The Chadar Trek is the most well-known and arduous winter trek in India. This is exactly what makes the experience exciting. This Chadar trek guide will walk you through all that awaits you here in Ladakh.

Chadar means ‘Blanket,’ and this trek is named so because the trail consists of trekking on the frozen Zanskar river, which gets covered in a thick blanket of ice. As exciting and interesting name this trek has, the experience is indeed the same and additionally, gives you the feeling of being invincible.

This 9 days-long trek will have you experience the strongest you have been – both mentally and physically. It is indeed a rewarding trek, with a better you that will flourish more in life additionally, with the best adventurous memories from here.

At an elevation of 11,100 feet, the Chadar trek in Leh Ladakh allows you to see the frozen waterfall known as Nerak Waterfall, which is a breathtaking experience. This trek offers the best scenic views and experiences like no other.

The frozen river’s thick glass-like structure acts like a mirror, reflecting the sky and the majestic mountains on either side, providing a dramatic view to the impartial observer. Along with the adventure and thrill of trekking on this one-way, you will learn about and experience the Zanskari and Ladakhi cultures.

The experience is worth all of the hardships that come with this journey. In our Chadar trek guide, we would like to share that there is also a good chance of seeing rare animals like snow leopards, blue sheep, and Ibex.

The altitude of the Chadar Trek: 11,100 Feet.

Base Camp of Chadar Trek: Leh

Duration of the Chadar Trek: 9 Days

Chadar Trek Difficulty: Difficult

Chadar Trek Length: 65 Kilometers

Best Time to do the Chadar Trek: January and February

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Chadar Trek Quick Facts:

➔ Chadar River Trek Duration: 9D/8N

➔ Chadar Trek Distance: 62 km

➔ Maximum Altitude: 11,123ft

➔ Difficulty Level: Difficult

➔ Chadar Trek Temperature: -5 to -15 degrees (during the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (during the night)

➔ Chadar Trek Best Time: Early January – Early February.

➔ Start and End Point of the Trek: Leh Airport

➔ Nearest Airport: Leh airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)

➔ Last ATM: Leh Market and Airport.

➔ Group Size: 15 Trekkers

➔ Staff Size: Cook x 2, Porters x 17, Guide x 2, Helper x 4

Day 1 :

Arrival in Leh The Journey to the Top of the World

Overnight stay at the deluxe hotel in the beautiful Leh city.
Keep your woolen cap and gloves handy.
You will be flying over long stretches of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, which will make it evident why it’s impossible to reach Ladakh on road in the winters. The moment you land in Leh, cold and crisp air will greet you, and you will experience a drastic change in the temperature. Leh has just begun to wake up from its sleep with only a few shops open.
The chill in the air will serve only as a preview of the temperatures during the Chadar river trek. Be sure to take enough rest to acclimatize to the weather here and remember to drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated
Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

Day 2 :

Acclimatization Day

our day 2 of the Chadar trek begins with a tasty cozy breakfast followed by local sightseeing. It is necessary to stay at least two days in Leh to acclimate your body so that you can go on the trek in the best state, both physically as well as mentally.

Visiting Shanti Stupa which is a Buddhist white-domed stupa built to promote peace and prosperity is one thing you can tick off your bucket list. It is one of the major attractions in Leh Ladakh that you must go to. In addition, you can head towards the Leh market in the evening.

Spending these two days in Leh will walk you through the culture and how beautiful this unfiltered and raw life is. Indulging in the local sightseeing and interacting with the people of Ladakh will indeed be a great kick-start to this adventurous trek.

Day 3 :

Medical Check up

After spending two days in Leh to help with proper acclimatization, you’ll head toward the SNM hospital to get a proper medical check-up. Owing to the bewildering nature of this distinctive trek, trekkers must obtain medical certification before embarking on the Chadar trek, according to the government.

Following a medical examination, a clearance certificate will be issued, and trekkers will be allowed to venture on the Chadar Trek only if they are considered to be fit and effectively acclimatized.

Once you get done with this essential process for Chadar Trek, this thrilling experience will begin shortly.

Day 4 :

Drive from Leh to Shingra Koma and Trek to Tsomo Paldar

Drive 3-4 hrs, trek 5 hrs/11 km

On this day, you will be heading to the starting point of the trek, which is Shingra Koma.
One of the most scenic drives in the entire region of Ladakh, you will get to see many top spots like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus. a drive of about 90 minutes along the Zanskar River will bring you to Chilling.
The car will drop you where the road end and this is where you start walking on Zanskar. Walking with your gumboots on will definitely be a challenge in the initial stage. Getting the hang of patterns of ice formation will take some time.
You will have to judge the fragile surfaces from the strong ones as there are a number of different kinds of surfaces on the Chadar trek, but once you start walking you will know more about it.
Planting your foot will be important in most cases, you can check for the ice for its steadiness with your walking stick before stepping on it.
Make sure your backpack is light and small so you can manage and use the weight on your own effectively.
The trek for the day will take you to the first campsite of the journey, Gyalpo, situated at the river bend, covered by High peaks and amazing rock faces.
This will be your first experience of camping under sub-zero temperatures.
Overnight at Gyalpo

Day 5 :

