Walking on the Frozen Zanskar
Frozen Nerak Waterfall
Cave Camping
Porters with Sledges

Chadar Frozen River Trek

The Most Unique Winter Expedition in the World

⏱️
Duration
9 Days
⛰️
Max Altitude
3,390m
❄️
Temperature
-30°C
📍
Location
Ladakh
🌤️
Best Season
Jan-Feb
💰
Price
₹38,000

About This Trek

The Chadar Trek is a winter trail over the frozen Zanskar River, which lies deep in the mountains of Ladakh. Zanskar is a high-altitude semi-desert and in winter, the temperatures drop to -30°C, freezing the Zanskar river and forming a sheet of ice (Chadar). For centuries, this has been the only way for Zanskari people to connect with Leh in winter. This trek is not just a physical challenge but a journey into a frozen world unlike anywhere else on Earth.

🧊 Walking on Ice

Experience the thrill of walking on a frozen river sheet, with water gushing inches below your feet in sub-zero temperatures.

🌊 Nerak Waterfall

Witness a massive 50ft frozen waterfall near Nerak village, a spectacular natural sculpture of ice.

🔥 Cave Camping

Spend nights in caves (Tibbas) or tents on the river banks, warming up by the fire as the locals have done for centuries.

🧣 Zanskari Culture

Interact with the warm and hospitable Zanskari porters and learn about their unique winter survival skills.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Leh
3,500m

Fly to Leh over the snow-capped Himalayas. Rest and acclimatize to the cold and altitude. Walk around Leh market in the evening. Stay: Hotel

Day 2
Acclimatization Walk & Medical Checkup
3,500m

Visit Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace for acclimatization. A mandatory medical checkup is conducted by the ALTOA to ensure fitness. Stay: Hotel

Day 3
Leh to Shingra Koma & Trek to Tsomo Paldar
3,200m

Drive to Shingra Koma via Chilling. Take your first steps on the Chadar. Trek to the first campsite at Tsomo Paldar. Drive: 4 hrs, Trek: 2 hrs

Day 4
Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave
3,300m

Walk on the frozen river through deep gorges. The canyon walls rise vertically on both sides. Reach the large Tibb Cave. Trek: 6-7 hours

Day 5
Tibb Cave to Nerak Camp
3,390m

The most spectacular day. Trek to Nerak to see the famous frozen waterfall. This is the coldest point of the trek (-30°C). Trek: 6-7 hours

Day 6
Nerak to Tibb Cave
3,300m

Retrace your steps back. The ice forms change daily, so the return journey feels new and challenging. Trek: 6-7 hours

Day 7
Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma & Drive to Leh
3,500m

Last day on the Chadar. Trek back to the roadhead at Shingra Koma. Say goodbye to the porters and drive back to the warmth of Leh hotel. Trek: 5 hrs, Drive: 4 hrs

Day 8
Buffer Day
3,500m

A buffer day kept for potential roadblocks or weather delays. If not used, it's a free day to explore Leh. Stay: Hotel

Day 9
Departure from Leh
3,500m

Fly out of Leh with memories of the frozen river expedition.

Difficulty & Fitness Requirements

Chadar is a Difficult trek, primarily due to the extreme cold temperatures ranging from -15°C to -30°C.

Physical Endurance

While the terrain is flat (river bed), walking on ice for 6-7 hours requires stability and endurance.

Mental Resilience

Surviving the bitter cold requires strong mental fortitude. It is a test of mind over matter.

Agility

You need to be agile to hop over cracks in the ice or climb rocky sections when the ice is broken.

Cold Tolerance

Previous experience in sub-zero temperatures is highly recommended.

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Airport Transfers in Leh
  • 3 Nights Hotel in Leh (Heated)
  • All Meals on Trek (Hot Veg)
  • Double Layered Sleeping Bags (-30°C)
  • Gum Boots for walking on ice
  • Experienced Guide and Cook

✗ Not Included

  • Flights to Leh
  • Backpack Offloading
  • Wildlife Fee & ALTOA Fee
  • Personal Warm Clothing
  • Tips for staff

Essential Packing List

Clothing

  • Down Jacket (-20°C)
  • Thermals (3 pairs)
  • Fleece Pants & Jacket
  • Waterproof/Windproof Pants
  • Woolen Socks (5-6 pairs)
  • Balaclava & Warm Cap

Footwear & Gear

  • Hiking Boots (Insulated)
  • Daypack (30L)
  • Thermos Flask (Essential)
  • Hot Water Bag
  • Sunglasses (UV protection)
  • Headlamp

Essentials

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm
  • Personal Meds (Diamox)
  • Toiletries (Wet Wipes)
  • Power Bank (kept warm)
  • Cash (No ATMs on trek)

Walk on the Frozen River

Book your Chadar Trek expedition today.

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Or call us at +91-7060978098