Chadar Trek in Ladakh
Chadar Trek 2026: The Ultimate 9-Day Winter Adventure
The Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling adventures in Ladakh, held each winter when the Zanskar River freezes over completely. This 9-day trek takes you across a solid sheet of ice that stretches about 30-35 kilometers, with riverside camping and breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. As you walk over the frozen river, you’ll experience a unique blend of natural beauty and raw Himalayan wilderness.
This Ladakh winter trek is not for the faint-hearted—the temperature can drop as low as -30°C, so be sure to pack very warm clothes and be physically fit for this grueling yet rewarding journey. The best time to embark on the Chadar Trek Ladakh is from mid-January to late February when the ice is thick and safe for hiking.
Ladakh Winter Trek Experience and Cultural Insights
What makes the Chadar Trek truly special is not just the challenging walk across ice but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Zanskar region. For centuries, locals have used the frozen river as a winter pathway. While trekking, you might sometimes see and hear the river flowing beneath the clear ice—an awe-inspiring experience. Along the way, you’ll pass the awe-striking Nerak Frozen Waterfall, an ice sculpture formed by nature’s hand, and other spectacular icy landscapes. This trek offers a peek into the traditional Zanskari way of life, with friendly locals sharing their stories and inspiring respect for their adaptation to one of the world’s harshest climates.
Why Choose the Chadar Trek Ladakh?
This winter trek offers a challenging but safe adventure when escorted by experienced Mountain Intelligence guides who prioritize your safety. The frozen river adventure is an unmatched way to witness Ladakh’s wilderness, culture, and winter charm. The trek is suitable for physically fit adventurers seeking a unique and life-changing winter hiking experience.
For more detailed information on winter trekking options in Ladakh, check our Winter Treks in Ladakh page. To explore breathtaking mountain views and trek highlights, visit the Mountain Intelligence YouTube channel.
This Chadar Trek 2026 is an epic winter journey that challenges your limits and rewards with spectacular frozen landscapes and a deep cultural connection, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in India’s high Himalayas.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Leh KBR airport where you will be greeted by our representative and they will transfer you to your hotel. You will spend the day in the room itself to acclimatize to the high altitude. This is absolutely necessary and is most important for the days ahead and it is a mandatory rule by UT Ladakh Govt. to stay 2 days in Leh for acclimatization. Overnight stay at Hotel.
On this day we will go to explore some of the famous winter sports in Ladakh like Ice Skating and Ice Hockey matches, Transportation will be provided. Towards Guphuks pond For Ice Skating experience or Ice Hockey Match depending upon the Match Schedule. Skates you need to hire (skates cost 150-200 per hour).
Please Note: We will take the group at only one destination and in group we will take everyone and no separate transportation will be given if someone didn’t want to go for the decided place by company.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Today we will take you to TAC Leh for the Medical fitness check-up. It is mandatory from the government to get a medical certification before the Chadar trek. A clearance certificate given to the trekkers after the medical check up NOC will be issued by the Medical Team. This will be issued only after the participant is acclimatized and fit for the trek.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Post breakfast, we take a beautiful drive through the beautiful scenery with your first views of the Indus river and later the Zanskar river at their confluence at Nimoo. From Nimoo you follow road heading towards Lhar. De-board the vehicle after a point and short trek towards Laar Campsite.
Overnight stay in trekking tent.
Your trek to Lhar begins today. Trek through the deep gorges of the Zanskar valley with sheer cliffs on both sides. The lack of direct sunlight keeps the snow well packed for the trek. We end the day at the Bakula Cave here which is used by the locals when traversing this valley and set up camp for the night.
Overnight stay in trekking tent.
Post breakfast, we continue the walk through the gorges to Tsomo. Enroute, we pass many beautiful gorges. Today is the day of final destination which is Summit Point at Tsomo Spring waterfall. Today we camp at Tsomo. Overnight stay in Camspite of Tsomo tent.
From Tsomo on this day, we retrace the same route and stop at Bakula Cave. Overnight stay in Trekking tent.
Today is your last day of the trek. Post breakfast we trek back towards Lhar walking on the thick ice of Chadar. You will be trekking for about 3 hours with a couple of breaks in between. We will leave towards Leh and transport everyone towards Leh. Overnight stay in Leh Hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
What's Not Included
- We don't include your flights to/from Leh-Delhi etc., but we can advise you on your booking
- Personal Luggage will be Carried by the Participant.
- If you require extra porter(s) during the trek to carry your luggage, it's extra cost
- You are responsible for arranging your personal travel and medical insurance and ensuring your physical fitness before and during the trek.
- Food in Leh
- If you require extra porter(s) during the trek to carry your luggage, please concern our sales executive.
- Anything not mention
Similar Tours
