Chadar Trek Frozen River
Chadar Trek Frozen River
Ladakh
Location
Ladakh
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
11100 ft
Trekking
28 km
Grade
Difficult
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Ladakh
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
11100 ft
Trekking km
28 km
Grade
Difficult
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Overview
Special Offer
Why Chadar Frozen Trek Is A Must-Do Trek?
- The Chadar Frozen Trek is renowned as one of the world's most iconic and challenging treks, offering a unique and extraordinary experience for adventurers.
- Takes trekkers through the starkly beautiful and remote landscapes of Ladakh, providing an opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of the region.
- Trekkers traverse the frozen Zanskar River, experiencing the thrill of walking on a solid ice sheet, transforming the river into a surreal frozen wonderland.
- Trekkers face extreme winter temperatures, with the mercury often plummeting well below freezing, reaching as low as -30°C (-22°F) during the night. This challenging environment adds an element of resilience to the trek.
- Provides an incredible cultural experience as trekkers pass through the remote villages and interact with the local communities along the frozen river.
- Highlights the awe-inspiring Nerak Waterfall, a significant milestone on the trek. The frozen cascade of ice is formed due to the chilling temperatures, creating a mesmerizing natural wonder.
- Features the Tibb Cave, a naturally formed overhang along the frozen river cliffs. This cave serves as a crucial shelter for trekkers, offering respite from the biting cold, wind, and a place to rest, warm up, and prepare meals.
- The trek is only possible during the frozen winter months, making it an exclusive and limited-access adventure that adds to its allure.
- For those seeking a rare and challenging experience in the Himalayas, the Chadar Trek is considered the ultimate choice, providing a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
The Chadar Frozen Trek, located in the northernmost part of India in the region of Ladakh, is one of the world's most iconic and challenging treks. The trek takes adventurers on an extraordinary journey along the frozen Zanskar River offering a unique opportunity to explore the starkly beautiful and remote landscapes of Ladakh, complete with breathtaking ice formations and an incredible cultural experience.
The Chadar Trek takes place in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, India. The trek begins near the village of Chilling and extends through the frozen Zanskar River. The Chadar Frozen Trek occurs during the coldest months of the year, typically from January to February when the Zanskar River freezes over. This is the only time when it's possible to undertake this unique adventure. Winter temperatures in the Zanskar region can plummet well below freezing, often reaching as low as -30°C (-22°F) during the night.
For those seeking a rare and challenging experience in the Himalayas, Chadar Trek is the ultimate choice.
Highlights
Frozen Landscape
The trek takes you through a surreal frozen wonderland, where the Zanskar River transforms into a solid ice sheet. Trekking on the Chadar, or frozen riverbed, is a remarkable experience.
Nerak Waterfall
Nerak Waterfall, often referred to as Nerak Waterfall Camp, is a significant milestone on the Chadar Frozen Trek. This awe-inspiring site is a cascade of frozen ice that has formed as a result of the chilling temperatures in the Zanskar region.
Tibb Cave
Tibb Cave is another remarkable feature along the Chadar Trek. It's a naturally formed overhang in the rocky cliffs along the frozen river. This natural shelter provides trekkers with a respite from the biting cold and wind, offering a place to rest, warm up, and even prepare meals.
Arrival at Leh
- Altitude: Leh: 3505m / 11,500 ft
- Accommodation: Hotel
Acclimatization Day
- Altitude (Leh): 3505m / 11,500 ft
- Accommodation: Hotel
Medical Test Day in Leh
- Today is a Medical Check-up day and it is very important for every trekker to get checked.
Drive from Leh to Dib/Tilado and trek to Shingra Yokma
- Altitude:
- Tilado: 3300 m / 10800 ft
- Shinga Yokma: 3,300 m / 10,800 ft
- Drive distance: 65 km | 3-4 hrs
- Trek Distance: 3-4 km | 2-3 hrs
Trek from Shingra Yokma to Shingra Goma
- Altitude: Shinga Goma: 3,200 m / 10,500 ft
- Trek Distance: 5-6 km | 4-5 hrs
Trek from Shingra Goma to Tsomo Paldar
- Altitude: Tsomo Palder: 3,300 m / 10,800 ft
- Trek Distance: 5-6 km | 4-5 hrs
Tsomo Paldar to Shingra Yokma
- Altitude: Shingra Yokma: 3,300 m / 10,800 ft
- Trek Distance: 11-12 km | 7-8 hrs
Trek from Shingra Yokma to Dib/Tilado and drive back to Leh
- Altitude: Tilado: 3300 m / 10800 ft
- Trek Distance: 2 km | 1-2 hrs
- Drive distance: 65 km | 3-4 hrs
Note:
Due to ongoing road construction, the visit to Nerak Waterfall is only allowed on Sunday and Wednesday. You will be taken to Nerak on whichever of these days falls during your trek itinerary.
