Chadar (frozen river) trek vs Zanskar Valley
Pick Chadar (frozen river) trek for
snow, adventure, a real challenge
Pick Zanskar Valley for
peace and quiet, culture and heritage, road trips, fewer people, an easier walk, a smaller budget
| Chadar (frozen river) trek | Zanskar Valley | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Zanskar, Leh | Ladakh, Padum, Kargil |
| Highest point | 3,400 m | 4,400 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult | Easy–moderate |
| Trek distance | about 62 km | No trek needed |
| Days on the ground | 9–10 | 8–10 |
| Best months | Jan, Feb | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Snow likely | Jan, Feb | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Quiet |
| Daily spend | about ₹4,000 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh / Srinagar |
| With kids | Not advised | Possible |
| With seniors | Not advised | Possible |
| Permits | Mandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years. | Check current Kargil district requirements. |
Chadar (frozen river) trek: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Zanskar Valley: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- ❄︎May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- ❄︎Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely