Trek Grade
\Difficult
Highest Altitude
11,100 ft
Base Camp
Leh
Best Time
Jan & Feb
Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek in Ladakh, India, is a legendary and exclusive adventure. It is a thrilling journey reserved for the brave and adventurous during the icy winter months. It offers natural scenery, cultural immersion, and physical challenges. Trekkers navigate the frozen Zanskar River, encountering extraordinary views of Ladakh’s remote and striking landscapes, impressive ice formations, and a rich cultural experience.
The trek begins in Chilling village, following the icy Zanskar River, and is best undertaken in February when the ice stabilizes. The frozen river trek presents a unique and demanding adventure, with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C (-22°F) at night. It’s a challenge that demands caution and thorough preparation for the extreme cold and challenging terrain.
The journey begins at Leh, a mountain town. The only way to get to Leh is via flight, which is surrounded by snow, giving it a completely white appearance. You can see the Himalayan mountain covered in snow during the flight as it lowers towards Leh, which is 11400 feet higher than sea level. Once you reach Leh, you can acclimatize to the high altitude for a day or two before starting the trek. This is important to prevent altitude sickness, a common issue for trekkers in Ladakh. The hike is along the Zanskar River, which freezes during winter. The best time to walk across the ice would be during February. At this time, the ice is likely to be in its most stable condition.
The Frozen River Trek begins in Chilling, a small town, from where the Zanskar River starts to freeze. The ice can be equally dangerous and safe at different times. It’s essential to understand how to navigate safely through the unstable sheet and be aware of the conditions beneath your feet. The ice is typically safe when it’s thick and solid, but can be treacherous when it’s thin or has cracks. Trekkers may choose to stay in caves along the banks as locals do or build tents in the most solid areas. The temperature is around 30 degrees below freezing, decreasing even more after sunset. Warm and layered clothing is highly recommended for those constantly moving as often as possible. They help keep the body warm, prevent sores from cold, and keep cold blood cells from freezing.
Icy Terrain: Participants will traverse a unique frozen landscape while walking on the Chadar or frozen river surface.
Nerak Waterfall: This stunning location along the Chadar Trek features an ice cascade created by the cold weather in the Zanskar area.
Tibb Cave: Located along the Chadar Trek, this natural overhang offers shelter from harsh weather conditions, allowing trekkers to take a break, get cosy, and cook meals.
Trek Cost
Fix Diparture Dates
Chadar Trek Videos
Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Chadar Trek
Day 01 Arrival in Leh 11480 Feet (3500 Mtrs)
- Overnight stay in Guest House
- No Meals
Today morning on your own board the flight to Leh, enjoying the magnificent Himalayan view from the aircraft (probably you should book your seat on left of aircraft for best views). On arrival at Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh; meet and received by our company representative and drive you to the booked guest house in Leh. On reaching the guest house check into the Guest House for freshens up. Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatizing your body to the altitude.
Day 02: Full day for Acclimatization in Leh (Rest/ Mild walk)
- Overnight stay in Guest House
- No Meals
Wake to fresh new morning, today the full day will be for acclimatization as per the guidelines and regulations applied by Ladakh Government Authorities, this acclimatization is mandatory for all the trekkers going for Chadar. The trekker should at least spend one day in Leh to get their body used to of the weather conditions and every trekker is requested to strictly follow the same. In the afternoon or evening hours one can choose to stroll around in the local Leh market and spend some time in shopping and preparing for your Expedition. It’s important that your body gets used to the cold temperature of the region, this will help your physical to be stronger as the next coming days will be much colder and temperature will keep Deeping.
Day 03: In Leh (Get Medical, Insurance, Wildlife Permit and ALTOA NOC).
- Overnight stay in Guest House
- No Meals
Today is preparation day; basically, it’s a day we introduce you to our expertise guide along with locals to give you a brief about the trek. So that you are mentally as well physically prepare for every situation; along with it we provide medical check-up to make sure whether you are fit for the trek or not. For this you should start exercising at least a month prior your trek, daily walking / running of 8-10 Kms will build your stamina and make you fitter for the expedition. After the briefing and medical checkup, go for self-exploration and local sightseeing this would be better idea to get habitual with temperature but only in the daytime, you need to come back to Guest house before sunset. Please make sure to keep away from Alcohol and smoking in order to pass your physical fitness and to complete the trek (Trek up India recommends all to quit smoking and Alcohol)
Day 04: Leh to Shingra Koma (10300 Feet) by drive 75 Kms 3-4 Hrs and to Tsomo Paldar (10500 Feet) by Trek 3 Kms approx 2 Hrs
- Overnight stay in Trekking Tents
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Finally the day has come, need to steps out of your comfortable and cozy shelter and proceed towards Cristal white Chadar will be waiting for you to take away on it. The drive will be most scenic as your drive through Gurudwara Pathar Shaib, Magetic Hill, Hall of Fame etc. confluence of Zanskar and Indus river is mind blowing, this are some of the place where you might halt for some time and take some great memories in form of pictures. Shingra Koma is the place until where our vehicle will drop you till the end of the road, from where your Chadar Trek starts, initially you will see thin layer of Chadar hence mind your steps, walking with gumboots on Chadar may be challenging in the beginning, understanding the ice pattern might be difficult, however soon you will learn all from our guide and locals, you will start leaning about the walking pattern, realize where the ice is fragile and where trustworthy, so be careful. The nature is treating you to it’s best, rest of the time letting your body relax and be prepared for another adventure day.
