Chadar Trek Ladakh

Chadar Trek Ladakh Highlights

Frozen River Adventure: Chadar Trek, also known as the Frozen River Trek, is an extraordinary winter journey on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh.
Spectacular Winter Landscapes: Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Ladakh's winter landscapes, with towering ice cliffs and frozen waterfalls along the trek.
Cultural Encounters: Interact with the local Zanskari people and get a glimpse into their unique way of life in this remote region.
Challenging Yet Rewarding: The trek is physically demanding, with sub-zero temperatures, but the challenge is rewarded with awe-inspiring views and cultural insights.
Limited Winter Opportunity: Chadar Trek is only possible during the winter months when the river freezes, making it a rare and exclusive adventure for the intrepid traveler.

Chadar Trek Ladakh Overview

Chadar Trek in Ladakh is a thrilling and unique journey, unlike any other. Known as the "Frozen River Trek," it takes you on an adventure across the frozen Zanskar River during the winter months. This trek offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking winter landscapes of the Himalayas, walking on the frozen river's surface while surrounded by towering ice cliffs. It's a test of endurance and a chance to experience the cultural wonders of Ladakh. Chadar Trek is not just a trek; it's an extraordinary expedition into the heart of a frozen wonderland, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Quick Facts

➔ Start Point: Gyalpo camp

➔ End Point: Chadar lake

➔ Duration: 9 Days and 8 Nights

➔ Trek Level: Difficult

➔ Trek Distance: 62 km

➔ Trek Altitude: 11,123ft

Inclusion

Stay: 2 nights in comfortable rooms and 2 nights camping at a Leh guest house on a double or triple sharing basis.
Meals: Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast on day 4 to a celebratory dinner on day 8 in Leh.
Safety and Comfort: We prioritize your safety and comfort. Our focus is on providing quality equipment, ensuring your safety with a first aid kit, oxy meter, and qualified trek leaders.
Experienced Support: You'll have experienced trek leaders, guides, and support staff to assist you throughout the journey.
Transport: We arrange transportation from Leh to the trek's starting point and back.
Porter Support: Porters will carry common equipment like rations, tents, utensils, and groceries.
Luggage Storage: Leave your extra luggage in Leh while you embark on the Chadar Trek.
Supporting Staff: Our multiple guides and helpers ensure your safety, provide accurate information, and offer personal attention.
Oxygen Cylinder: For safety at high altitudes, a large oxygen cylinder (15 ltr) will be available for any emergencies.
Equipment Provided: We offer multi-layered sleeping bags for extreme cold, high-quality tents, thick camping mattresses, proper dining arrangements, and toilet tents at the campsite.

How to reach

By Air

➔ To reach Chadar Trek in Ladakh by air, you can fly to Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, the nearest airport to the trekking region. Various airlines operate regular flights to Leh from major Indian cities.

➔ From Leh, the trekking adventure begins, and transportation to the trek's starting point is typically arranged by our operators.

By Road

➔ Chadar Trek in Ladakh is accessible by road from major cities in North India. The journey typically begins in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

➔ From Leh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chilling, the trek's starting point. The road journey offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.

By Train

➔ Ladakh does not have a direct railway connection. To reach Chadar Trek by train, one must travel to the nearest major railway station, which is Jammu Tawi Railway Station.

➔ From there, you can continue the journey to Ladakh by road, typically via Leh, which serves as the base for Chadar Trek adventures.

Itinerary For Chadar Trek Ladakh

Day 1 - Arrival in Leh:

Leh

Arrive in Leh at an altitude of 11,400 ft.
Overnight stay at a hotel/guest house on the outskirts of Leh city.
Experience the dramatic temperature change as you land in Leh.
Take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Day 2 - Acclimatization Day:

Leh

Spend at least two days in Leh for acclimatization.
Government regulations require this for trekkers to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Explore Leh market and adapt to the cold climate.
Ensure you're accustomed to the low temperatures.

Day 3 - Medical Check-up and Permits:

Leh

Mandatory medical check-up according to Jammu and Kashmir government guidelines.
Obtain wildlife permits, insurance, and necessary documents.
The option to switch to the 'Flavor of Winter Ladakh' tour is available for those opting out.
Be prepared for the Chadar Frozen River Trek.

Day 4 - Leh to Shingra Koma via Chilling & Tilad do, Trek to Gyalpo:

Gyalpo

Start your journey to Shingra Koma.
Enjoy a picturesque drive with stops at attractions like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill.
Reach Chilling and prepare for the trek on the frozen Zanskar River.
Get used to walking on various ice surfaces, judge their stability, and make your way to Gyalpo camp.
Experience camping in sub-zero temperatures at Gyalpo.

Day 5 - Gyalpo to Tibb Cave:

Tibb cave

Trek to Tibb Cave, gaining 300 ft in altitude.
Encounter stunning frozen waterfalls and unique rock patterns.
Enjoy lunch beside the emerald Zanskar River.
Set up camp at the dry sand-surrounded Tibb Cave.

Day 6 - Tibb Cave to Naerak Camp:

Nareak camp

Trek to Naerak, a highly anticipated campsite.
Witness the iconic frozen waterfall, a natural masterpiece.
Savor a hot lunch en route.
Prepare for extremely low temperatures at Naerak.
Explore the village of Naerak if time allows.

Day 7 - Naerak to Tibb Cave:

Tibb cave

Begin your return journey to Tibb Cave.
The ever-changing Zanskar River will challenge your trek back.
Meet locals traveling on the Chadar, including monks and students.
Gain a deeper appreciation for their adaptation to extreme cold.

Day 8 - Tibb Cave to Shingra Yokma, Drive back to Leh:

Leh

Trek from Tibb to Shingra Yokma, retracing your path.
Observe fresh wildlife trails and footprints, including those of foxes, ibex, and possibly snow leopards.
Take your last look at the mesmerizing Chadar before arriving in Leh.
Share your experiences with fellow trekkers beginning their journey.