Overview

Region - Leh-Ladakh 

  Total Duration – 8 Nights / 9 Days (Ex Leh)

 Maximum Altitude – 3500 m./ 11,400 ft.

​  Grade –  Moderate to Challenging

  Best Season – January to February

  Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Leh; Organized Campsite

  Food – On trek – All meals included

  Distance – 55 Km.

Things to Pack:

Rucksack 60 ltr, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes and Gum Boot, a warm jacket, warmer, woolen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, extra socks (2 pair, cotton or 2 pair, woolen), water bottle(Thermal Flask), torch(with extra batteries), cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, walking Stick medicines that you usually use.

Rates are excluding GST of 5%

Note that the cost would vary for customized group according to their requirements.

 

The Chadar Frozen River Trek

The Chadar is a winter trail trek, in Zanskar region of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir. In the local language Chadar means blanket, an ice sheet wrapping the River into solid. Temperature decrease creates a solidifying passage on the icy Zanskar river. The Chadar Trek is done on the Frozen Zanskar River which provides an access trail to the Zanskar Valley and is used by locals and tourists during the winter seasons an ideal route of transportation. The walls both side of the riversides rise vertical cliffs up to 600m. high and at some places the Zanskar river is only 5m wide. During the summer this river becomes a perfect location for river rafting expedition and during the winters it transforms into an ice sheet where the Chadar trek is performed. For many years Chadar trek attracts tourist from all over the world and it is one of the most exciting and challenging trek. The trek is approximately 105 km. on feet, an average trekker completes a distance of 15-17 km everyday. At first one have to reach Leh, then Leh to Chilling 3-4 hours drive. Chilling is the last motor able place. From Chilling to Tilat Do is an hour trek. Following day Tilat do to Gyalpo is about 9-10km. and takes 4-5 hours to reach Gyalpo.

The other day group has to walk for 5-6 hours from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave. Tibb cave to Nyerek is 9 hours walk. The trek is performed on ice sheet all the way and gives most exciting feel to someone who does the chadar trek. From nyerek we go back to tibb cave and then to Gyalpo, to Tilat do. Tilat do to chilling and take vehicle to reach leh. So one can try to do the chadar trek but have to wait till winter has come and river frozen's . The best time to do the Chadar trek is January to February, when the temperature drops down to -30 to -35 degrees which makes the Zanskar Lake look like a mesmerizing crystal lake. The zanskar locals used the frozen river as for transportation of food material and to reach the nearest town or to their villages. But later this route become an adventurous trek route to those who like to push their limits. Every year many of the people come and experience the toughest and the most adventurous Chadar trek.

CHADDAR OVER THE TURQUOISE ZANSKAR IS A FABLED DREAM – Hear Chadar trek story from one our participant.

How to Reach LEH

Flight is easiest mode of transport. Delhi is center destination. From Delhi there are flights till Leh which fly once daily. Jet Airways, Air India & Go Air offers flight services between New Delhi & Leh.
It is very much preferred to make your bookings well in advance as there are surge in pricing after a period of time. Due to snow-capped mountains it’s highly impossible to take road transport. So much preferred is flight.

Trek Preparation

Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling & glamorous trek in the world. This trek is done in -15°C and -30°C, which is one of the most challenging aspects of the trek. You need to be prepared mentally as well as physically to survive in an adverse atmosphere.
Your fitness is important although trek is not that arduous. You need to cope up the situations, so be strong to handle such extreme weather conditions at this high altitude trek. 3-4 kms of jogging or equivalent workout to this is required. Increase your stamina by doing it every day for 1-2 months. You have to increase your daily walk distance to make sure you do not strain yourself during trek. Additionally you can train yourself by avoiding hot water, warm clothes & blankets in your own city for couple of months before the trek. Plan the trek well in advance and start building your stamina, strength and lung capacity.

Acclimatization is important for every Himalayan Trek, though you will get a day for it and the process will go on during the initial days of trek. Try and get acquainted with nature as much as you can. Avoid using heaters while halting in Leh. Drink lot of Liquids (warm water, soup, tea) during trekking days. Embrace the climate & don’t just jump inside blankets. Soon the climate will become bearable & it would be fun.

8 Nights 9 Days Available on request Jammu and Kashmir
Strength Level
Strenuous
Highlights

22,500/- + 5% GST (DISCOUNTED PRICE)

Departure Dates:

7th Jan10th Jan,13th Jan,16th Jan,19th Jan,22nd Jan, 25th Jan,28th Jan,31st Jan 2024
3rd Feb, 6th Feb, 9th Feb , 12th Feb 2024.

