For adventurous throngs who do not shy away from the extremely low temperatures of winter, the Chadar lake trek in Ladakh, India, is an experience that deserves to be on one’s bucket list. Combining beautiful landscapes with culture and a good workout, this is a special trek. The trek passes through the frozen river Zanskar, which is characterized by a unique ice structure and edges the beauty of secluded Ladakhi culture.
Commencing at Chilling village, it is a must that this trek is attempted when the ice on the Zanskar Chadar Trek River is in the best condition somewhere in February. The path consists of the ice-covered Zanskar River, and at night time, the temperature can stoop down -30 degrees centigrade, making the trek both thrilling and highly challenging. However, this is possible with good preparation and after anticipating such weather conditions.
Starting from Chilling village, the Chadar lake trek follows the icy path of the Zanskar River, best attempted in February when the ice is most stable. Nighttime temperatures can plummet to -30°C (-22°F), making the trek both exhilarating and challenging. Preparation for extreme cold and rough terrain is essential.
The altitude of Leh, a stunning town, is 11,400 feet above sea level and is your destination. From the deserts in the southern part of India to the rocky Himalayas in the north, the terrain changes and is jaw-dropping to view from the sky, highlighting the snow-capped tops of the Himalayas.
As soon as you step foot at the airport, tame yourself, as mild altitude sickness is a high possibility because of the low oxygen concentration and high demand for it. A recommendation is to target the high volume season and adjust your schedule around taking a few days off to fully acclimatize yourself before joining in for the Chadar frozen river trek expedition. The adventure commences in Chilling, where the Zanskar River starts to freeze.
Trekkers navigate the ever-changing ice, carefully assessing its thickness and stability. Safe passage requires awareness of the ice conditions, as thin or cracked sheets can pose risks. As for the locals, the night is spent in caves that are situated beside rivers or on streets in the safest areas, along with their trusted tents.
Chadar Trek Ladakh is an amazing experience, and it can test your endurance and your pain threshold. One must wrestle with freezing temperatures and require warm, layered clothing and frostbite prevention. The constant movement also helps preserve body heat.
The Chadar Trek is located in the Ladakh region of northern India. This trek takes you through the Zanskar Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and remoteness. The trek involves walking along the frozen Zanskar River, surrounded by rugged cliffs and dramatic gorges.
It starts from Tilat Sumdo and follows the river towards Nerak and beyond, providing trekkers with an experience of pristine, untouched nature. Ladakh is among India’s most remote regions, but it also has a beauty that is untamed, breathtaking, and challenging.
The Chadar Trek is classified as a difficult trek and unsuitable for beginners without prior high-altitude trekking experience. Here’s why:
Altitude:
The base camp stands at an elevation of 11,123 feet above sea level, which makes it challenging for one to breathe as the oxygen levels are lower. This is why one should be accustomed to high altitudes; traveling too far can lead to altitude sickness.
Freezing Temperatures:
With temperatures this harsh, being able to keep oneself warm becomes a challenge. Excessive temperatures on the trek can lead to hypothermia and frostbite if one is unprepared. One must overcome this, which will require physical exertion and a lot of stamina.
Walking on Ice:
The trek requires walking long distances on a slippery, frozen river. The Chadar, or ice sheet, can be unpredictable, with some sections being smooth and others rough or fragile. You’ll need excellent balance and sturdy trekking shoes for grip.
Long Distances:
Each day involves trekking 10-15 kilometers over uneven ice, often for 6-8 hours. This demands a high level of stamina and physical endurance.
Remote Location:
The trek takes place in an area that is scarce in terms of medical facilities; if something were to go wrong or there was an injury, the medical resources would be limited. Altitude training is one of the few options when it comes to recovery.
Chadar Trek is considered to be a challenging but fun experience lasting between 5 to 6 days, depending on the group’s speed and the weather. This time is mainly because the trekkers have to cross narrower gorges and move around frozen rivers. However, the average distance covered by a participant is around 8 to 10 kilometers on a daily basis. By doing this, one is allowing one’s body to adapt to the low oxygen levels to prepare to go further up in the Zanskar Valley.
The prime season for the night Chadar Trek is during the winter months, specifically from mid-January to late February. This then leads to perhaps the most interesting feature of the trek, the Chadar or the ice sheet, which offers breathtaking surroundings that allow you to soak in the beauty of Ladakh.
