Tso Moriri vs Chadar (frozen river) trek
Pick Tso Moriri for
peace and quiet, nature, road trips, fewer people, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Chadar (frozen river) trek for
snow, adventure, a real challenge
| Tso Moriri | Chadar (frozen river) trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Ladakh, Rupshu, Leh | Ladakh, Zanskar, Leh |
| Highest point | 4,600 m | 3,400 m |
| Difficulty | Easy–moderate | Difficult |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 62 km |
| Days on the ground | 5–6 | 9–10 |
| Best months | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | Jan, Feb |
| Snow likely | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Jan, Feb |
| Crowds in season | Quiet | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹4,000 |
| Gateway | Leh | Leh |
| With kids | Not advised | 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. |
Tso Moriri: 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