Chadar Trek (Frozen River)
About This Trek
The Chadar Trek is one of the most extreme and unique treks in the world. You literally walk on the frozen Zanskar River (the "Chadar" or blanket of ice) in the heart of Ladakh during the peak of winter.
Temperatures drop to -25°C to -35°C at night, and the only way to access the Zanskar Valley in winter is by walking on this frozen river. The trek passes through a dramatic gorge with towering frozen waterfalls, ice formations, and the surreal blue-white landscape of the frozen river.
This is not for the faint-hearted — it requires excellent fitness, mental strength, and proper preparation. But for those who dare, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Temperatures drop to -25°C to -35°C at night, and the only way to access the Zanskar Valley in winter is by walking on this frozen river. The trek passes through a dramatic gorge with towering frozen waterfalls, ice formations, and the surreal blue-white landscape of the frozen river.
This is not for the faint-hearted — it requires excellent fitness, mental strength, and proper preparation. But for those who dare, it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Highlights of This Trek
Walk on the frozen Zanskar River
Temperatures drop to -25°C to -35°C
Frozen waterfalls and ice caves
Nerak waterfall — frozen spectacle
Experience Zanskari culture
One of the world's most extreme treks
Surreal blue-white ice landscape
Camping on the frozen river
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Leh — Acclimatization
Arrive at Leh airport. Transfer to hotel.
Complete rest for acclimatization — Leh is at 11,500 ft.
Drink lots of water and avoid physical exertion.
Evening trek briefing and medical check.
Complete rest for acclimatization — Leh is at 11,500 ft.
Drink lots of water and avoid physical exertion.
Evening trek briefing and medical check.
Day 2
Leh Acclimatization — Local Sightseeing
Continue acclimatization. Short local sightseeing.
Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and local markets.
Final gear check and distribution of specialized equipment.
Early dinner and rest.
Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and local markets.
Final gear check and distribution of specialized equipment.
Early dinner and rest.
Day 3
Leh to Chilling (Trek Start)
Drive from Leh to Chilling via Nimmo and Zanskar river confluence.
The road ends at Chilling — trek begins on the frozen river.
Short walk on the ice to get accustomed.
First night camping on the frozen river.
The road ends at Chilling — trek begins on the frozen river.
Short walk on the ice to get accustomed.
First night camping on the frozen river.
Day 4
Chilling to Tibb Cave
Full day walking on the frozen Zanskar River.
Navigate through ice formations, small pools and slippery sections.
The gorge narrows with towering cliffs on both sides.
Camp in Tibb Cave — a natural overhang that provides shelter.
Navigate through ice formations, small pools and slippery sections.
The gorge narrows with towering cliffs on both sides.
Camp in Tibb Cave — a natural overhang that provides shelter.
Day 5
Tibb Cave to Nerak
Continue on the frozen river through increasingly dramatic scenery.
Pass frozen tributaries and ice walls.
Arrive at Nerak — the turnaround point.
Witness the famous Nerak Frozen Waterfall — a spectacular ice formation.
Celebrate reaching the furthest point.
Pass frozen tributaries and ice walls.
Arrive at Nerak — the turnaround point.
Witness the famous Nerak Frozen Waterfall — a spectacular ice formation.
Celebrate reaching the furthest point.
Day 6
Nerak — Exploration Day
Rest day at Nerak. Explore the surrounding frozen landscape.
Visit the frozen waterfall up close.
Photography and rest.
Interact with local Zanskari people if any in the area.
Visit the frozen waterfall up close.
Photography and rest.
Interact with local Zanskari people if any in the area.
Day 7
Nerak to Tibb Cave
Begin return journey on the frozen river.
The ice conditions may have changed — stay alert.
Return to Tibb Cave for overnight.
The ice conditions may have changed — stay alert.
Return to Tibb Cave for overnight.
Day 8
Tibb Cave to Chilling, Drive to Leh
Final stretch on the frozen river back to Chilling.
Drive back to Leh. Hot shower and celebration dinner.
Trek completion certificates distributed.
Drive back to Leh. Hot shower and celebration dinner.
Trek completion certificates distributed.
Day 9
Departure from Leh
Transfer to Leh airport for your flight home.
Trek concludes with extraordinary memories of walking on a frozen river.
Trek concludes with extraordinary memories of walking on a frozen river.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Leh airport pickup and drop
- 2 nights hotel in Leh
- 6 nights camping on Chadar
- All meals during the trek
- Experienced Ladakhi guide and porters
- All specialized equipment (crampons, sleeping bags rated to -30°C)
- All permits
- First aid and oxygen
- Satellite phone
Exclusions
- Flights to/from Leh
- Personal extreme cold gear
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
- Emergency helicopter evacuation costs
- Anything not in inclusions
Perks of Trekking With Us
Expert Ladakhi guides who know the ice conditions
4-layer sleeping system rated to -40°C
Satellite phone and GPS tracker
Medical oxygen at all camps
Ice assessment before each day's walk
Emergency evacuation plan
Mandatory medical fitness certificate
You Can Participate, If
This is an EXTREME trek. Requires excellent cardiovascular fitness. Must be able to run 10 km in under 60 minutes. No history of cold-related injuries, heart conditions, or respiratory issues. Mental strength is as important as physical fitness. Mandatory medical certificate from a specialist.
Book This Trek
Starting from
₹18,999
per person
Upcoming Batches
Batch 1
15 Jan - 23 Jan 2027
6 / 10 slots
Batch 2
25 Jan - 02 Feb 2027
10 / 10 slots
Batch 3
05 Feb - 13 Feb 2027
10 / 10 slots
