Leh vs Chadar (frozen river) trek
Pick Leh for
culture and heritage, a spiritual journey, road trips, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Chadar (frozen river) trek for
snow, adventure, a real challenge, fewer people
| Leh | Chadar (frozen river) trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Leh district | Ladakh, Zanskar, Leh |
| Highest point | 3,600 m | 3,400 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Difficult |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 62 km |
| Days on the ground | 4–6 | 9–10 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jan, Feb |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹4,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh |
| With kids | Possible | Not advised |
| With seniors | Possible | Not advised |
| Permits | None for Leh town. Trips beyond Leh (Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri) need the online Ladakh protected-area permit and fees — check the current LAHDC process. | Mandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years. |
Leh: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Chadar (frozen river) trek: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely