Zanskar, Leh · Ladakh
Chadar (frozen river) trek
A winter walk on the frozen Zanskar river through a deep gorge, at temperatures far below zero.
Chadar (frozen river) trek is a difficult trek in Zanskar, Leh, Ladakh, reaching 3,400 m. The best time to go is January and February. Plan 9 to 10 days on the ground from Leh and about ₹4,000 per person per day.
What to do in Chadar (frozen river) trek
The one thing not to miss
Walking the frozen river
The trail is the ice itself, and it changes every day.
- 2Nerak waterfallA frozen fall near the village that most groups turn back at.
- 3The cave campsNights are spent by caves in the gorge wall.
- 4Go only if it is openThe trek depends on the ice and on permission from the Leh administration each winter.
A sample plan: 8 days
Day 1
Arrive in Leh
Rest completely.
Day 2
A second day in Leh
Still resting.
Day 3
A third day in Leh
The medical check and permits that the administration requires.
Day 4
Leh to the roadhead by road, then walk to the first camp
The route depends on the ice and on how far the road is open that year.
Day 5
On the river to Tibb cave
Follow the guide's line on the ice exactly.
Day 6
Tibb to Nerak
The frozen waterfall.
Day 7
Nerak back to Tibb
The same way.
Day 8
Tibb to the roadhead, and drive to Leh
Keep a spare day in case the ice breaks.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
Nothing else like it in the world — ice, gorge walls and caves to sleep in.
Why not
Extreme cold, ice that varies year to year, and strict rules on medical checks and insurance.
Before you go
- Permits
- Mandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years.
- Guide
- Required — go only with a registered operator.
- Safety
- Temperatures can fall to −25 °C. Ice conditions change daily; follow the guide's call.
- Phone & internet
- None.
Altitude
Chadar (frozen river) trek reaches 3,400 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common.
- Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol on the first night.
- If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Ladakh →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: SNM Hospital, Leh.
All emergency contacts for Ladakh →What to pack for Chadar (frozen river) trek
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
11 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Rain jacket or poncho Mountain weather turns quickly; rain gear doubles as a wind layer.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 62 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
8 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Moisturiser and a saline nasal spray The air is very dry; skin and the inside of the nose crack within days.
Documents and money
4 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsMandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years.
- Passport-size photos and photocopies of your IDPermit counters and check posts ask for them, and there is rarely a photocopier nearby. Carry four of each.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone.
- A postpaid SIMPrepaid SIMs from other states do not work in Ladakh or Kashmir. Only postpaid connections, or a prepaid SIM bought locally, will have signal.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Ladakh Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Leh.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it. A medical check and several days of acclimatisation in Leh are required before the trek.
By road
From
Leh
- Distance
- about 70 km
- Drive time
- about 3 hours
- Leh
- Nimmu
- Chilling
- roadhead in the Zanskar gorge
Where the road ends, and where the walk starts, changes from year to year.
Live directions from Leh
Buses and shared taxis. Fly to Leh; the roads in are closed in winter. Operators arrange the drive to the river.
Pickups & drivers
From Leh. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Chadar (frozen river) trek yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Chadar (frozen river) trek: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Chadar (frozen river) trek?
The best months for Chadar (frozen river) trek are January and February. Snow is likely in January and February.
How difficult is Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Chadar (frozen river) trek is rated difficult. The trek is about 62 km in total, starting at 3,100 m and reaching 3,400 m.
How many days do you need for Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Plan 9 to 10 days on the ground, counted from Leh. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Chadar (frozen river) trek cost?
Expect about ₹4,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹40,000 for 10 days, before the cost of getting to Leh.
How do you reach Chadar (frozen river) trek?
By road: from Leh it is about 70 km, about 3 hours (Leh → Nimmu → Chilling → roadhead in the Zanskar gorge). Fly to Leh; the roads in are closed in winter. Operators arrange the drive to the river. The nearest gateway is Leh.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Permits: Mandatory acclimatisation days, medical check and insurance in Leh, plus fees — confirm current LAHDC rules; the trek has been restricted in some years. Guide: Required — go only with a registered operator.
Is Chadar (frozen river) trek suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Temperatures can fall to −25 °C. Ice conditions change daily; follow the guide's call.
What should you pack for Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Chadar (frozen river) trek?
None.
Will I get altitude sickness at Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Chadar (frozen river) trek reaches 3,400 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol on the first night. If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Chadar (frozen river) trek?
Chadar (frozen river) trek is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children and senior citizens. Also keep in mind: Extreme cold, ice that varies year to year, and strict rules on medical checks and insurance.
Close to Chadar (frozen river) trek
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Markha Valleyabout 25 km
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