About the trek
Imagine the crunch of ice beneath your boots, the biting chill of sub-zero temperatures, and the surreal beauty of a frozen river stretching endlessly before you. Welcome to the Chadar Trek, an expedition that challenges your limits and redefines your sense of adventure. As you step onto the icy surface of the Zanskar River, you'll be enveloped in a world of shimmering ice and snow-capped peaks. This trek is not just a journey through Ladakh's stark winter landscape; it's a test of your resolve, a dance with nature's extremes. The best moments? Crossing the turquoise ice bridges, camping under a canopy of stars in a snow-laden world, and the sheer exhilaration of conquering one of the planet's most unique treks. If you crave an adventure that pushes your boundaries and rewards you with unparalleled vistas, the Chadar Trek is your calling. Expect the unexpected, embrace the cold, and prepare for an experience that will etch itself into your soul.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01Trekking on a frozen river, a one-of-a-kind experience globally.
- 02Extreme sub-zero temperatures offering a true winter challenge.
- 03Spectacular ice formations and natural ice bridges.
- 04Opportunity for snow camping under the crisp, clear Ladakhi sky.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Chilling
🚩 Starting Point
Tilat Sumdo
Waypoint 1
Shingra Koma
Waypoint 2
Tibb Cave
Waypoint 3
Nerak Village
Waypoint 4
Nerak Frozen Waterfall
🏁 End Point
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Chilling
3,200m
Tilat Sumdo
3,250m
Shingra Koma
3,280m
Tibb Cave
3,310m
Nerak Village
3,380m
Nerak Frozen Waterfall
3,390m
Start
3,200m
Peak
3,390m
Total Gain
+190m
When to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: Jan, Feb. Avoid Dec — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
Jan
BESTFrozen
-20–-5°C
Feb
BESTSnowbound
-18–-3°C
Jun
NOWPeak Season
5–22°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Leh Airport, Leh, 160 km
Nearest Railway
Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 700 km
Flight to Leh, then road transfer, ₹10,000, 3 hours flight + 4 hours drive
Train to Jammu, then road to Leh, ₹3,000, 18 hours train + 24 hours drive
Direct bus to Leh, 24 hours, ₹1,500
Flight to Leh via Delhi, ₹15,000, 4 hours flight + 4 hours drive
Train to Jammu, then road, ₹4,000, 24 hours train + 24 hours drive
Bus via Manali, 48 hours, ₹2,500
Flight to Leh via Delhi, ₹20,000, 4 hours flight + 4 hours drive
Train to Jammu, then road, ₹5,000, 36 hours train + 24 hours drive
Not recommended due to distance
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep from Leh to Skyu, 4-5 hours, ₹1,000
Pro tip: Ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹20,000–₹40,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹3,300 – ₹4,500 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
gear
- Insulated trekking boots
- Crampons/microspikes
- Sleeping bag (-20°C rated)
- Trekking poles with snow baskets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
clothing
- Extreme cold thermal layers (-40°C rated)
- Heavy down jacket
- Windproof outer shell
- Balaclava
- Double-layer gloves
essentials
- Hand warmers
- Thermos flask
- High-calorie snacks
- Medicines for altitude sickness
Safety Tips
- 1Temperatures drop to -35°C at night — never underestimate the cold
- 2The ice sheet can break suddenly — always follow your guide exactly
Permit & Entry Info
Requires Inner Line Permit for Zanskar region. ₹600 per person trek fee.
Emergency Contacts
SNM Hospital Leh
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chadar Trek is classified as challenging due to its extreme conditions and icy terrain. Daily distances range from 8-12 km, with significant altitude gain.
The best time to undertake the Chadar Trek is during January and February when the Zanskar River is completely frozen.
The cost of the Chadar Trek ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹40,000, covering transport, food, permits, and guide fees.
Yes, a permit is required for the Chadar Trek, which can be obtained through tour operators or directly from the Ladakh administration.
The Chadar Trek is not recommended for beginners due to its challenging conditions and technical difficulty.
The maximum altitude of the Chadar Trek is 3390m. Altitude sickness is a risk; acclimatization and awareness are crucial.
Essentials include warm clothing, ice cleats, a sleeping bag rated for extreme cold, high-energy snacks, and a first aid kit.
The nearest city is Leh. From Leh, a 4-5 hour drive will take you to the trek's starting point in Skyu village.
The total distance of the Chadar Trek is approximately 100 km, covering a span of 9 days.
It's strongly recommended to have a guide for the Chadar Trek due to the treacherous conditions and need for local knowledge.
During the trek, temperatures can drop to -20°C at night and slightly rise during the day, rarely exceeding 0°C.
Mobile network is limited, and there are no ATMs at the base camp. Carry sufficient cash for expenses.
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