The weather during these months is harsh but magical, with temperatures dipping as low as -20°C to -30°C at night. Daytime temperatures are slightly more bearable, ranging from -5°C to -10°C. The cold, dry climate creates an environment of pristine beauty, with clear blue skies, snow-covered cliffs, and the glistening frozen river.
Frozen River for Trekking:
Chadar Trek, in its most literal sense, encircles one activity, and that is walking over the frozen Zanskar River. Winter is only when the ice sheet is stable enough to support trekkers.
Spectacular Scenery:
With the onset of winter, the Zanskar Valley looks like a masterpiece created with ice and snow. Steep rock faces, frozen waterfalls, and ice dangling off tree branches are all phenomenal things that await you on the journey.
Cultural Insights:
Also, winter is the time when Zanskar’s deserted villages are locked up, and nothing can reach or leave the village. During this time, many trekkers have a chance to meet the local people and learn more about their lives during the hard winter season.
Leh, nestled at 11,800 feet, can only be reached by flight during winter. As your plane approaches, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-draped mountain ranges. Let temperatures remain sub-zero, so keep a jacket, woolen cap, and gloves handy to face the icy blast upon landing.
The town transforms into a snow-covered wonderland during winter, with icy roads that require caution to avoid slips and falls. Only essential shops remain open, so ensure you bring all necessary gear from your hometown.
It’s also worth noting that Leh is comparatively colder than the trek route, with a daytime mean of about -10 degrees Celsius and a night average plummeting to about -16 or lower. Ensure that you follow this routine during this journey: normal day activities during daytime sun only while after dusk, maximum exposure to the indoors to protect yourself from the extreme cold.
The journey to Chilling, the starting point of the Chadar Trek, begins with a scenic 64 km drive from Leh. Follow the Leh-Srinagar Highway to Nimu, where the Indus meets the Zanskar River. Take the road along the Zanskar River from here, marveling at the frozen sheets of Chadar forming on the river’s surface.
The trek begins at Chilling, a nearly deserted hamlet with a few army sheds and closed buildings. The road extends a bit further until it ends at the river. Step onto the Chadar cautiously, familiarizing yourself with the icy terrain. The ice varies greatly:
You’ll reach Tilat Sumdo, your first campsite, within an hour of trekking. “Sumdo” signifies a confluence, where a local tributary joins the Zanskar from the left. The campsite features an elevated, level field, while nearby caves offer shelter for those without tents. Locals often use these caves during their journeys along the Chadar.
Camping at Tilat Sumdo introduces you to the harsh yet beautiful experience of outdoor survival in sub-zero temperatures. While a campfire can provide comfort, it often relies on the scarce dried vegetation along the riverbanks. Prepare to embrace the freezing temperatures and enjoy your first night amidst Ladakh’s icy wilderness.
Rise with the sun around 7 am and prepare to leave the campsite by 9 am. Although daylight fills the sky, Tilat Sumdo and much of the Chadar receive direct sunlight only during midday. This limited exposure ensures the ice sheet remains intact.
Your morning trek feels like walking inside a giant freezer, with only your face exposed to the biting cold. As you traverse the Chadar, pay attention to the ice’s unique sounds, revealing its thickness and safety. Over time, you’ll learn to identify areas where the ice is thick and stable versus thin and risky.
The Chadar may only form along the river’s edges in certain sections, requiring you to crouch or crawl under low overhangs. These moments add to the adventure, emphasizing the trek’s unique challenges.
Shingra Koma is approximately 10 km from Tilat Sumdo, a distance covered in about 6 to 7 hours. Around midday, find a sunny spot to enjoy a quick hot meal of Maggi and tea, freshly prepared by your cook. Packed lunches are avoided during the Chadar Trek, as food turns too cold to eat by noon. Hot meals provide essential warmth and energy for the journey.
Even these large cats, which frequently roam in this part and are hardly seen by human eyes in this region, have, unless the breeding instinct is triggered, left pug marks, which are quite interesting and eminent whenever sighted during the movement in this area.
