Pangong Tso vs Chadar (frozen river) trek
Pick Pangong Tso for
camping, road trips, nature, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Chadar (frozen river) trek for
snow, adventure, a real challenge, fewer people
| Pangong Tso | Chadar (frozen river) trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Changthang, Leh | Ladakh, Zanskar, Leh |
| Highest point | 5,360 m | 3,400 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Difficult |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 62 km |
| Days on the ground | 4–5 | 9–10 |
| Best months | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jan, Feb |
| Snow likely | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Busy | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹4,000 | about ₹4,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh |
| With kids | Possible | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | Ladakh protected-area permit required. | Mandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years. |
Pangong Tso: 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