Chadar Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
9 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,250 ft
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
50 KM
BASECAMP
Ladakh
BEST TIME
Jan to Feb
PICKUP POINT
Ladakh
Chadar Trek Overview:
Chadar Trek or Frozen river trek of Zanskar River is one of the best treks in Ladakh, it has a tonne of surprises that you may discover every day. If you enjoy the words "intense," "harsh," "ice," "cold," and "unpredictable" before the word "adventure," the Chadar Journey in Ladakh is probably your ideal trek since these characteristics are precisely what make this marvel of a trek an experience unmatched in the wide Indian Himalayan Region.
This trek is on the Zanskar River with an altitude of 13000 feet. Chadar Trek is a famous winter trek when the river becomes a thick sheet of ice. Winters are very harsh in the Ladakh region. Most routes are closed due to the high amount of snowfall. So, the river becomes the only route to reach Zanskar. The Chadar trek became the trail for locals to connect the rest of the Ladakh region. Trekkers love the Chadar trek because crossing a frozen lake is a very different experience.
The landscapes can surprise you every day. The trek is moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty. You will walk on the ice like plain glass. Some sections are difficult and challenging. But the whole Chadar trek is very adventurous. You will feel excited and cheerful every day. The Chadar trek is also a good trek to experience winter in Ladakh. The warm feeling under the sun even in the freezing temperature is different. The clear skies will give you a clear vision of big snow-capped mountains. The Chadar trek is a majestic trek that gives you an unmatched winter experience.
History Of Chadar Trek
The word “Chadar” means “Blanket” in Hindi. The Zanskar River becomes a thick sheet of ice in the winter. Today, people do the Chadar trek for thrill, but this trek has deep connections with the survival traditions of the people of Zanskar. For centuries, this was the only route in winter that connected the Zanskar to the rest of Ladakh. All the other routes and mountain passes remain closed due to the high amount of snowfall. So, the river became the only way to travel. The locals have been using this trail for centuries for trade and communications. On the trail, you can see locals travelling to Ladakh. Kids and monks often used this trial to reach schools and monasteries.
For centuries, the Chadar trek was like a fictional trail for many people. In the last two decades, the Chadar trek has become a very popular winter trek in India. People wait for the winter just to do the Chadar trek. Now, people from many countries visit Ladakh for the Chadar trek. This trek is more like learning a new survival skill. You spend a few days in sub-zero temperatures on the frozen lake. This trek feels more like a part of a storybook.
Highlights Of Chadar Trek
- Walking on a frozen river: The Chadar Trek is unique because you will walk on the frozen river. In many Himalayan treks, you walk along the river. But in the Chadar Trek, you will walk on the Zanskar River. The trill is very different and rare. You will walk on the big sheets of ice. You will also see big cracks and see gargling water under the sheet.
- Difficulty Level: The Chadar Trek is a moderate to difficult kind of trek. You will walk on the ice, and it is not easy. The ice can be very slippery. If the river is not frozen enough, then you have to halt the trek. It is a remote location and any type of help takes time.
- Dramatic Landscapes: You will see a different type of landscape in the Chadar trek. The narrow gorges and towering cliffs look very beautiful. The Zanskar gorge has a canyon-type of landscape which you can’t see on any other treks.
- Frozen Waterfalls: You will see lots of frozen waterfalls on the trek. These waterfalls will give you Narnia vibes. The Nerak Waterfall is magnificent where the water is frozen midway. These waterfalls maintain the excitement throughout the trek.
Difficulty Level Of Chadar Trek
High-Altitude Trekking:
Trekking at 12,000 feet is not easy. You can easily get AMS at that height. The air becomes very thin and the oxygen level is also very low. You can feel breathlessness and a headache. Trekkers need 1-2 days for acclimatization before starting the Chadar trek.
Freezing Temperature:
The temperature on the Chadar trek is extremely low. The temperature can drop to -25℃ at night. The daytime temperature is also very low. Walking in this freezing temperature is very difficult. The chilly winds can make the trek more challenging.
Walking on a frozen river:
The Zandkar River doesn’t freeze uniformly. Some sections have plain mirrors like ice. But some sections can have cracks or even open water. You have to climb along an icy cliff to cross that section. You should be prepared for all kinds of difficulties on the trek.