Trek from Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave

Trek 12 km/ 5 to 6 hours

Chadar is not a trek where altitude keeps on the rise at a fast pace. As you trek for 5 to 6 hours, you will only gain an altitude of 300ft from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave. Wake up from a chilling night and enjoy a warm breakfast.
As you head to the next campsite at Tibb Cave, you will come across some of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls. These waterfalls have a mystery revolving around their origin or source but are nonetheless breathtaking.
With the Zanskar flowing right beside you with its emerald green waters, you will stop midway to Tibb Cave for Lunch.
As you move ahead, you will come across various rock patterns which will shine distinctively as the rays of the sun fall on them.
The campsite for the day will be near Tibb Cave which is surrounded by dry sand.
Overnight stay in camps

Day 6 :

Tibb Cave to Naerak Camp

Trek 13 km/ 6 to 7 hours

The campsite for the day is the most awaited one, as you will be going to Naerak today, after breakfast. The 13 km long trail will bring you the chance of seeing the most scenic landmark of the Chadar river trek, which is the frozen waterfall. This frozen waterfall is a natural masterpiece in itself and attracts trekkers and adventurers from across the globe.
Hot lunch will be served on your way to Naerak.
Naerak will be the coldest of all the campsites on the trek where the temperature goes down to as low as -30 degrees during the night. It will be important that you wear proper clothing and in layers to stay safe from the biting cold.
Reaching the waterfall on time would mean that you will have plenty of time to pay the village of Naerak a visit as well.
You will be camping at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the frozen waterfall.
Overnight at Naerak camp.

Day 7 :

Naerak to Tibb Cave

Trek 13 km/ 5 to 6 hours

After breakfast today, you will start the return journey and go back to the Tibb cave.
If you have the notion that going back is the easier part of the journey, the Chadar will force your mind to think again. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself. The Chadar would have assumed a completely new form, and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before.
On your way back to Tibb cave, you will be seeing a lot of locals negotiating the Chadar wearing the traditional woolen Gonchas, where some of them are monks coming back to Leh from the monastery at Lingshed, while others are young students going back to schools in Leh after their vacations, accompanied by their parents. To see this sight is warming enough. You will be in awe of the way these people have adapted to the temperatures below zero and still smile
Overnight at camps in Tibb cave.

Day 8 :

Tibb Cave to Shingra Yokma via Gyalpo and Drive back to Leh

Trek 18 km/ 7 to 8 hours

Starting from Tibb, go up to Gyalpo, and then trek on to reach Shingra Yokma today.
The high walls of mountains rising from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls.
You will be noticing a lot of fresh trails and footprints all along the Chadar river trek, belonging to Foxes, Ibex, or Snow leopards.
Although you would be lucky to spot a Snow Leopard; but you can almost be sure that you are being watched by one all the time.
Retracing the steps we took, this will be the last chance to look at the majestic and mesmerizing Chadar, which you will miss for sure. Trekkers along the way, who are about to start their trek will for sure ask you the experience. It will be amazing to play a guide to these people and to talk to someone about the experience while it is still fresh in your head.
You will reach Leh approximately by 6:30 in the evening. It is recommended that you book your return flight on the 9th day instead of the 8th day.
Tonight you get to sleep in a warm guest-house.
Overnight in Leh.

Day 9 :

Departure from Leh

After having an early morning breakfast and spending some time with the people you had one of the most adventurous trekking experiences, you can all part ways.

You will get to unpack a bag full of memories that you will cherish for life and the thrilling experience that will stay with you. The feeling of having conquered the most epic Trek in India will surely stay with you

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Can a beginner do the Chadar trek?

The Chadar Trek is considered to be difficult. Beginners who are new to the trekking community and have found their interest in trekking are not advised to do the Chadar Trek.

Beginners will have to prepare themselves physically and mentally for the trek to make sure they succeed. Reading about the trek, looking at itineraries, watching vlogs, and building a positive mindset will have you prepared mentally for this adventurous trek. But you’ll still have to go on a few treks and get used to walking on jagged paths.

Make sure that your fitness level is up to the mark, and that you build your endurance and stamina. Additionally, starting to prepare physically by doing high-intensity workouts, managing your diet, and building your stamina would have great benefits for you.

What to pack for Chadar Trek?

In our Chadar Trek guide, we would recommend you the necessary items that you should pack. Being fully prepared with the items helps you to ensure that you are prepared for everything that you may come across.

Some of the trekking essentials for Chadar Trek include:

A trekking pole
Gumboots
Trekking shoes
Poncho
Water-resistant pants

To add, Pack all of these in a backpack of at least 60-70 liters. Don’t forget to keep an insulated water bottle, a sleeping bag, and a box full of medicines.

What is the temperature in the day time and night time?

Chadar trek temperature in the day time goes up to -10 Degrees. A sunny day can make the environment warm as well due to the reflection of the sunrays from the ice. Temperatures till -30 degrees have been witnessed by us in the nighttime. But don’t worry, it is quite warm inside the sleeping tent but the psychological feeling of cold will be there till the last moment of you being on the trek and in Leh as well.

What is the best time to do Chadar trek?

The winter months of January and February are considered to be the best time to go on Chadar frozen river trek. This is because around this time, the area experiences winters resulting in a temperature range of -5 to -25 degrees celsius. In addition to this, the Zanskar river is completely frozen during this time, thus resulting in a perfect trekking experience.