(Nerak is one of the main highlights of the Chadar Trek. The frozen waterfall looks fully covered in ice, and is one of the most beautiful and popular photo points of the trek.)
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach — Maps
It is essential for everyone to arrive at Leh (01:00 pm)
The only way to travel is to fly to Kushok Bakula Rimpochi Airport located in Leh. It is just 4 km away from the main city. The airport is well connected to Delhi and also receives flights from Mumbai, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh and other general destinations in India. Even international travellers can fly directly from major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.
It's quite convenient to secure a cab from outside the airport to reach our hotel. Alternatively, you can inform your coordinator to arrange a cab for you. Upon booking the trek, your trek coordinator will furnish you with the hotel details.
Travelling by both the road routes, the Manali-Leh Highway and Srinagar-Leh Highway, is not possible since they are not open in the snowy winters of Ladakh.
The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are generally closed by October-November
For your return journey from Leh, you have to choose only air transport options. Please ensure an early check-out in the morning, as all flights operate during the morning hours.
It's highly advisable to keep 2 buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is not needed, it can be used to explore Leh.
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Guest house (centrally heated room)(attached washroom) in Leh on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 & Day 8 (twin sharing basis, triple in very rare cases).
- Camping during the trek (Day 4 to Day 7).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- All meals while on trek. .
- Day 4 breakfast to day 8 lunch.
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional expedition leader.
- 1 Experienced high altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness.
5. First aid:
- Medical kit, Stretcher, Oxygen cylinder, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, Stethoscope.
6. Transportation (as per the itinerary):
- Leh (Guest house) to trekking point (Day 4).
- Trekking point to Leh (guest house) (Day 8).
7. Cloakroom service at Leh.
8. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
9. Services from Leh to Leh.
10. Trek completion certificate from TTH.
Trek Essentials
Cancellation Terms
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
- No cash refund
- 20% trek fee cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to your friend
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
Chadar Trek Force Majeure/Emergency Cancellation Terms:
The Chadar Trek is a uniquely beautiful but inherently unpredictable adventure. Winter conditions, frozen terrain, weather fluctuations and regulatory uncertainties can lead to sudden changes or cancellations. The following policy outlines our approach to handling such situations, ensuring clarity and fairness for all clients.
- In case of airline cancellations that prevent trekkers from arriving in Leh on schedule, trekkers may choose a new trek date (subject to availability) or opt for a full refund.
- In the event of trek cancellation by the government or authorised authorities before trekkers reach Leh will result in a full refund of the trek fee.
- When trekkers reach Leh, but the trek is cancelled before it starts by the authorities or regulatory directive, an alternative trek of comparable value will be offered; no cash refund will be provided.
- Trekkers declared medically unfit during a mandatory check-up (Day 3) on arrival at Leh will receive a 70% refund of the trek fee.
- Once the trek has commenced, no refund shall be given under any circumstances, including cancellation on account of force majeure, government restrictions, or adverse weather.
- All cancellation or refund requests must be submitted in writing (via email); verbal requests will not be considered valid.
Booking and Payments
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trip dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by TTH. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation.
- All add-on bookings are subject to the respective add-on cancellation policy, and refunds will be processed accordingly.
- Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
Itinerary and Modifications
- TTH reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trip due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trip.
- If TTH cancels the Trip before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trip/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trip, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trip is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at TTH’s discretion.
- TTH shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
Force Majeure
- Events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits, TTH shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by Force Majeure.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 20 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
- Trek name and trek date
- Booking details
- Full name
- Designation
- Department and department address
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Chadar Frozen River Trek is a popular winter trek in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It involves walking on a frozen river, the Zanskar River, which is transformed into a thick sheet of ice during the winter months. The trek is known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, as well as the unique experience of walking on a frozen river.
