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Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek)
Photo by Joshi Milestoner on Unsplash

Trekking · Ladakh

Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek)

challenging9 days / 8 nights

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

Price

19,999

Group size

1–15

Best time

Nearest city: LehAltitude: 3850m

A once-in-a-lifetime winter trek walking on the frozen Zanskar River, surrounded by towering ice cliffs and dramatic gorges, with temperatures dropping to -25°C at night - considered one of the most challenging treks in India.

Highlights

  • Walk on the frozen Zanskar River - the Chadar (ice sheet) for 62+ km
  • Sleep in tents at -25°C with Siachen-grade sleeping bags
  • Witness the stunning Nerak frozen waterfall - a 40ft ice wall

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Leh (3,500m); full acclimatization and medical check-

    Day 1-3: Arrive Leh (3,500m); full acclimatization and medical check-up

  2. Day 4: Drive Leh to Tilado/Shingra Koma; trek to Tsomo Paldar (3 km

    Day 4: Drive Leh to Tilado/Shingra Koma; trek to Tsomo Paldar (3 km, 2 hrs)

  3. Day 5: Trek Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave (14 km, 6-7 hrs) on frozen ri

    Day 5: Trek Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave (14 km, 6-7 hrs) on frozen river

  4. Day 6: Trek Tibb Cave to Nerak (12-13 km, 5-6 hrs) - pass the froze

    Day 6: Trek Tibb Cave to Nerak (12-13 km, 5-6 hrs) - pass the frozen waterfall

  5. Day 7: Trek Nerak to Tibb Cave (return, 13 km, 5-6 hrs)

    Day 7: Trek Nerak to Tibb Cave (return, 13 km, 5-6 hrs)

  6. Day 8: Trek Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma; drive back to Leh

    Day 8: Trek Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma; drive back to Leh

  7. Day 9: Departure from Leh

    Day 9: Departure from Leh

Inclusions

  • Hotel stay in Leh (4 nights) on twin/triple sharing with breakfast
  • Camping on trek with meals (veg; breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Siachen-grade double layer sleeping bags, mats, 4-season tents
  • Experienced trek leader, certified guide, cook, support team
  • Permits (LAHDC, ALTOA, wildlife, environmental fees)
  • First aid kit, oximeter, oxygen cylinder

Exclusions

  • Flights to/from Leh
  • Backpack offloading (₹1,000-₹2,500 per day)
  • Gear rental (crampons, gaiters, down jacket) - ₹3,000-₹6,000
  • Medical evacuation or travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and tips

Safety guidelines

  1. Mandatory 2-3 day acclimatization in Leh before trek begins
  2. Medical fitness test required before starting (permit condition)
  3. Temperatures range from -5°C (day) to -25°C (night) - carry extreme cold gear
  4. Ice traction devices (microspikes/crampons) mandatory on river sections
  5. Drink minimum 4 liters of water daily to combat dehydration
  6. Sun protection critical - sun glare on ice causes severe burns
  7. Do not walk on thin ice or areas with visible cracks
  8. Satellite phone carried by guide for emergencies
  9. Strictly no alcohol during trek