India9 days
Zanskar Frozen River Trek — 9 Days
Winter trekking across the frozen Chadar River in the Indian Himalayas, from Leh to Naerak and back
The Chadar Trek traverses the frozen Zanskar River in winter, a remote valley in the Indian Himalayas where the river itself becomes the principal route. Located at approximately 11,000 feet, this region remains isolated for much of the year; the trek is accessible only when sustained winter temperatures solidify the river ice sufficiently for foot travel. The route spans roughly 70 kilometers over nine days, beginning and ending in Leh at 3,500 meters and extending to Naerak village at 3,400 meters. Temperatures regularly fall to minus 20 degrees Celsius or lower. The landscape includes high mountain passes, frozen waterfalls, cave shelters, and river valleys flanked by steep cliffs. Local Zanskari communities inhabit the area seasonally, and trekkers pass through villages and established stopping points. The trek requires no specialized mountaineering skills but demands thorough acclimatization, appropriate cold-weather gear, and physical endurance for sustained walking on ice and snow. Winter (January to February) is the only season when the river ice is stable enough for this route.
Best time to go: January to February
Highlights
- Frozen Chadar River trek at 11,000 feet, walking the ice surface as the primary route
- Naerak frozen waterfall, a large cascade preserved in ice, viewable from above
- Tibb Cave, a natural shelter used as a campsite on the return leg of the trek
- Acclimatization walk to Shanti Stupa in Leh with panoramic views of the town and surrounding peaks
- Mountain driving from Leh to Shingra Koma, a 70-kilometer route with high passes and hairpin bends
- Winter caves used as traditional overnight shelters along the river route
- Wildlife tracks of snow leopards, ibex, and foxes visible along the upper stretches
Day by day
1Arrival in Leh and Team BriefingLeh · hotel in town · hotel in Leh
Leh lies at 3,500 meters above sea level in the Ladakh region of northern India. During winter, most mountain passes are closed, making air travel the only viable approach; Leh's airport is among the world's highest. Upon arrival, travelers collect luggage and transfer by taxi to a pre-arranged hotel in town. The landscape visible from the aircraft and around the city consists of high, snow-covered mountains. The first day includes team briefing with guides and trek staff, orientation to the accommodation, and rest. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
2Acclimatization Walk and Leh ExplorationShanti Stupa · Leh town · hotel
An early-morning walk begins the acclimatization process required at this altitude. The route ascends toward Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist stupa on a hillside overlooking Leh. The walk offers a sunrise view and a panoramic perspective of the town and surrounding valleys. Hydration is emphasized as essential during acclimatization; fluid intake of 3–4 liters daily is recommended. The remainder of the day allows for exploration of Leh town and rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.
3Medical Clearance and AcclimatizationSNM Hospital
Government regulations require medical certification before undertaking the Chadar Trek. Participants visit SNM Hospital for a health check-up and fitness assessment for high-altitude trekking. A medical clearance certificate is issued only to those deemed adequately acclimatized and physically fit for the trek's demands. The medical examination is routine, checking cardiovascular fitness, oxygen saturation, and general health. The remainder of the day allows for continued acclimatization and preparation. Overnight stay at the hotel.
4Leh to Shingra Koma and First Steps on the Frozen RiverLeh to Shingra Koma · frozen Chadar River · riverside camp near Shingra Koma
After breakfast, the trek begins with a 70-kilometer drive westward from Leh toward Shingra Koma, covering approximately four hours. The road passes through high mountain terrain with steep hairpin bends and rough surfaces; the surrounding peaks remain in view throughout. Upon arrival at Shingra Koma, participants disembark and prepare for the first trek segment. The initial three kilometers onto the frozen Chadar River take approximately two hours. The ice surface requires adjustment; most trekkers experience initial difficulty and occasional slips before finding balance. The first campsite lies approximately two kilometers upstream from Shingra Koma. A hot meal is prepared by the kitchen staff. Overnight stay in an alpine tent at the riverside camp.
5Chadar River Trek to Tibb CaveChadar River · Tibb Cave
This day covers approximately 14 kilometers over six to seven hours of continuous trekking on the frozen river surface. An early start is necessary to maximize daylight. The river valley narrows in this section, with high cliffs rising on either side that significantly reduce direct sunlight. The gorges and ravines create distinctive visual features along the route. Tibb Cave, a large natural cave formation carved into the cliff face, serves as the overnight shelter. The cave offers protection from wind and provides space for camp setup. Local staff serve butter tea as a warming beverage. Overnight stay at the cave campsite.