Long walking hours:
The Chadar Trek is about 50 km long. You will walk for long hours daily. You need a good balance to walk on a frozen river. There are no rest spots or anything. You should have good physical and mental strength to manage long walking hours.
Best Time To Visit The Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek has a very limited duration. You can do the Chadar trek for only 4-5 weeks in a year. If you miss that time, then you have to wait for next winter. The trekking window for the Chadar Trek is very limited. You can only trek when the Zanskar River freezes completely.
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Chadar Trek from mid-December to mid-January
Ladakh is fully covered with snow in December. The river starts freezing around mid-December. It takes about a month to freeze completely. You can trek before mid-January, but the river will not fully freeze. This season can be unsafe for walking over the river.
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Chadar Trek from mid-January to mid-February
The Zanskar River freezes, and you can see the crystal clear ice sheets. This is the best and safest time for the Chadar trek. The temperature will be freezing, but the trail conditions will be good.
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Chadar Trek from mid-February to late-February
You can also do your Chadar Trek in late February. The temperature starts rising, and the snow starts melting. This can create cracks, and the surface becomes unstable. Late February can be a risky time for the Chadar Trek.
How To Reach Chadar Trek?
You will start your Chadar Trek from Bakula. This place is about 70 km from Leh. You have to reach Leh for the trek. Spend 2-3 days in Leh for acclimatization and then start the trek.
Leh Via Air
You can easily reach Leh by air. Book a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. This airport is near the main city. You can take direct flights from Delhi or other cities. Air is the only way to reach Leh in winter.
Leh Via Road
Two routes are available for Leh: Manali -Leh Highway and Srinagar - Leh Highway. But you can not reach Leh by road during the Chadar Trek season. Both routes remain closed in the heavy winters.
Leh Via Train
All the train stations to Leh are about 650 km away. From there, you have to opt for a road. But roads are closed in winter. This is not a good option to reach Leh.
The name Chadar, which means "blanket," perfectly describes this trek, which is a walk on a thick sheet of ice that has formed over the enticingly blue Zanskar River. The ice is as white as milk in some places and translucent in others, giving you the impression that you are walking on the water. Yes, it is as enchanted as it seems, and no, it is not simple. Although there is not much elevation gain, 9 days will seem insufficient to learn how to walk on ice and to acclimatise to the extremely low temperatures that can dip to -30 degrees and make you feel as though your fingers could fall off.
Visiting Chadar feels like being teleported to a new country seldom experienced; it is a geographic wonder in its entirety. Sledges are used to deliver food, and caverns are the only place to seek shelter from the changeable weather.
The ice and snow are continually changing shape and form, one more unstable than the other; the landscape changes in the blink of an eye. And it's pretty sobering to realise that the largest adventure of your life may only be a routine for a select few - communities in the area carry through this activity every single day to carry out their daily lives. As you encounter residents on your journey, you get to experience the country through their eyes. The trip offers insight into a completely different way of life in addition to the scenic splendour of the surroundings. It offers a glimpse of the vibrant yet challenging existence that people lead in the Zanskar Valley.
We recommend that you travel to this chilly & excellent sanctuary with a frozen river underneath and magnificent scenery all around if you are prepared to study a Himalayan culture, take in the city's vibrant colours, be enveloped by the icy air, and are up for any obstacle that may come your way. If the walk didn't provide something new every day, Nerak waterfall, a huge cascade frozen in time, may serve as the expedition's high point. The main appeal of this visit lies in the unique stories told by each participant, shaped by the rapid change experienced in Ladakh region!
The month of January is the ideal time to do the Chadar trek Zanskar River.