Rates are excluding GST of 5%

**NOTICE: According to Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Office of District Magistrate, Leh it has been decided to impose fees & restrictions on number of tourist undertaking the Chadar trek. It was decided unanimously that for the ensuing season fees (Wildlife + Environment + Forest fees + ALTOA fees) for foreign trekkers Rs. 8500 - 9000 / trip & for domestic trekkers Rs. 6,750 - 7,500/ (as per Jan 2022) trip shall be enforced. Along with the same there is a Govt accidental Insurance fees which is also payable (Not defined). So please participant you need to pay this separately on your reporting day.

 

 

Customized Treks for

Lingshed Chadar Trek for 10N / 11D for January 2022 

Padum Chadar Trek for 15N / 16D in January 2022

Itinerary

When winter arrives in Jammu & Kashmir, Zanskar gets cut off from the rest of the state. The Pensi La, which is the usual route from Ladakh to Zanskar gets snowed out, making vehicular traffic impossible at this time of the year. For years now, the Frozen Zanskar river has been the only way for the people of Zanskar to make contact with the outside world in winter. It used to be a busy trade route back in the day. The Zanskari used to visit Leh to trade butter, cheese and animal hide for household items such as food grains and clothes. Though the Zanskaris are self sufficient these days, there are still a lot of the locals who still use this route, keeping the tradition alive. The frozen Zanskar river thus got its name – the Chadar, a magnificent white sheet of ice and snow which flows through some of the most rugged rock faces. And this setting makes it one of the most stunning treks in the world.

  • Day 1 & 2: Reporting day at Leh (3500m./11,400ft.)
    • Altitude 11,500 ft. Keep your woolen cap and gloves handy at Airport.
    • Orientation & Briefing of the trek at 12:00 noon (Mandatory) 
    • Check in Hotel (10:00 am)
    • Bring a copy of ID proof and 2 photographs. If Foreigner, a copy of passport and visa.
    • Network is available (only post-paid)
    • ATM is available.
    • Visit of any very high altitude place or pass is not advisable.
    • Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited.
    • Spend the day in the room itself to acclimatize. (Sufficient time would be given for visiting market and nearby places)  Spend the day in the room itself to acclimatize to the high altitude. This is absolutely necessary and is most important for the days ahead. Overnight in the hotel
    • Situated at an altitude of 3500m, the day will be spent soaking in the sights and sounds of Leh while at the same time, getting the body acclimatized to the oxygen levels. The Shanti Stupa and Leh market square will give you a good feel of the surroundings and the people. Get outside to stay acquainted with the temperature. Explore market and get your any missing stuff from the market
  • Day 3: Acclimatization / Medical Checkup Day
    • Medical Checkup Day/Acclimatization Day. You can go around for sightseeing, but going at high altitude pass is not recommended. You need to perform your medical checkup in LEH as per new Govt regulations. You need to be physically fit for this trek.
  • Day 4: Departing from Leh
    • Leh – Chilling – Bakula – Gyalpo (Drive/3-4 hrs & Trek/2 hr)
    • 11,500ft to 10,390ft. Stay in tent.
    • We start off from Leh and head out towards the start point of our trek at Gyalpo. En route, we will pass Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers just before Nimu. Once past Chilling, we arrive at Bakula. You will commence 2 hour trek till Gyalpo. We take our first baby steps on the frozen river, so be prepared for some slips and falls! Walking in gumboots too will take a while, so be patient as it’s only your first day for long trek. We start off along the left bank, past the cascading waters of the Zanskar river and frozen waterfalls until we set up camp at Gyalpo. Our camp site is on a piece of flat land high above, giving you a stunning view of bend of the river.
  • Day 5: Gyalpo – Tibb Cave (Trek 8 - 9 km / 4-6 hours)
    • 10,390ft to 10,760ft. Stay in tent.
    • Rising early would have its perks as the sun comes out from behind the mountains and lights up the valley. It will also help your body get used to the cold. Aching bones, if any, will be sorted by some scrumptious breakfast as the Zanskar comes to life with the rising sun. A relatively easy day of walking past higher waterfalls will get you to Tibb Cave, which lies at the intersection of two valleys. An evening walk down any one of them can make for good exploration.
  • Day 6: Tibb Cave – Nyerak (Trek 12 - 13 km. / 6-7 hours)
    • 10,760ft to 11,100ft. Stay in tent.
    • It’s the most eagerly awaited day, especially because en route Nyerak – the first village of Zanskar – is a stunning frozen waterfall. While the ones you have seen so far are from high up, this one is also several feet in length which makes it one of the most picturesque sights on the trek. Just ahead of it is Nyerak, and while we camp by the river, a short walk early next morning will take you back to civilization for the first time in almost a week. At Nyerak, you can treat yourself to some goodies from the local shop and interact with the residents there, who are more than happy to indulge in a good conversation.
  • Day 7: Nyerak – Tibb Cave (Trek 12-13 km. / 6-7 hours)
    • 11,100ft to 10,760ft. Stay in tent.
    • After four days of walking on ice, you will now be an expert. So feel free to look around and soak in the surroundings. There’s a good chance of spotting Ibex and Bharal a Blue Sheep on the high slopes, and if you’re lucky, even a snow leopard walking along the ridge. Also look out for birds such as Lammergeirs and Choughs sailing high above the valley. It’s the longest day of the trek through narrow gorges, which means climbing up a short distance by the bank of the river in places where a solid walking surface is unavailable.
  • Day 8:  Tibb Cave – Gyalpo – Bakula – Leh (Trek 11-12 km. / 6-7 hours)
    • 10,760ft to 10,500ft. Stay in Guest house.
    • Way back is tiring at the same time very interesting. After 5 days in this chilling region you get use to this environment. Snap shots of your favorite place, lying on the bed of ice, sharing your experience are the memories of trek.
    • We make our way back along the same way that we came, giving you the opportunity to soak in the sights that you probably missed. Trekkers along the way are sure to check with you on the route ahead, so be prepared to play guide and share your experiences.
  • Day 9: Checkout 10.00am from Leh. Fly to your desired destination.

