Chadar Trek

Overview

About Chadar Trek Packages

Chadar Trek is unique in itself not only because this trek takes you on daring trails to remote areas with stunning landscapes but also because of its rewarding routes that take hikers into the remote Indian Himalayas on a mesmerizing journey across a frozen river. When due to heavy snowfall mountain passes close off, the Chadar (the frozen surface of the Zanskar river) becomes the only viable route through this isolated region.

This extraordinary trek follows the thick ice layers that form over the Zanskar River each winter, providing a rare chance to traverse a completely frozen waterway surrounded by soaring peaks and pristine wilderness. Perhaps the most fascinating element is the ever-changing nature of the ice itself. The Chadar is a dynamic, living surface that undergoes constant change in formations. Old sections may break apart as new stretches from where open water once flowed.

Chadar trek is a chance to explore a remote winter realm of frozen rivers, incredible gorges and sprawling glaciers under vast Himalayan skies. It's an adventure found nowhere else on Earth.

Quick Facts: Chadar Trek

Top Attractions near Chadar Trek

• Leh: The town itself has so much to provide one with, including breathtaking landscapes, inhabitants, culture, music, dance and many more activities and sights to learn and gain knowledge.
• Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a beautiful dome shaped Buddhist monument, there are two levels in the stupa each depicting a significant philosophy of Buddhism. During full moon nights when the moon light falls upon the monument it enhances its natural beauty.
• Sonam Vangchuk’s Ice Stupa Excursion: Sonam Wangchuk who is a renowned mechanical engineer, lives in Leh region for years and to solve the problem of water scarcity he built an artificial cone of ice known as “ice stupa”.
• Shingra Koma: Named after Shingra plantations that predominantly grew in this region, this place came to be known as Shingra Koma. You can also spot some snow leopards here and footprints of other animals like foxes, ibex, etc.
• Tibb Cave: Tibb Cave is a renowned Buddhist meditation cave that is carved with religious figures and frescoes, it dates back to the 8th century CE. Tibb Cave is not just a major spiritual and archaeological site and rich in Buddhist heritage but also known for its waterfalls standing still in the form of icefalls.
• Nerak: Waterfalls are often known to be a continuous fall of water downwards but what if the fall stops in the middle of the path and never comes down? Nerak is known for its huge frozen waterfalls that look like they freeze while they are flowing and since then it has been there in the form of ice. This is nature’s masterpiece and after you cross this waterfall you find an old wooden bridge which takes you to Nerak village.

How to prepare for the Chadar Trek?

1. Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Leh or other high-altitude regions before the trek and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Physical Fitness: Daily exercise, cycling, or running to develop leg strength and overall stamina. Train to walk on slippery and uneven terrain while carrying a backpack.

3. Gear and Equipment: Sturdy backpack and sleeping bag rated for extreme cold temperatures, Closed-cell foam mat microspikes for better traction on ice Headlamp or flashlight Insulated water bottle or thermos can be the equipment to gear up for the trek.

4. Warm Clothing: Pack several layers of warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing, thermal base layers, fleece or down insulation layers, waterproof outer layers, wear thick socks and insulated boots too.

How Difficult is the Chadar Trek?

Trail with cold, icy and steepness, Chadar Trek is one of the most challenging and tough treks of Ladakh. Trekkers with a high level of fitness and good mental strength are capable of going on Chadar Trek. The temperature is incredibly low during day time and extremely freezing temperatures welcomes you in the night time.

Best Time to do Chadar Trek

There is a very specific time when Chadar Trek is favorable for trekking, that is from mid January to the end of February. This is the time when the river freezes into ice sheets and this crystal like trail is then open for hiking expeditions. Mostly in Summer seasons those who love water sports visit Leh but Chadar Trek remains favorite trek to do in winter season.

Things To Pack