Chadar Trek Ladakh Packages

Top things to see & do

Frozen Zanskar RiverThe trek's icy highway, a sheet of frozen river winding through a dramatic gorge.

Ice Canyon WallsTowering vertical rock and ice walls that hem the frozen river in a spectacular corridor.

Frozen WaterfallsCascades locked in mid-fall by the deep winter cold, a highlight of the icy route.

Nerak VillageA remote Zanskari hamlet near a great frozen waterfall, the traditional turning point of the trek.

Cave CampsNatural riverside caves used as camping shelters, part of the trek's raw, adventurous character.

Zanskari CultureThe hardy traditions of the Zanskar valley, whose people historically used the frozen river as a winter road.

Suggested itinerary

What is the Chadar Trek

Chadar means 'sheet' in Ladakhi, referring to the ice that forms over the Zanskar river each deep winter. For centuries it was the only winter route out of the isolated Zanskar valley. Today it is a bucket-list expedition, walking that frozen river through a stunning gorge.

What to expect

This is a serious cold-weather trek featuring:

• Walking on and beside frozen river ice
• Temperatures that can plunge far below freezing
• Frozen waterfalls and towering canyon walls
• Nights camping in caves and tents

Fitness and preparation

The Chadar demands strong fitness, mental resilience and full acclimatisation in Leh beforehand. We travel with experienced local guides, plan medical checks and advise thoroughly on specialist cold-weather gear. Conditions are extreme, so preparation is everything.

When it runs

The Chadar Trek is possible only in the coldest months, roughly mid-January to mid-February, when the ice is thick enough to walk. It cannot be done at any other time of year, as the river flows freely in warmer months.

Safety and support

Ice conditions change daily, so routes are led by seasoned local guides who read the ice. We plan for acclimatisation, warmth and contingencies, and follow the guidance of local experts on the ground at all times.