 

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Local transport during Trek.
  • Highly Advanced and qualified Guides from Himalaya Destinations.
  • Skilled Local Guide who has ample knowledge of the route.
  • Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
  • Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff.
  • Porters/mules for carrying common Equipments (like rations/tents/utensils/)
  • Equipment’s – Tents on sharing basis / Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mattress
  • While on trek all meals will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
  • Basic First aid Kit with portal oxygen.
  • Forest Permits and camping charges.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • GST 5%
  • Food in hotel/guesthouse won’t be included.
  • Personal Porters for carrying trekker’s backpacks.
  • Personal trekking Equipments – like trekking poles or sleeping bag, liners.
  • Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation.
  • Medical Charges at Leh hospital payable by client.
  • Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)
  • Food to/from the trailhead.
Route Map
FAQs
Chadar trek is located in remote Zanskar region in Ladakh. It is a winter trekking walking on a frozen Zanskar river. It is a 9 day trek which goes through extreme weather conditions, walking over uneven ice formations to spectacular Nyerak falls.
The trek starts from the month of January to mid February. The trek is done in winter season when the Zanskar River freezes.
Yes, it is not a difficult trek. The trail is moderate and you just have to walk on the frozen river, but the real concern is the temperature which varies from +5 degrees to -30 degrees.
You have to meet us at the Leh airport. From here on you will be taken to further accommodations by our representatives. The cost of transfer is borne by the participant.
In winters weather remains mostly sunny in Leh Ladakh region. It may snow while trekking.
For every high altitude trekking needs an optimum level of fitness, that you can complete the trek without any physical issues. Chadar trek is not difficult yet the temperature fluctuations are the real concerns. Temperatures varying +5 to -30 degrees could distress one. And also the altitude could cause some problems. But don’t worry about the cold because you can warm yourself with multiple layers of clothing and you can acclimatize yourself by doing prior exercises. We recommend trekker staying in Leh for 2 days as mandatory for adaptation process. Get familiar with the atmosphere walk around the city to get acclimatized for upcoming trek.
During acclimatization process one can visit Royal Leh Palace, Diskit monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Magnetic Hill etc. One can visit Pangong lake, but we recommend one to visit this place after the trek ends.
We will trek about 10km each day and it will take around 6-7 hours. We will reach campsites mostly in the afternoon.
Chadar trek lies in the remote region of Zanskar. So any unwanted event can happen, however the date of trek completion would be same as the original itinerary. In case of change in itinerary our trek leader would suggest the best option coinciding the original itinerary.
No, but our staff is certified to overcome any bad situation held during the trek. We have all necessary medications, oxygen cylinder, pulsemeter and staff with the sufficient knowledge of fixing altitude related illnesses.
Our professional certified guide/instructors will lead the group who are mostly inhabitants. They have enough experience to deal any circumstance occurred while trekking. Our team will be along all the time escorting the group until the trek is accomplished.
You can take some basic medicines along it will help avoid any kind of sickness at heights. It is good to put medications in your prime list of things while packing which will be useful in the wilderness where one couldn’t find any medic. Here is a list of medicines you can opt to your requirements- Crepe bandage, Band aid, cotton, ORS, volini spray, disprin, avomine, combiflam, paracitamol, digene, anti diarrhea tablets, betadine, sunscreen SPF30, lip balm etc. You have to bring certified medical form deeming that you are fit for the trek. If any prior health problems consult the doctor before trek.
