The Chadar Trek Route
Arrival Leh Medical Checkup (Leh) Tsomo Paldar Tibb Cave Naerak Waterfall Tibb Cave Leh Departure Leh
Trek Overview
The Chadar Trek is not just a trek; it is a true test of human endurance, mental strength, and survival. Our 08 Nights / 09 Days Chadar Frozen River Trek Tour Package allows you to walk upon the frozen Zanskar River, an ancient trade route used by the Zanskari people for centuries during harsh winters. With temperatures plunging to -30°C, this is widely considered one of the most glamorous yet challenging treks in the world.
Safety is our paramount concern. The itinerary begins with two mandatory days in Leh. The first day is strictly for resting and acclimatizing to the 11,400 ft altitude. The second day involves the mandatory government medical check-up at the SNM Hospital in Leh, followed by obtaining wildlife permits. Only those declared physically fit are allowed to proceed to the frozen river.
The actual trek begins on Day 3 as you travel to Shingra Koma and take your first steps on the ice towards Tsomo Paldar. Over the next few days, you will sleep in thick sleeping bags inside tents or caves, navigate precarious ice formations, and finally witness the majestic, towering Naerak Frozen Waterfall. You will be accompanied by seasoned Zanskari guides who know the ice like the back of their hands.
Certified Guides & Emergency Rescue Protocols
The Chadar Trek demands extreme safety measures. Our trek leaders are certified by ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association). We carry heavy-duty -30°C rated sleeping bags, emergency oxygen cylinders, and comprehensive medical kits. We strongly advise travelers to have valid insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Trek Highlights
- Walk over the frozen Zanskar River, navigating varying formations of ice.
- Experience extreme winter camping in temperatures dropping to -30°C.
- Witness the breathtaking Naerak Frozen Waterfall, the ultimate goal of the trek.
- Spend a night at Tibb Cave, a natural shelter used by ancient traders.
- Complete the mandatory health screening at the Leh SNM Hospital for safety.
- Explore Shanti Stupa and Leh Market during your acclimatization and buffer days.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome to the freezing heights of Ladakh. Upon landing at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), you will experience a drastic drop in temperature. Our representative will transfer you to a heated guest house/hotel. Due to the high altitude and extreme cold, complete bed rest for the entire day is strictly mandatory to acclimatize and prevent AMS.
Keep hydrating yourself with warm water. Overnight stay in Leh.
Today is a crucial day for the expedition. Post breakfast, the group will head to the SNM Hospital in Leh for a mandatory physical fitness test mandated by the government.
Key Activities:
- Medical Screening: Blood pressure and oxygen levels will be checked. Clearance is required to proceed.
- Permits: Obtaining wildlife and ALTOA permits.
- Acclimatization Walk: A short hike up to Shanti Stupa or Leh Market to keep the muscles active.
Final briefing by the Trek Leader in the evening. Overnight stay in Leh.
The adventure begins! We drive past Magnetic Hill and the Sangam viewpoint towards Shingra Koma. The drive itself is scenic, dropping into the deep gorge of the Zanskar River. At Shingra Koma, you will step onto the Chadar (ice sheet) for the first time.
After learning the "penguin walk" technique on the ice from your guide, we commence a 3 km trek to our first campsite at Tsomo Paldar. Enjoy your first night sleeping in extreme cold in heavy-duty sleeping bags.
Wake up to a freezing morning and steaming tea. Today involves a long walk of about 14 km. The river gorge deepens, and sunlight struggles to reach the ice, keeping it solid. You will encounter various ice formations, some mirroring the sky's colors.
Highlight:
- Tibb Cave: A large natural cave that has sheltered local traders for centuries. We will pitch our tents near or inside this historic cave.
Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by our expert porters. Overnight in tents near Tibb Cave.
Today is the most anticipated day of the trek. You will walk approximately 12 km through a spectacular landscape where the river forms deep, narrow gorges.
Natural Monument:
- Naerak Frozen Waterfall: Behold the magnificent 50-foot frozen waterfall. The ice takes on a mystical blue hue. A wooden bridge overhead connects the village of Naerak to the rest of the region.
Camp will be set up near the waterfall. Naerak is typically the coldest point on the trek. Overnight stay at Naerak Camp.
Today we start the return journey. Interestingly, the Chadar changes daily due to fluctuating temperatures. The path you walked yesterday might look entirely different today, with old paths breaking and new icy layers forming.
Trek back the 12 km to Tibb Cave, utilizing the ice-walking skills you've mastered over the past few days. Overnight stay in tents at Tibb Cave.
This is your final day walking on the ice sheet. We trek from Tibb Cave back to Shingra Koma (approx 14 km). Look closely at the canyon walls and spot pugmarks of snow leopards or foxes if you are lucky.
Upon reaching Shingra Koma, our vehicles will be waiting to drive you back to Leh. Check into your heated guest house, enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, and celebrate the successful completion of the trek. Overnight stay in Leh.
In extreme winter expeditions, weather and ice conditions can cause delays. This mandatory buffer day is kept as a contingency. If the trek went exactly as planned, you now have a free day in Leh.
Monuments Covered (If free day):
- Leh Palace: Explore the ancient ruins overlooking the snow-covered town.
- Leh Market: Buy souvenirs, Pashmina shawls, or simply enjoy a hot coffee in a local cafe.
Farewell dinner with the team. Overnight stay in Leh.
Your extreme winter expedition concludes today. We will drop you at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL). Fly out with a badge of honor and stories of surviving the mighty Chadar that you'll tell for a lifetime!
Package Inclusions
- 08 Nights stay (04N Leh Guesthouse, 04N Camping on ice)
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
- High-quality ALTOA approved Alpine tents & -30°C Sleeping bags
- Certified Zanskari Trek Leader, Guide, and Cook
- Porters & sledges for central camping equipment/rations
- First Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen Cylinder during the trek
- Transportation to and from the trekking point
- ALTOA fees, Wildlife Permits & Environmental tax
Package Exclusions
- Leh SNM Hospital Medical Checkup fees (Payable directly)
- Personal trekking gear (Gumboots, Trekking poles, Headlamps)
- Personal porter to carry individual backpacks
- Meals in Leh (only Breakfast is included at guesthouse)
- High Altitude Trekking Insurance (Mandatory)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation charges
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be in excellent physical shape. You must be able to jog 5 km in 30-40 minutes without stress. You should have prior high-altitude trekking experience. The extreme cold (-30°C) is the biggest challenge, not just the walking distance.
The medical checkup at SNM Hospital is mandated by the government for your survival. If a doctor declares you unfit, you will not be permitted to trek. There are no refunds for the trek in this scenario, though we can help arrange alternative local sightseeing at your own cost.
Yes. Normal trekking shoes are too slippery for pure ice. You will need to buy thick rubber "Gumboots" (Wellingtons) which are easily available in Leh market on Day 1/2. Gumboots provide the necessary grip on the frozen Chadar.
Yes. As per regulations, children below 15 years and adults above 50 years are strictly not permitted to undertake the Chadar trek due to the extreme climatic conditions and survival risks.