Day 05: Tsomo Paldar - Tibb Cave (10950 feet) by trek 14-15 Kms approx 6-7 Hrs
- Overnight stay in Trekking Tents
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Appreciate yourself for making it day 02 of trek with much needed hot bed tea in the early morning, later on after breakfast at the camps we will proceed towards Tibb cave. Here we suggest all Trekup India trekkers to eat well to keep yourself energetic as the day will be the harder than the previous one and here you walk approx 14-15 kms. The good things about the Chadar trek are that it does not quickly increase the altitude, slowly but gradually. Through gulches of Zanskar will seem more beautiful and adventurous. While heading towards our camp site there are some good eyes catching waterfalls, as per the locals there are lots of myths of the same, as these water falls are sources still unknown and it certainly reminds you about Disney cartoons from childhood. Crossing up the frozen waterfall, you cannot miss the chance to show your photography talent here and it will compliment your talent perfectly. Butter tea, also known as Po cha will surprise you with the texture of teapot; we will camp around the Tibb cave.
Day 06 Tibb Cave – Nerak (11100 Feet) by trek 12-13 Kms approx 6-7 Hrs
- Overnight stay in TrekkingTents
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hello Trekkers, the most awaited day has come, from previous days trek seeing the smaller frozen water falls, certainly the curiosity will be there about nature masterpiece and the big frozen waterfall, It’s a perfect example of witchcraft of nature where several colors are spreading all around; it’s more like a piece of glass made by nature I would rather say. The 12-13 Kms trek you walked today all struggle that you had is going to vanish in few second in this magical land. Narek will be the coldest of all the campsite the temperature during the night time might deep to -30 Degrees, so be prepared with your warm clothing’s. Rest of the day free for our own activities if you are well in time you might have a chance to make an excursion to Nerak village.
Day 07 Nerak (11100 Feet) -Tibb cave (10950 feet) by trek 12-13 Kms approx 5-6 Hrs
- Overnight stay in TrekkingTents
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Narrating this itinerary was like being there on it; imagine when you will be there what a life moment it would be. Today we return from Nerak towards Tibb Cave, we are sure on your way back you might be laughing as you gets the glimpses of nostalgic memory where you had struggle to reach there and some clicks on your mind, you get lots of surprises on your way back you might not see the formation of Chadar through which you walked but the new one has formed, you will be amazed to see how different they appear while returning back. Chadar trek my personal favorite and all adventure lover should witness it once in a lifetime. We are sure you will feel these 8 days the best days of your life you have lived. Evening back to our camps celebrate and enjoy with safety. As it is going to be last day of the camping.
Day 08: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma by trek 17 Kms approx 5-6 Hrs and drive to Leh 70 Kms approx 3-4 Hrs
- Overnight stay in Guest House
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today it’s going to be a longer day, hence we start early definitely it is not going to be as the first day, you are an Experienced trekker now, so you move with a pace, enjoy the sites enroute all have changed, the Chadar has been melted to thinner layer, the beautiful rocks are now visible, soon we reach the road head get into our cars and drive back to Leh. Evening at leisure free for your own activities and celebration.
Day 09: Return from Leh
- No Accommodation
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today morning well in time transferred to Leh airport to board your onwards flight back to home.
Chadar Trek Route Map
We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Chadar Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Chadar Trek Altitude Chart
The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Chadar Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.
Trek Cost Inclusions
- Stay: Accommodation in Leh using Guest houses on triple sharing i.e. on Day 01, 02, 03 & 08. (central heated rooms)
- Meals: Meals (Vegetarian) Day 04 Lunch to Day 08 lunch
- Transport Leh to Leh
- Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusions
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Consider several fees for the expedition, including a pre-medical check-up, a Rescue Fee for emergencies, and charges for wildlife and environmental protection. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from ALTOA is required for compliance with local regulations. Additionally, entry fees of 6,000 to 8,000 must be paid directly to authorities upon arrival, supporting area management and conservation efforts.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
What should you pack for the Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
Head Gears
When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.
Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!
- Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
- Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
- Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
Clothes
When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.
Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather
- For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
- For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
- For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
- T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
- Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
- Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.
Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.
Foot Gears
When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.
- Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.