Himalayan water torrents are pure and clean source of drinking water. One can drink inevitably, but if unsure about the water you can carry chlorine tablets along with you.
Group size will be 10-20 people each batch.
Toilet tents will be fixed at each campsite. You can do your business in these eco friendly toilets and don’t forget to bring your sanitary kits.
Vegetarian food with egg is served during the trek. Vegetarian food is good to digest at heights and is nutritious. You will have healthy breakfast, lunch, evening tea snacks, soup and dinner.
Absolutely yes, we had organized and managed groups successfully mixed of men and women from years. We ensure the safety and the integrity of the female trekkers utmost. We provide female participants tents only sharing with other female. If there is a single girl trekking, then we provide her a personal tent. After all the mountains is safer place then traveling through the city.
Falling into Freezing River is a rare case of happening. Even if someone falls into the river it can be a dangerous situation. The fallen person will be taken out immediately, subsequently we will try restore the body heat by changing of cloths and giving him warm environment. Once recovered the general health of the trekker is checked and further actions are taken. However our leader will ensure that the river is thick enough to walk on, follow the leader’s footsteps to ensure the surface is hard enough to hold the pressure.
The daytime temperature would be around 0 to 5 degrees and at night it will plunge down to -30 degrees.
Gumboots are perfect for this trek. These boots are cheap, reliable and better than any boots for the Chadar trek. Because at some points on this trek the ice is thinner and you may have to walk on a path where water level is high and you don’t want to get wet by freezing water. The gumboots are high ankle waterproof shoes with soft rubber and adequate grip on such surfaces.
Trekking needs precise packing of things like Day pack (15ltrs)Dry fit shirts (4) Trousers(4 pairs) Fleece jackets(2)Feather jackets(1)Down feather(1)Balaclava (1)Fleece gloves(2pair)woolen socks (2pair) warm socks(2pair)water bottle(1) pee bottle(1)Lip balm Vaseline, Torch+extra batteries, water purifiers(Chlorine tablets)sunscreen lotion, Cold cream, Thermals (top and bottom 2 pairs)Sandals(1pair) wind proof jacket, poncho, UV protected sunglasses, toiletries, underwears(3-4)head torch, Bag covers, anti bacterial powder, trekking pole. The things mentioned can be opted as per requirements of an individual.
We provide tents, sleeping bags, 3 meals with soups and tea, medications.
Yes you can relieve your sack to a porter, for this you have to let us know 15 days prior and it will cost you 1200/day, weight not exceeding 12 kg’s.
Trekking pole helps a lot while walking. You can buy and bring trekking pole for the trek. It is not mandatory but if you think you want more stability and assistance so you can buy a trekking pole to avoid any slips during the trek.
There are many cabs outside of the airport, you can share a cab or book a taxi to transfer for further accommodations. The expenditure of pick up and drop to the airport is borne by the trekker.
No, you cannot smoke or drink on this trek. As our past experience some of our packs healthy people took alcohol and instantaneously they were caught by altitude sickness. This symptom immediately increased and these people have to be sent back to the lower heights.
We have well trained staff that has ample experience in rescuing people out from the emergency. We have back up support team also with all requisite equipments. We take back the patient to the city and rest of the group keeps on moving. But this could happen only once, if some other contingency occurred whole group has to return back and stand together. We will make every required arrangement to evacuate the patient safely, for this any additional cost like transportation, accommodations etc. will be borne by the trekker.
All the fees and permits are borne by us. But there are some local organizations which impose some additional charges for trekkers varying from 300-3000rupees. These charges will be borne by the trekkers.
We don’t recommend using Diamox. But you can consult your doctor about it.
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