Overview/Itinerary

Chadar Trek - Frozen River Trek in Ladakh​

Our trek in Chadar starts from the mountain town of Leh. The best way to reach Leh is by flight as this will help the trekkers to catch a glimpse of the snow capped mountains. This trek is named Chadar because it is over the Zanskar River which lies frozen during the winter.

Our trek start point is a small village of Chilling as this is the start of the frozen Zanskar River. Our trek in Chadar is filled with thrilling experiences with nature as we walk on the frozen river. The ice can be dangerous at the time, and we as trekkers need to figure out the safe paths over the precarious sheet below the feet. We walk on the frozen river and camp in the caves along the river banks.

We even set up tents to avoid discomfort for our trekkers on the most stable ice floor. We recommend all our fellow trekkers to carry warm multilayer cloths as the temperature is below freezing point and drops further after sun settles down.

We will set up multiple camping sites across the trek for food and other supplies. One should make sure to have enough food to keep warm as well as to continue the momentum. Ice picks, trekking boots, several layers of extra warm clothing are a compulsion in such conditions.

Chadar trek is an opportunity for the local Zanskari people for income generation and livelihood. Zanskari people are proud experiential trekkers to explore the routes along with the fantastic mountain ghost stories.

Highlights of Chadar Trek

  • Ladakh being our start point of our trek is beautiful with its picturesque mountain peaks, lakes and scenic valley.

  • Our Chadar trek is at the deep of the whirly passage of the snow-clad mountain. The frozen river trekkers are from different corners of the world.

  • Chadar trek named after the thick blanket of the snow on the river.

  • Chadar trek is one of the most challenging and tricky treks in the world.

  • Thick blanket at times may have cracks causing troubles for trekkers. One may have to hike through the snowy rocks and boulder beside the river.

Basic Details of Chadar Trek

  • Region: Leh, Ladakh, J & K
  • Duration: 9 Days/8 nights
  • Grade: Difficult
  • Max Altitude: 11,100 Ft.
  • Approx. Trekking: 62 km.
  • Cost: Rs. 24,500 + GST. (per person for only trek)

How To Reach

In winter you can reach Leh by flight only. 

Flight operates:

  • Air India
  • Go Air

The flight tickets get very expensive at the last hour; it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance to get a cheap fair.

Chadar Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Reporting day at Leh

Arrival Leh K B Rinpoche Airport (world highest airfield) Depart to Hotel for Check in. we suggest you to have Complete day rest for acclimatization to avoid High Altitude Sickness (HAS) which is common to guest flying from very low attitude to sudden high altitude areas like Leh which is at 3358 m above sea level. You will be Welcome at hotel with herbal tea which is advisable for health concern. Overnight stay at guest house/Hotel in Leh.

(Food and Airport Pickup Not included in Package)

Day 2: Acclimatize your body

Rest & Acclimatization Walk in Leh- Altitude 11,400 ft. Stay in Hotel. Overnight stay at guest house/Hotel in Leh.
(Food not included in Package)

Day 3: Medical check-up and medical certificate collection

Rest and check-up- keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers are facing (acute mountain sickness), as per the new regulations applied by Ladakh government authorities, anyone doing the chadar trek should be at least spending two days in leh to get your body fully acclimatized to the weather conditions here. It is irrevocable and it is important that it is strictly followed by every trekker. You can spend the day shopping at the leh market. It is very important that you get used to the cold temperature in leh because the temperature will only tend to fall as you start walking on the frozen zanskar, where the temperatures reach way below zero even in the daytime. It is advisable that you avoid visiting places which are at a higher altitude. Overnight stay at guest house/Hotel in Leh.
(Food Not included in Package) 

Day 04: Leh — Chilling — Shingra Yokma (3200 M)-BakuIa Cave (Drive / 4— 5 Hrs) (Trek / 1 Hr)

After breakfast, departure to Bakula Cave. Shingra- gets its name due to the abundance of a plant called as Shingra. After visit to Patthar Sahib Gurudwara, Magnetic hills and Confluence of Sindhu and Zanskar Sangam, the drive continues and the road begins descending right into the river valley. Night stay in Tent at SHINGRA / bakula.

Day 05: Bakula cave to Tibb trek (7-8 hrs)

After breakfast trek to Tibb (Appx 08kms , 7 hrs). You can enjoy trek while listening to the legends related to this place from a local guide. At Tibb, there is a big cave. This cave is the dwelling of all the porters, and they welcome you warm-heartedly in here. Lunch halt on the way. Night stay in Camp / Tent at TIBB.

Day 06: Tibb to Nerak Camp trek (6-7 hrs)

After breakfast trek to Nyerak Pullu (Appx 12 kms , 7 hrs). We pass through a beautiful landscape of cliffs, gorges and the valleys of Chadar and also view famous Nyerak Pullu waterfall, also known as the frozen waterfall. This point can be the coldest point of Chadar trek. Night stay in Camp

Day 07: Naerak to Tibb trek (6-7 hrs)

After breakfast back to Tibb by same route (Appx 12 kms , 7 hrs). Even though we will be following same route, the Chadar would have taken a completely new form, and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps changing over time. Lunch halt on the way. Night stay in Camp / Tent at Tibb.

Day 08: Tibb to Bagula trek (7-8 hrs) and drive back to Leh (4-5 hrs)

And from Tilad-Dho, you will be driven back to Lehi Transfer in to Guest house/Hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at Leh - Hotel

Day 09: Departure from Leh

Check out and depart to Leh KBR Airport, Fly home with smile and memories, back to home. As you have accomplished the challenging trek, you will feel pride and it will be a cherished memory of your life You have learnt the techniques and ski// to survive in harsh extreme weather condition and also have witnessed the hard life the ZANSKARI people are facing, the respect and encouragement for the Zanskari people brave/y fighting the odds, surviving and defeating and accepting the will definite/y teach you a lifetime lesson to remember.