Day 1: Arrive in Leh (3,500 M)
Day 2: Rest and Acclimatization in Leh (3,500M)
Day 3: Medical Check up | Day of Wild Card Exits
Day 4: Leh (3,500M) to Shingra Koma via Bakula (3,215M)
Day 5: Shingra Koma to Tibb (3,280M)
Day 6: Tibb (3,280M) to Nerak (3,400M)
Day 7: Nerak (3,400M) to Tibb (3,280M)
Day 8: Tibb (3,280M) to Bakula (3,215M) and drive to Leh (3,500M)
Day 9: Departure from Leh
- 5 passport-sized pictures and ID proof (plus a photocopy)
- 60-litre trekking pack with a frame for stability and a rain cover
- At least five layers of warm clothing, such as thermals, thick jackets, woollen gloves, hats, and socks
- Thermoplastic water bottles, some water-purifying tablets, and a hot water bag
- We prepare cookies and cake as prepared foods
- Shoes for hiking and gumboots
- Toilet paper and paper towels are essential bathroom supplies
- surplus plastic bags
- health supply
- Extra batteries for flashlight
- evidence of identity
- An umbrella or windbreaker
isitors to Leh do not need a visa, however, if traveling overland, all visitors must register at Dras, Rumtse and Serchu. Those who are flying register themselves at the airport. Visitors must have a trekking permission from the District Magistrate in Leh through travel agencies for restricted locations such as Tsomoriri, Tsokar and Pangong Lakes, Dhahanu, and Nubra Valley.
This enormous natural reserve is recognised for towering mountains, vast glaciers, and wildlife while encompasses the backbone of adventurous activities in the region. The glacier-carved valleys of Leh feature peaceful lakes, glistening under the jagged peaks of the magnificent Ladakh range. One such trip is the risk-taking Chadar Journey in the Zanskar Valley. Packed with doses of adrenaline and spine-tingling winds, this trek will undoubtedly offer you a taste of living life on the edge.
The walk begins at Leh, a gateway to Ladakh, where some of the highest peaks in the area are located. In the winter, there is no other way to go to Ladakh but by plane, because the roads are closed. The two-hour travel from Delhi to Leh, when there are planes available, is where the magic starts. Try to snag a window seat on the plane since the Himalayas are really beautiful from above. The first day is scheduled for you to travel to Leh and settle into your lodging. The body will require some time to adjust to the altitude and the mountain air as you will be ascending from sea level. Leh has very hard winters, but the cold you feel now is just the beginning!
The second day is set aside for relaxation and altitude acclimation. This is crucial to do to let your body adjust to its new surroundings and lower your risk of developing unfavourable health issues. You may wander the city market, discover the hues and cultures of this high-mountain city, and travel to some surrounding locations. A little exploration of the city might help with acclimation. Use this time to look through your list and make any last-minute purchases for items you might need for the hike. The greatest market for hiking necessities is in Leh.
While the body adjusts, we use this time to gather with the group for a debriefing session. Here, we get to know one another better and discuss the events of the coming days, including the schedule, what to expect, general dos and don’ts in the mountains, how to preserve the environment’s sanctity, and other important topics.
Day 3 is also set up for getting used to Leh’s chilly winters. Obtaining a NOC from ALTOA and a permission from the Wildlife Department to trek on Chadar need a medical examination, which is required and must be done at the Tourist Information Center. This is the only other item on the schedule.
Distance: 70 Kms drive to Bakula Duration: 2-3 hrs trek to Shingra Koma
Our first genuine day on Chadar, the first day we journey through this snow paradise will be today. But not until we go by car to Bakula, where the hike begins. Early in the morning, we leave to travel down the lovely Indus River and through the Nimmu point where the Indus and Zanskar rivers converge. As the car travels around several tight hairpin corners on this short 70 km trip, which should take close to 3 hours to complete, it provides some of the most breathtaking sights. Zanskar, the frozen wonder, is waiting in all its splendour as we draw nearer to Bakula.
The trip leaders will offer you some brief pointers on how to handle yourself on this sheet of crystalline ice once you are out of our truck and on the Chadar. No one gets it right straight away, so don’t worry if it takes you a while to get the feel of it. You will soon find yourself advising others, so go out and about as much as you can with the Penguin Walk. The fact that the whole Chadar trip is on a level surface is its finest feature. Since you don’t gain any height during the journey, there are no hard ascents or descents and very little possibility of getting AMS.
If you feel at ease right now, you are already acclimatised, and you should be able to complete the full climb without experiencing any serious problems.
