One of India’s Most loved, Most Challenging, and Thrilling Treks.

If you know a very enthusiastic trekker or you are one yourself, as soon as December- January arrives you hear conversations that involve chadar trek. What is this Chadar trek and why is it every trekker’s dream? Because it’s not easy to walk on water. What are we talking about? Let’s learn more about the most heart-pumping trek of all time in India.

Chadar Trek: Trekking over a Frozen Zanskar River.

Chadar in Hindi means a Blanket and Chadar trek gets its name from the snow-covered blanket on the Zanskar River in Ladakh. The trek only happens during harsh and extreme winters when the temperature in Ladakh is as low as -30 to -35 degrees. So let us warn you the trek is not for the faint-hearted. It takes sheer love and passion to a trek on a frozen river.

During winter the climate of Ladakh is extremely testing and is not very adaptable for tourists who visit from different parts of the world. And thus for a brief duration in winter, Ladakh Tourism closes all tourism activities. However, the Chadar trek is the only Tourist activity that can take place during this harsh climate. And thus trekking at The Zanskar Gorge Trek (Chadar Trek) becomes a specially curated experience for thrill-loving trekkers.

The Chadar trek is a very particular trek with loads of safety rules and regulations as it takes a certain amount of skill and precision to be a part of this trek. The Government of Leh and Ladakh specifically looks into all the trekking companies’ conduct and ensures professionals are assisting tourists with all the skills needed to complete the trek safely and successfully. Without any further delay let’s get to the Trek itinerary and make ourselves familiar with this intense yet every bit worth Snow trail trek.

The Itinerary of Chadar Trek and Everything that you need to know about it:

The Chadar Trek is a frozen thick layer of ice and snow-covered Trail on the Zanskar River which is a tributary of the Indus River. The Distance covered in the trek is about 105 kilometers and a trekker is expected to walk or trek for at least 10-12 or a maximum of 16 km per day to complete this gigantic 9-10 day trek. The trek traditionally starts from Chilling Base camp and ends at Nerak where the frozen waterfall can be witnessed by the trekkers.

However, many trek organizers have created different versions of a small trek or a complete trek and have routes made differently on this very trail route. Some trek organizers will start the trek from Tilad Sumdo or some would start it from Lower Shingra. Similarly, some would end the trek at Lingshed or Padum or Traditionally Nerak or Naerak.

A road is being built by the Border Road Organisation as this trek may be a fun activity for trekkers but is not one for the locals. During harsh winters the locals have no other way of reaching Leh from Zanskar than to take the Chadar Trek. And it can be dangerous and is a life hazard for locals who need to crossover sooner for medical emergencies but have to take a tedious 10-day long trek. Thus, the authorities are making a road that would connect Zanskar to Leh and would be beneficial for the Locals of the region.

Trek Itinerary and Schedule for 9 Days:

• Day 1: Meet and Greet all the members of your trek group and the organizers.
• Day 2: Acclimatization and Local Sightseeing at Leh. Acclimatization is to make people adapt to the extreme winters of Leh-Ladakh because as soon as trekkers arrive at Leh Airport the temperature has already dropped down to -15 degrees Celsius. And thus a sudden change in temperatures can be dangerous for the health of trekkers as the temperature drops more.
• 3rd Day: trekkers have to take up all of the formalities involved in trekking I.e Medical checkups, Insurance, Getting permits to trek, etc at Leh.
• Day 4: Driving to the Base of Chadar trek- Lower Shingra and trekking to Gyalpo for at least 5-6 hours covering a minimum of 9 km.
• Day 5: Trekking from Gyalpo to reach the next stop- Dibb which takes 14kms of trekking and 7-8 hours to do so.
• 6th Day: Trek from Dibb to Naerak at the end of Chadar trek at the Frozen Waterfall which takes another 12 km and 7-8 hours to reach.
• Day 7: heading back down from Naerak to Dibb for 12 km which takes 6-7 hours.
• 8th Day: Trekking from Dibb to Lower Shingra and then Driving Back to Leh.
• Day 9: The trek Ends here and the trekkers are dropped off at the Leh Airport.

Cost of Entire 9-day schedule for Chadar Trek Per Person: 34,000 Rs with 5% Gst (not inclusive) and other Government charges in Leh.

Trek Dates and Time: tentatively 6th January till 14th January and the best time to visit is January and February.

Included facilities and perks:

• Tent Accommodations.
• Pick up and Drop at Leh.
• Hotel Stay in Leh.
• Meals include the package throughout the trek.
• All paperwork and documentation are taken care of including Permits, Local Support, and Expert Guidance.

Rules and Regulations for the Trek:

• the leader and organizer of the trek will take final decisions and calls as per the situation and need of the hour and trekkers must abide by it.
• Trekkers should not change anything about the schedule of the trek as these treks require a specific way and approach for trekking.
• Smoking, Drinking alcohol, or indulging in narcotics is strictly not allowed.
• Trekkers should avoid wearing any kind of Jewellery, ornaments, etc, and should not carry any valuables. In case they do so they are responsible for their belongings and trek organizers shall not take any responsibility for any theft or lost items.
• A very crucial element is ensuring the natural flora and fauna remain the same and trekkers do not pollute or litter the mountains and rivers etc.
• The trek organizers insist on having all medical check-ups clear as any sort of accident or death or illness during the trek is not the organizer’s responsibility and the organizers are not liable for it.

• Trekkers who can take up the Chadar trek: Moderate-level experienced trekkers. Beginners cannot take this trek.
• Trail Difficulty: Extreme.
• Hazards: Severe Cold, difficulty in breathing, etc.

As we mentioned before, this trek is not for the faint-hearted because it takes sheer passion and love for trekking to walk on Frozen River. Tread these deep waters carefully, dear Traveller!