Chadar Trek

Chadar Trek | Frozen River Trek

The Chadar Trek is a legendary winter trek in Ladakh, where adventurers walk on the frozen Zanskar River. This trek is also known as the Frozen River Trek because the river forms a thick sheet of ice only during deep winter. Covering around 62 km over 9 days, the trek takes you through narrow gorges, snow-covered cliffs, frozen waterfalls, and high-altitude landscapes.
Starting from Leh, trekkers drive to Shingra Koma or Chilling, where the real adventure on ice begins. The route passes through iconic spots like Gyalpo, Tibb Cave, Naerak, and Shingra Yokma, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, icy river bends, and frozen waterfalls. Every day presents a unique experience as the Chadar ice changes with the temperature, creating different surfaces to walk on.
This trek is perfect for adventure seekers, winter trekkers, and high-altitude explorers who want to experience extreme cold, frozen rivers, and untouched Himalayan landscapes. Temperatures during the trek can drop to -25°C to -30°C at night, so proper preparation with warm clothing, gumboots, and layered gear is essential.
Apart from trekking, travelers also get to explore Leh town, local villages, and unique Ladakhi culture. The trek is designed with acclimatization days in Leh to prevent altitude sickness, ensuring a safer journey. It is considered one of the most challenging treks in India due to its extreme winter conditions, icy terrain, and remote location.
The Chadar Trek Ladakh is not just a trek; it is a winter adventure experience that combines nature, thrill, and cultural exposure. Walking on a frozen river surrounded by Himalayan peaks, encountering wildlife footprints like foxes, ibex, and snow leopards, and camping under the clear starry skies creates memories that last a lifetime.