The Chadar adapts to the weather by changing its shapes. You may have to walk through slush or avoid that entire stretch and cross the river on rocks. It may be firm and glasslike in some places, have a covering of powder snow providing you with a greater grip, or be thin ice in certain places. The porters’ sledge path is the safest route on Chadar, therefore always walk as a team and adhere to it. Depending on our speed, it should take us 4 hours to get to the next campground, where we will spend our first-night camping on Chadar.
Distance: 14 Km, Duration: 6-7 hours
The most difficult thing is stepping outside of your warm tent and sleeping bag into the very cold. But because Zanskar residents are famed for their friendliness, you will always find a hot cup of tea and a meal waiting for you when you wake up. This makes getting up in subzero temperatures just a little bit easier. The 14 lengthy kilometres to our next campground make it a tough day. This should take anything from 6-7 hours to complete because it’s not the easiest terrain to walk on. Remember to fill up your thermos with warm water because normal water bottles tend to freeze up in the Chadar cold. In this cleft in the earth, sunlight is also in short supply.
The walking track is bordered on all sides by enormous mountains, so you will only sometimes glimpse the sun for an hour or two. As you go through this vast valley with nothing but the freshest air and enormous cliffs on either side, take in the vistas. On a bright, sunny day, the Zanskar River’s vivid deep blue tint mirrors the colour of the sky. Along the journey, there are several ice waterfalls on the trail. To avoid travelling hungry, we pause beside the river to prepare our lunch. The final 200M to Tibb are breathtaking. Arrive at the campground by late afternoon, if possible.
Distance: 12 km, Duration: 5-6 hours
The mother of all waterfalls, Nerak Waterfall, is one of the Chadar Trek’s most notable attractions, and it is introduced to us towards the conclusion of today. We start early since we know it will be a long day and we want to get to the waterfall by late afternoon so we can admire it all evening. The only way to stay warm is to keep moving as the sun sets early in the Zanskar Valley. In the centre of the frozen river, there are several places where the ice has shattered, creating geometrical sculptures of all different sizes that are interesting to observe. Having lunch in a comfortable cave in the middle of the day is also unusual today.
The enormous cave may easily accommodate 12–15 people. As soon as we get to the campsite, we fill our tummies with some goodies and proceed to the enormous Nerak waterfall. We should get there in approximately 30 minutes. We might even spot a few domestic Yaks grazing on the higher terrain along the route. A bridge that crosses the river right near the waterfalls leads up to the Nerak settlement. Observing the old wooden bridge underneath the new concrete and steel bridge is intriguing. Before returning to the campground for dinner, we spend some time at the Nerak waterfall.
Distance: 12 km, Duration: 6-7 hours
After that thrilling conclusion, which is the Nerak waterfall, we begin our return trip. We return to the Tibb campground today, but nothing stays the same on Chadar. If you believe you know the way home and can foresee the difficulties of the day, you are in for a shock. Even though the track is the same, it is different because the frozen Zanskar river continuously changes shape in response to temperature changes. As you walk across various surfaces, pay special attention to how the noises change; it’s intriguing.
Local porters may be seen along the route donning the customary woollen robes known as “Gonchas,” as well as their customary caps and colourful neckpieces. It’s interesting to watch the natives navigate the frozen river since they appear to be walking like the wind and are completely at ease with the ice, and uneven surface. The Ladakhi word for hello or welcome, “Julley,” is used to express their greeting. A few locals may also be singing traditional Ladakhi songs as they drag their sledges and take in the scenery. While the locals zip by us with such ease, we penguin walk the short distance to Tibb.
Distance: 12-13 km trek, Duration: 7-8 hours
We return to the beginning of the walk on the last day, having completed a full circuit. We should travel to Bakula in 7-8 hours. From there, the trip back to Leh should take around three hours. We book a hotel room for the night.
The journey stops here. The article below may provide you with some ideas for locations to visit if you intend to stay in Ladakh for a few more days to discover its beauty. Must-see locations in Leh, and Ladakh. The weather and many other factors are unpredictable at high altitudes, as we already said. We advise you to provide extra time between the completion of the walk and your return travel plans.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Inclusions
- Transport support from Leh to Leh, Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am)
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌳
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