Shingra Koma, your next campsite, is on vast open ground to your right as you trek upstream. It lies beneath a towering stone wall reminiscent of a Hollywood backdrop. The Zanskar River is picturesque here, framed by sharp, rising peaks on the opposite bank. The campsite owes its name to the abundant “Shingra” plant found in the area. Prepare for another night under the stars, surrounded by Ladakh’s stunning, icy wilderness.
The journey from Shingra Koma to Tibb is breathtakingly beautiful and one of the longest trek stretches. On the left scenario, you will get to witness the changed boundaries with the ethereal sight of ice falling ferociously down the cliffs, which adds to your right side.
Within no time, you will see a dumbfounding sight: a giant glorious waterfall that has the ability to leave out the smaller ice followers who choose to sit out and watch many hours of treatment. This site is adorned with fluttering prayer flags and holds spiritual significance for the Ladakhi people. Notice the green moss growing beneath the water, a rare sight in this icy terrain.
Local lore tells of a time when Nerak ran dry. A holy man traveled to Mount Kailash to pray for water and returned with a pot containing sacred water and two fish. He was instructed never to set the pot down, but he placed it at this very spot on his way back. The two fish leaped out, creating the waterfall. The rocks behind the cascade resemble two nostrils—one flowing with water and the other dry. The waterfall’s source is believed to be in Kailash, Tibet, adding an air of mysticism to this natural wonder.
The day’s lunch stop is midway, under a protective overhang of rocks. After your meal, you’ll pass through dramatic narrow gorges where the Zanskar River narrows to a width that four people holding hands could span. These sections rarely see sunlight, resulting in a thick, solid sheet of ice across the river.
After lunch, you’ll continue trekking through the Chadar’s ever-changing hues and patterns. Two more hours of walking bring you to the Tibb campsite, a vast open area on your right. To the left are caves large enough to shelter 8–9 people. Tibb has more dry vegetation, unlike previous campsites, making it slightly more accommodating for campers.
Settle in for the night, surrounded by the serene wilderness, as you prepare for the next leg of your frozen river adventure.
The 12-kilometer journey from Tibb to Nerak is one of the most anticipated legs of the trek, as it brings you to the iconic frozen Nerak waterfall. The route takes you through dramatic cliffs, winding gorges, and the captivating valleys of the Chadar.
You’ll see signs of your destination after trekking for about five hours and enjoying a lunch break. Prayer flags fluttering around juniper shrubs along the Chadar are the first indication that you’re nearing Nerak—and the magnificent frozen waterfall.
The Nerak Waterfall and Bridge
Just a kilometer ahead, around a shaded bend in the gorge, lies the famous Nerak waterfall, a striking cascade frozen in time. Not far from the waterfall is the Nerak Pul, an old wooden bridge that can hold 4 to 5 people at a time. Intercrossing this shaky structure is a thrilling sensation as it protrudes an eye or provides an amazing view of the vacuum below the ice that prevails in the entire surroundings.
Arrival at Nerak
Continuing along the Chadar for another 20 minutes brings you to a trail that ascends to the Nerak campsite. While the village of Nerak is about 2,000 feet above the riverbed, trekkers camp at a site roughly 200 feet higher than the Chadar. There is one building that is found throughout the raft camp that usually serves as a base camp during the summer but becomes a haven for trekkers, enduring freezing temperatures each night.
One of the most interesting aspects of Nerak is the unbearable cold. It is the home of icy gusts, and what comes as a surprise is that, on average, every night gets colder than -25°C. This, indeed, is the harshest part of any trek, and one should prepare well for such kinds of extreme weather conditions.
The Return Journey
The trek back retraces the same route you followed over the past three days, but it feels like an entirely new experience. The Chadar is ever-changing—old ice sheets break apart, new ones form, and the surface textures transform daily.
The Chadar may sometimes break underfoot, leaving you scrambling for safer ground. The river is a fluid, dynamic body of water that possesses certain unique characteristics. This is apparent whenever broken pieces of ice drift downstream, only to freeze yet again and form a new Chadar. It serves as a treat at times.
Now, one thing to remember: Chadar is not for everyone. It has, after all, conquered the strongest of men through its treacherous charm. But it has something to offer to every adventurer out there: the multitude of landscapes united together into this one trek is what makes Zanskar so unique.
