Chadar Trek – The Frozen River Expedition
The Chadar Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh during the peak of winter. With surreal landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and ice-sheet trails between dramatic gorges, this trek is unlike any other in the Himalayas.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Challenging
While the trek does not involve steep climbs, the real challenge lies in braving sub-zero temperatures (–10°C to –30°C) and walking over slippery ice sheets. Physical endurance, mental resilience, and good layering gear are essential.
Who Should Do This Trek:
Adventurers looking for a unique Himalayan winter experience, preferably with prior trekking experience in cold conditions or high altitude.
8 Nights / 9 Days
Available: Mid-January to Mid-February
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Day 1: Arrive in Leh
• Travel Mode: Arrival by flight
• Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
• Drive Distance: ~5 km
• Time Taken: 15–20 minutes
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your guesthouse. Use this day to rest completely and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. Avoid any physical activity. Drink plenty of fluids and stay warm, as Leh in winter can be biting cold. This rest day is crucial for a safe and successful trek.
Day 2: Acclimatization & Medical Check-up
• Activity: Short acclimatization walks
• Mandatory: Medical check-up at SNM Hospital (Leh), government-issued fitness certificate required for Chadar participation
Go for a gentle walk around the market or nearby viewpoints to aid the acclimatization process. You’ll also undergo a mandatory medical check-up at SNM Hospital, where the authorities will issue a fitness certificate if you’re deemed trek-ready. Use the rest of the day to finalize gear and prepare for departure.
Day 3: Drive Leh to Chilling – Trek to Tilad Do
• Drive Distance: ~65 km / 3–4 hrs
• Trek Distance: ~2 km
• Time Taken: 1 hour walk
• Camping Altitude: Tilad Do – 3,100 m
Start the day with a drive along the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, passing Magnetic Hill and Sangam — the confluence point of the two rivers. From Chilling, the road ends, and the frozen Zanskar becomes your trail. Trek along the icy river for about an hour to reach Tilad Do, your first Chadar campsite. Overnight in tents near the riverbank.
Day 4: Tilad Do to Shingra Koma
• Trek Distance: ~10–12 km
• Time Taken: 5–6 hours
• Altitude: Shingra Koma – 3,200 m
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the frozen gorge. Walk carefully over the thick, sometimes slippery, layers of ice — known locally as "Chadar". You’ll see hanging icicles, sheer canyon walls, and frozen waterfalls. With each step, you’ll begin to develop the technique and rhythm of walking on ice. Camp near Shingra Koma, either in an open cave or tent.
Day 5: Shingra Koma to Tibb Cave
• Trek Distance: ~14–15 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hours
• Altitude: Tibb Cave – 3,300 m
This is one of the longer trekking days. The trail meanders through narrow gorges, with vertical cliffs rising on either side. Marvel at the ever-changing patterns of ice and frozen waterfalls along the route. Reach Tibb Cave, a naturally formed rock shelter where trekkers rest for the night. Warm food and close camaraderie help offset the intense cold.
Day 6: Tibb Cave to Nerak
• Trek Distance: ~12–13 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hours
• Altitude: Nerak – 3,400 m
Cross some of the narrowest and most photogenic sections of the trek today. The highlight is reaching the iconic frozen Nerak waterfall, a towering sheet of ice that's a signature sight of the Chadar Trek. Camp near Nerak village, where you may interact with a few locals. This is the farthest point of the trek before turning back.
Day 7: Nerak to Tibb Cave (Return)
• Trek Distance: ~12–13 km
• Time Taken: 6–7 hours
Retrace your steps through the gorge, but the journey back can feel entirely different. Due to fluctuating temperatures, the Chadar surface may have changed overnight — sometimes cracking or melting slightly. Stay cautious as you return to Tibb Cave for overnight stay.
Day 8: Tibb – Shingra Koma – Tilad Do – Drive to Leh
• Trek Distance: ~17 km
• Drive Distance: ~65 km (Tilad Do to Leh)
• Time Taken: 7–8 hours (trek + drive)
Your final day on the frozen river. Trek back through Shingra Koma and reach Tilad Do by early afternoon. From here, board your waiting vehicle and return to Leh, where a hot shower and warm bed await. Evening free to rest or explore Leh market.
Day 9: Departure from Leh
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight out of Leh. Take home not only photos but unforgettable memories of this rare winter expedition through Ladakh’s frozen frontier.
