach Zanskar from Srinagar?

No direct flights or trains or buses are available between Srinagar to Zanskar.The convenient and cheapest way to reach from Srinagar to Zanskar is to take a taxi from Srinagar to Kargil then take State Transport Bus from Kargil to Zanskar.The fastest way to reach Zanskar from Srinagar is to take Air India from ...

Where is the chadar ice trek?

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter trail in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months, the trail has become popular with international adventure tourists.

One method of accessing snow-bound villages during the winter trekking on top of the ice of frozen rivers.

Chadar Trek is the glamour's frozen river trek under 30 - degree temperature with 11123 ft. altitude seems like a thick white glass in winters.

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Chadar Trek is well known for being a unique winter journey through Ladakh. It can be termed “Khado Sanglam” by Zanskari vocabulary.

This is the most thrilling and adventurous trek and one of our team's favorite as well. There is no better way to experience the Zanskar Valley.

Chadar Trek 2024: When winter trekkers start making plans to visit Zanskar river in Ladakh to enjoy the most prestigious trek - The Chadar Trek.

Do you want to experience the rare Chadar trek in Ladakh? This is a challenging trek from Leh that needs stamina, focus and perseverance. Contact Treks and Trails India team now!

Increasingly popular as a trekking destination among both Indian and international adventurers and tourists. Chadar Trek, the one of a kind trek and rightly named so. This is an adventure of a lifetime. Trek on the frozen Zanskar river starting from Leh Ladakh.

Chadar Trek is considered to be extremely difficult because you have to trek on the frozen river in winter when the temperature ranges to 15°C.

The ice sheet formed on river is called the "Chadar".

Treks and Trails India's Chadar Trek Packages are so amazing that you must grab today. Prefect tour for trekker, chadar frozen river trek is an thrilling experience.

Chadar trek is one for the adrenaline-junkies that like to go all in or all out. This trek will give you a chance to walk on the frozen Zanskar River.

 

Incoming serach terms related to Chadar trek: chadar trek 2024, chadar trek for beginners, chadar trek indiahikes, chadar trek 2024, chadar trek, chadar trek yhai, chadar trek 2024 booking, leh to chadar trek distance

 

Activity
Trekking
Duration
7+ Days