The best time to do Chadar Frozen River Trek is during the months of January and February when the river is frozen enough to support the weight of trekkers.
Chadar Trek Frozen River is a Difficult Grade Trek.
It is an 8 days long trek.
Yes, altitude-related concerns can be a factor on the Chadar Frozen River Trek. The trek starts at an altitude of around 3,300 meters and reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 3,850 meters. While this may not be extremely high, it is still significant enough to cause altitude-related issues for some trekkers.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common concern on the Chadar Trek. Symptoms of AMS can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Trekkers can take several precautions to avoid AMS, such as acclimatizing properly, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking necessary medications.
It is also essential to be aware of frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur due to exposure to cold temperatures and wind on the trek. Trekkers should dress in layers, wear proper gear, and stay warm to prevent these conditions.
Overall, while altitude-related concerns are something to keep in mind, with proper preparation and caution, many trekkers are able to successfully complete the Chadar Frozen River Trek without any significant issues..
The Chadar Frozen River Trek is a challenging winter trek that requires specialized gear to ensure the safety and comfort of trekkers in extreme cold and icy conditions. Here are some essential gear items needed for the trek:
1. quality trekking boots with sturdy soles and good traction to provide adequate grip on slippery ice.
2. Warm and waterproof clothing, including thermal layers, fleece jackets, and down jackets, to keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures.
3. Waterproof gloves or mittens and socks to keep your hands and feet dry and warm.
4. A warm hat and a balaclava or a face mask to protect your face from the cold winds.
5. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of snow and ice.
6. Trekking poles to help maintain balance and stability on the icy terrain.
7. Sleeping bags are rated for sub-zero temperatures to ensure a good night's sleep in the extreme cold.
8. Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries to navigate in the dark.
9. First aid kit including altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, and basic medical supplies.
10. Backpack with at least 60 liters capacity to carry all your gear and supplies.
During the Chadar Trek, TTH provides all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are prepared by a team of experienced cooks, who use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to provide nutritious and tasty food to the trekkers.
While prior trekking experience is not strictly necessary for the Chadar Frozen River Trek, it is highly recommended that trekkers have some level of physical fitness and experience with hiking or trekking in challenging terrain. The trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek, and the icy conditions can make it even more challenging.
It is important to note that the Chadar Trek requires trekkers to walk on a frozen river, which can be slippery and unstable. Trekkers must also navigate through narrow gorges, steep canyons, and frozen waterfalls, which can be physically demanding. Therefore, it is recommended that trekkers engage in regular physical exercise and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the trek.
Additionally, trekkers need to be prepared to face extremely cold temperatures, which can drop to as low as -25 degrees Celsius at night. Therefore, it is essential to have appropriate gear and clothing to keep warm and protect against frostbite and hypothermia.
It is recommended that trekkers engage in regular physical exercise and prepare themselves mentally and physically for the trek.
Here are some specific physical fitness requirements for the Chadar Frozen River Trek:
1. Cardiovascular endurance: Trekkers need to have good cardiovascular endurance to tackle challenging terrain and high altitude. Regular cardio exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming can help improve endurance.
2. Strength training: Trekkers need to have strong leg and core muscles to maintain balance and stability on the icy terrain. Strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and planks can help build these muscles.
3. Flexibility: Trekkers need to have good flexibility to prevent muscle strain and injuries. Regular stretching exercises such as yoga or Pilates can help improve flexibility.
4. Mental toughness: The Chadar Trek can be mentally challenging due to the extremely cold temperatures, long hours of walking, and unpredictable weather conditions. Trekkers need to be mentally prepared to face these challenges and stay motivated.
It is important to note that the physical fitness requirements for the Chadar Trek can vary depending on the individual's age, health, and fitness level. It is recommended that trekkers consult with a doctor or a fitness trainer before embarking on the trek to assess their physical fitness and determine any necessary precautions or preparations.
It is highly recommended. The Chadar Trek is a challenging trek that requires specialized gear, experienced guides, and support staff to ensure the safety and well-being of trekkers. Hiring an expert trekking organization can provide many benefits, including safety, specialized gear and equipment, and logistics and support.
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Chadar Trek Frozen River Video Testimonials
Hear Trekkers Share Their Chadar Trek Frozen River




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