Experience CHADER, the frozen river trek, Zanskar Valley, Ladakh

Trek Highlights

Total Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days (ex leh)

Region: Ladakh

Grade: Challenging.

Maximum Altitude: 3303 m/ 10900 ft.

Best Season: Mid Jan to Mid Feb

Distance: 45 KM.

The Chadar Trek follows the River Zanskar in the northern reaches of the Indian Himalaya, a waterway that has been the source of life and passageway for the local Ladakhi’s for centuries. In winter, the connecting trails to villages disappear under snow and so they use this frozen river as their pathway instead, 'Chadar' meaning frozen blanket of ice.

This 6-8 day trek should only be taken with a company due to its extreme difficulty and for the specialized terrain knowledge required of the local guides. The trek begins in Leh for acclimatization, where you start at the beginning of the Zanskar River, known as Tilad Do. Some sections may not be physically strenuous, but can be psychologically exhausting. You will reach the Nerak Village with a population of 200 with a Buddhist monastery.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Reporting Leh. (1800m)

Day 02: Leh – Chilling – Tilat do (Drive/3-4 hrs & Trek/1 hr)

Day 03: Tilat Do – Gyalpo (Trek 9-10 km. / 4-5 hours)

Day 04: Gyalpo – Tibb Cave (Trek 10-11 km. / 5-6 hours)

Day 05: Tibb Cave – Nyerak – Tibb Cabe (Trek 15-17 km. / 9 hours)

Day 06: Tibb Cave – Gyalpo (Trek 10-11 km. / 5-6 hours)

Day 07: Gyalpo–TilatDo–Leh (Trek 10-11 km. / 4 hours)

The Chadar Trek, wildest in India and one of the most frozen Adventurous ones in the world, is a whole new world in itself. A place like no other on the Earth and an experience to remember for a lifetime, this frozen river trek is on every trekker’s and adventure lovers bucket list.

Bon Voyage