 

Cost Per person: Rs. 27,500/- + Permit Fees - Medical fees - Trekking Fess etc. of approx. Rs. 5,800/-

 

8 Nights 9 Days 11 Jan
Dates and Rates
date & duration price
  • Sorry no more departures available. You could get in touch with us at highfive@treksandtrails.org if you'd like to make a booking.
  • Inclusions/Exclusions
    What we'll give/What we won't

    What is included in the tour

    • Day 01, 02, 03 & 08, Night accommodation on Twin or Triple sharing basis at Leh Hotel
    • Meals on Trek (bed tea, breakfast, lunch Hi Tea and dinner).
    • Veg meals on trek
    • Client tent 02 People
    • Trekking equipment Sleeping bag, Mattress, Kitchen & Dinning Tent, Utensils,
    • First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
    • Professional trek leader, support staff & porter for trekking equipment Etc.

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Airfare
    • Airport picks and drops
    • Food during Leh stay
    • Environmental fees, wild life, Insurance, Medical camp fee Approx. Rs 5,800/-* per person
    • Leh Permit and government charges
    • Personal expenses
    • Travel insurance
    • Porters to carry personal luggage
    • Any kinds of extra meals and drinks
    • Tips, monastery and Monument entry fees, Mineral water, Extra tours and anything which is not specifically mentioned in the cost inclusions
    • Cost incidental to any change in  the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad  weather, ill health, roadblocks and / or any factors beyond control. 
    • GST
    Things to Carry
    Things to Carry
    • Personal bag/belonging, waterproof backpack with a capacity of 70 ltr.
    • Personal sleeping bag Inner
    • Water bottle.
    • Walking stick/trekking pole.
    • Head torch with spare batteries.
    • Trekking/hiking shoes.
    • Minimum 2-3 pair water proof trek pants.
    • Woolen thermal inner vest and lower.
    • Woolen 6-7 pair socks.
    • A woolen and a water proof gloves.
    • Woolen monkey cap.
    • Woolen Mufflers.
    • Water proof/windcheater jacket.
    • Woolen full sleeve sweaters.
    • Woolen socks.
    • Trekking socks.
    • U/V protected sun glass.
    • Sunscreen lotion SPF40+.
    • Cold cream and body lotion.
    • Water purifying tablets.
    • Toiletries (Towel, Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wash soaps, toothpaste etc).
    • Hot water bottle.
    • Dry fruits and chocolate bars/ energy bars.

    Medicines: Avomine, Avil 25mg, Betadine, Band aid, Cotton, Crepe bandage 2 roll, Crocin, Comb flam, Diamox, Disprin, Digene, Norflox, Gauze cloth, Leukoplast, Oral dehydration Salts like Electral/Enerzal, Pain relieving spray like Volini/Moov.

    Personal medicines. (if any)

    Documents:

    • ID proof like: passport, voter’s card, Adhar card, driving licence etc.
    • Medical fitness certificate.
    • Self-declaration.
    • Indemnity certificate.
    • Passport size photos 04 nos.

    Terms & Conditions

    • 100% payment to be deposited before the trip starts.
    • Final Confirmation will be provided on full payment.
    • Vehicle provided as per the mentioned tour plan (Point to Point Basis only)
    • No Refund or Compensation for any unused services / transportation in any circumstance
    • Any changes done on trip, applicable charges will be charged.  

    Cancellation Policy

    The company owns the right to apply the cancellation charges; any legal matter is subjected to Leh jurisdiction only.

    In the event of making cancellation of the trek, the company must be informed before in writing, the cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive cancellation notification.

    The cancellation charges are as follows:

    • 60 to 45 days before the tour: 40% of the trek cost will be refund
    • Less than 45 days before: no refund
    • No show No refund
    • No Refund or Compensation on any changes on ongoing trip
    FAQ
    Frequently Asked Questions

    The FAQ on Chadar trek:

    1.    When is the best time recommended for the trek?

    Best time to go for Chadar trek is from June to October.

    2.    How difficult is the Chadar trek?

    Chadar Trek in comparison is a moderate difficulty with another high altitude trek.

    3.    How much distance do we have to trek each day?

    On an average, we cover roughly 10-14 kms between our camping stations.

    4.    What will happen if a trek is extended?

    Beyond our controllable reasons when the trek is extended, then additional charges tend to be applied.

    5.    Who will be our lead guide person?

    Lead guide person is certified & experienced personnel. These guides are locally sourced and have other team members including local guides, cook, helpers, and porters.

    6.    Is this trek safe for girls?

    Our treks are planned with a male: female ratio. As an organizer, we make sure that their tents are shared only with other female trekkers.

    7.    Many people in a tent?

    Our tents are all three person tents.

    8.    What is the level of fitness expected from the trekkers?

    Good physical and mental fitness is expected to complete the Trek.

    9.    Ideal Food menu during a trek?

    We make sure that wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snacks are served. We believe and serve only vegetarian food as it is easy to digest and preferable in high altitudes.

    10.    What if we encounter a medical emergency?

    We are trained to manage emergencies in high altitudes. Our lead guide is Professionals and experienced. Our team do carry emergency first aid kits and oxygen cylinder.

     

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    Activity
    Trekking
    Duration
    7+ Days