On a trek to Chadar, you are shown a place that is unique in its identity: possibly A cold desert region in northern India. But before that, here is a step-by-step guide to help you reach this starting point.
Drive to Chilling Village:
Chadar Trek’s starting village is Chilling, which is approximately a 3-4 hour road ride from Leh. From Leh, you may rent a taxi or jeep to Chilling. The scenery during the ride is quite breathtaking; however, due to snow and frost in the winter seasons, traveling by road can be quite difficult.
Arriving at Chilling Village:
Chilling is the base for the trek. It is where the Zanskar River begins to freeze, and this is where the trekkers set up for the crossing of the frozen river. Chilling is the starting point for the trek, where I will first step out and start walking on the frozen Zanskar River.
Permits and Paperwork
Please make sure to have the relevant permits in your possession before starting the trek. Most trekking organizations assist the trekkers in obtaining licenses for the Chadar region. You will be required to get permits for the area of Ladakh, as it is necessary to go trekking, and regional trekking agencies may handle this.
The Chadar trek is not your usual hike; before starting the journey, you want to ensure you are packed adequately and ready for the adventure without any problems. Below is a checklist that will help you in gathering the necessary items.
1) Footwear
2) Backpacks
3) Clothing
4) Accessories
5) Toiletries
6) Cutlery
7) Hydration
8) Storage and Organization
9) Personal Medical Kit
Pack the following medicines and first-aid items:
By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges and beauty of your trekking adventure.
1) Campsites:
2) Cave Shelters:
3) Local Villages:
1) Hot Meals on the Go:
2) Packed Snacks:
3) Camp Cooking:
4) Traditional Ladakhi Food:
5) Drinking Water:
Trekking in the snow is challenging, but drinking water does not freeze in addition to the frozen river, or the frozen river is a water source for those who are able to carry it in insulated bottles. It is essential to drink water, which can be managed even at a chilling temperature.
Chadar Trek starts on the frozen Zanskar River, which is a solid icy river during the winter. It is an exhilarating experience to walk on river beds encircled by white-thick rugged cliffs and towering mountain ranges while walking on ‘Chadar.’
It is during the months of January and February that the Zanskar River is frozen completely, and one can walk on the ice, which makes it the best time for undertaking the Chadar trek. Dry cold weather and clear skies also favor this extreme winter travel.
Due to sub-zero temperatures, total wilderness, and high-altitude weather, the Chadar trek is markedly difficult. People who decide to conquer this adventure should be in good shape and should have great strength to adjust to the extremities of the weather. This is because the trek requires ice crossings, which are tedious, and specific movements, which are made during harsh days and long strolls while walking on ice.
The period for the trek is 9-10 days, with 5-6 days being the time spent on the actual trek itself. The trek covers a range of 70-75 km but also includes time for acclimatization and movement, as well as a few stops for camping at some of the exquisite views along the frozen Zanskar River.
To be honest, there should be a concern as Chadar Trek treks to the height of 11,123 feet and above, which in turn can result in altitude sickness, thus proving the point that acclimatization of the body becomes an important step before the journey. Subsequently, staying hydrated, avoiding overworking oneself, and taking rest days where needed are also vital. Addressing sclerosis, mild headaches, and dizziness at the initial stage should also be taken care of to steer clear of advanced ailments.
Some of the key items that are essential and are needed during the Chadar of Specific concern are trekking shoes having thick grip and Kraft flurries (thermal wear, jackets), a high-quality blanket, trekking sticks, beanie hats, and insulated drinking containers. Sunglasses, gloves, and sun caps are also the most important things to get rid of extreme weather conditions, such as cold and bright sun.
During the Chadar Trek, trekkers have access to food, but none of it is complicated; these are rather basic and provide good nutrition. These usually include rice, some soup, dal curry, or vegetables. There might be tea and bread for breakfast porridge, too. However, as the trek goes through quiet hinterlands, the meal is usually prepared by local policemen and staff in tents; it can be termed pan-Asian cuisine.
Not covering such treks previously is not a strictly enforced rule, but it is generally preferred. This is because there is a lot of physical exertion required to complete the trek, and along with it, the person also has to handle the precariously cold atmosphere as well as the rough terrain. Having some sort of a trekking background helps to an extent to tackle the harsh surroundings.
