Frozen Zanskar River Chadar Trek – 9 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSICHADAR
Country:
India
Duration:
9 Days
Trip Level:
Moderate This type of trek is generally obtainable for anyone. Sometimes the trail can be rough, steep and they are not level. Occasionally there is snow in areas of high altitude. A moderate level of fitness and health is required in order to complete this type of trek. The altitude reached is typically between 900m and 3500m.
Max Altitude:
3,390 m / 11,123 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and Trekking
Starts at:
Leh
Ends at:
Leh
Trip Route:
Leh - Chilling - Tilad Do - Shingra Koma - Tib Cave - Naerak - Tibb - Shingra Koma - Chilling - Leh
Best Season:
January & February
Trip Highlights
- Extremely spectacular trek along the frozen Zanskar river, following an alternative winter trading route that connects Ladakh and Padum.
- A very adventurous winter trek, that just a few dare to try but is incredibly worthwhile.
- Get a glimpse of the harsh life of people living in this region and meet the cultures of Ladakh and Zanskar.
- Visit the forts and Gompas around Leh, a former Tibetan kingdom capital.
- Spot rare wildlife in Ladakh like the Himalayan Thar, snow leopard, blue sheep, ibex etc.
Trip Information
The Frozen River Trek, otherwise called the Chadar Trek is a winter trek and one of the most strenuous treks in the Indian Himalayas. On a surrealist background of natural scenery this adventurous route will drive you via an ice-clogged river placed under a frozen blue sky, mountain caves and valleys and spectacular frosty waterfalls.
This is a challenging winter trekking trail, as the temperature may fall often under -10 °C and during nights reaches easily -25 °C, so climatic conditions may be difficult to support. Plus you have to walk on ice, on a frozen river and to identify a safe path can be rather tricky.
The Zanskar River in summer months runs happily and indomitable among the Himalayan canyons. During winter months it transforms itself in a frost way – the only way out of the area – for the locals and connects Zanskar with the rest of the country. The brave people of Zanskar gained their mastery in deciphering the ice and forged a path to evade from an apparently impassable situation.
This trail takes you from Ladakh and follows the path towards Zanskar Valley via small snow clogged villages, this compound is one of the few remaining bastions of authentic Tibetan culture. It starts with Chilling and Tilad Do, after that continues with Shingra Koma and Div Cave, to arrive in the picturesque area of Naerak.
The Frozen River Trek is strictly about endurance and focus, more appropriate for seasoned professionals or thrill-seekers. You will be camping in frozen caves like the locals in a temperature that frequently reaches twenty degrees under freezing point and is a unique experience.
Chadar Trek is an adrenaline rushing experience whilst walking inside a more than spectacular, sculptured frozen paradise with lady winter as the grand master of ceremonies. And it’s worth every minute, you will visit secluded grandiose areas that few people put a step on.
Itinerary
- Day 01 – Arrival in Leh
- Day 2 – Leh to Chilling (3 hours by road) | Hike to Campsite at Tilad Do (3100 m) (02 km/1 hour)
- Day 3 – Tilad Do to Camp at Shingra Koma (3170 m) (05 km apprx/5 hours)
- Day 4 – Shingra Koma to Tib Cave/Tibb (3225 m) (14 km/8 hours)
- Day 5 – Dib Cave/Tibb to Camp at Naerak (3390 m) (10.5 km/7 hours)
- Day 6 – Naerak to Tibb
- Day 7 – Tibb to Shingra Koma
- Day 8 – Shingra Koma to Chilling | Chilling to Leh
- Day 9 – Departure from Leh
Day 1: Arrival in Leh, at an altitude of 3,500 m
Leh, the highest positioned airport across the globe will greet you with an unforgettable panorama: eternally snow-capped majestic mountains everywhere you look. After landing and formalities, take a taxi and reach your booked hotel.
Accommodation in hotel without meals.
Day 2: 3 hours drive towards Chilling followed by a hike to Tilad Do campsite at an altitude of 3,100 m
Get up before the sun to enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the Shanti Stupa and the views across the Leh area. Than your itinerary drives you in the direction of Chilling and Nimu village. Here the Zanskar and Indus rivers join forces and the scenic landscape that surrounds you will last for long time in your memories. You road will become bumpy from this point, and soon after that you will renounce at your vehicle and start trekking towards the campsite of Tilad Do.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 3: 5 hours trekking from Tilad Do to Shingra Koma Camp, settled at 3,170 m altitude
Today your trekking route will be quite demanding as you should cover a distance of about 12 km, walking on frozen river to get to your destination. Do yourself a favor and follow exactly the instructions that you receive and hydrate accordingly.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 4: 8 hours trek from Shingra Koma to get to Tib Cave/Tibb at an altitude of 3,225 m
Your trekking adventure continues with the journey to Tib Cave. You will be more than impressed by the surrounding landscape that includes gorges and ravines. Once arrived in Tib you will spend the night in a large cave.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 5: 7 hours trek from Tib Cave to Naerak Camp, positioned at 3,390 m altitude
You route today will lead your steps inside the most spectacular part of the region, where you will observe the largest frozen waterfall and many prayer flags. You have the possibility to interact with the locals that live in Naerak village and get an idea of their lifestyle.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 6: Returning trek from Naerak to Tibb
From this point you will return proceeding in the direction of Tibb. The returning route is strenuous. Be aware that the river reacts at any modification of temperature, and you might have the privilege to see a totally different shape than the one you admired the past days. You might have the chance to observe the locals wearing their traditional wool Gonchas.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 7: Tibb to Shingra Koma
Leaving Tibb behind you will head towards Shingra Koma via Gyalpo. It’s your chance to spot snow leopards, foxes or ibex inside their natural habitat.
Accommodation in camping.
Day 8: Trek back from Shingra Koma to Chilling and drive further to reach Leh
Your trekking itinerary approaches its end. Following the course of Zanskar River, head towards Shingra Koma and leave behind the iced territory and its inhabitants. Once arrived in Chilling you take the vehicle to get back to Leh.
Accommodation in guesthouse.
Day 9: Departure day from Leh
Your incursion inside one of the most interesting areas of India concludes and you will be transferred to Leh airport for final departure.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation. (Camping) and Leh guest house stay (Day 1, and Day 8 according to Itinerary) on triple share basis
- Meals while on trek (Veg.)
- Trek equipments, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, toilet tent, member’s tent(3 person)
- First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Qualified & experienced trek Guide , Assistant guide, helpers,cook
- Transport from leh to last Road head and return.
- Camping charges.
Price Does not Include:
- GST @ 5.0%
- Air/Train fare. Airport pick up and d drop and Meals in Leh.
- Expenses personal in Nature. Bonfire charges during the trek.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary / stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, road blocks and / or any factors beyond control.
- Additional night stays in Leh apart from the 2 nights included in the package due to delay in trek commencement owing to bad weather conditions , political turmoil or permit issues.
- There is an additional charge of Rs. 440 per person as wildlife/environmental charges and ALTOA fee levied by the government. Trekkers are requested to make payment of this surcharge directly at the designated office in Leh on arrival.
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment there are numerous different brands to choose from, we recommend that you buy most of these when you fly in to India if possible because this way it can be a lot cheaper for you. If you would like any specific suggestions, please ask and we can certainly recommend those for you.
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
This trek is physically possible for anyone that is of an average fitness level, there is no previous experience required. We generally recommend however that you train for up to one month in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline.
Alternatively swimming is a great choice too. Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in India.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