6Trekking to Naerak and the Frozen WaterfallNaerak frozen waterfall · Naerak village · Naerak village camp
This segment covers 13 kilometers over approximately seven hours and traverses the most visually striking section of the route. The primary landmark is the Naerak frozen waterfall, a large cascade preserved in ice and ice formations. The waterfall site includes a bridge structure that serves as the summer access route to Zanskar when the river is unfrozen. From the waterfall, the trek continues to Naerak village, a settlement inhabited by Zanskari people. The village visit provides opportunity to observe traditional daily life and local architecture adapted to extreme cold. Temperatures in Naerak drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius at night; appropriate layered clothing is essential. Overnight stay at the village camp.
7Return Trek from Naerak to Tibb CaveNaerak to Tibb Cave · Tibb Cave · gorge sections
The return journey covers 13 kilometers over seven hours, retracing the route upstream. Winter conditions change rapidly; the river ice may present a markedly different appearance than the outbound leg due to temperature fluctuations and shifting snow coverage. The trek passes through the same gorge sections and offers further opportunity to observe wildlife tracks, including snow leopard pugmarks, ibex trails, and fox prints. Trekkers encounter local herders wearing traditional wool Gonchas (robes) and may photograph the landscape. Upon arrival at Tibb Cave, camp is re-established. Overnight stay at the cave campsite.
8Final River Trek and Return to Lehupper sections of the river · hotel in Leh · Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma via Gyalpo · Shingra Koma to Leh
The morning trek covers 14 kilometers over seven hours, moving downstream from Tibb Cave toward Shingra Koma via Gyalpo. The upper sections of the river offer views of high mountain terrain and provide continued opportunity to observe wildlife evidence—snow leopards, ibex, and foxes inhabit these altitudes. The trek ends at Shingra Koma, the formal finish point. After rest and luggage organization, a 70-kilometer drive returns to Leh, passing through the same mountain landscape as the outbound journey four days prior. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
9Departure from Lehhotel in the morning · Leh airport
Check out from the hotel in the morning and transfer to Leh airport for your departure flight. Your journey through one of India's most remote and scenic regions concludes, leaving you with a profound sense of accomplishment and the memories of an extraordinary landscape.
Where you go
- 1hotel
Included
- Welcome & Greeting on Arrival at the hotel
- Accommodation in Leh - Stays in Guest Houses on triple sharing basis in Leh on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 8 (Double Sharing for couples).
- Stay in Alpine/Dome Tents on triple sharing the basis on Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, and Day 7 (Double Sharing for couples).
- Breakfast when in Leh on Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 9.
- Celebration Dinner on Last Night in Leh.
- Skilled local staff who has ample knowledge of the route.
- Transportation from Leh to Trekking Point on Day 4 and Trekking Point to Leh on Day 8.
- Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) starting on Day 4 Packed Lunch to Day 8 Lunch.
- Common Kitchen/Dining/Toilet tents will be used during the trek.
- Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff.
- Porters for carrying common equipment’s (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries).
- Equipment – Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mats.
- Basic First aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
- The Facility of keeping extra luggage at Leh when leaving for the trek.
Not included
- 1. GST @ 5%
- 2. Personal trekking equipment – like Gum Boots, trekking poles or sleeping bag liners
- 3. Personal insurance or the cost of emergency evacuation
- 4. Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)
- 5. Shared Porters for luggage offloading upto 10kgs (back pack or duffle bag only) is Rs. 5,500/- and Private Porter max 20kgs will be Rs. 11,000/-. Potrers are subject to availability & need to check at the time of booking.
- 6. Room Heaters at Guest House in Leh(We suggest not to use the room heaters as the same dehydrate the body and your body won’t get acclimatize to gear up for the Chadar trek)
- 7. Cost of transport, meals and stay if in case you leave the trek in between and return to Leh before the scheduled arrival on Day 8
- 8. Wildlife permit fee/Medical check-up & Rescue/ALTOA NOC Cost and Adventure Insurance
- an approx. amount of 8,000 to 10,000 (subject to change without prior notice)
- 9. If your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated for any reason we will not refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.
- 10. Any additional cost incurred due to do changes in Government Guidelines related to travel/trek/COVID-19 will be borne by the Guest.
- 11. Insurance of any kind.
- 12. Anything notmentioned under 'Inclusions'
Activities: Trekking