The legendary winter walk along the frozen Zanskar river — sheet ice, sub-zero nights and canyon walls. A once-in-a-lifetime trek.
Beyond the main Himalayan range lies Ladakh, a cold desert of staggering scale on the edge of the Tibetan plateau. Here you trek between ancient gompas and prayer-flag passes, climb accessible 6,000 m peaks like Stok Kangri and Kang Yatse, or walk the frozen Zanskar in deep winter. Everything starts from Leh, and the short summer season runs June to September.
Over 8 days, the trail reaches a high point of 3,383 m at a Difficult grade, run from Leh. The best window is Jan–Feb.
Enquire about this trek →A typical day-by-day for this trek. Exact stages, altitudes and stays can vary with the operator, season and conditions — confirmed, with departure dates, when you enquire.
Fly into Leh (~3,500 m) and rest — acclimatisation is essential.
Second rest day and the mandatory medical fitness check.
Drive to the Chilling/Tilad roadhead and start walking the frozen Zanskar to Shingra Koma.
Walk the ice sheet between towering canyon walls to Tibb Cave.
Continue to Nerak and its spectacular frozen waterfall.
Retrace the Chadar back to Tibb.
Final ice walk to the roadhead and drive to Leh.
Fly out of Leh.
This is a snow-season trek — its prime months are Jan–Feb.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
A difficult, high-altitude undertaking for experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers. Serious fitness and previous time at altitude are strongly recommended.
It tops out at 3,383 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Ladakh treks set off from Leh — for this trek, the base is Leh. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
Most Indian Himalayan treks need forest, wildlife-sanctuary or trekking permits, usually arranged for you by the operator. Some high or restricted routes also require a registered guide.
This is a cold-weather trek, so warmth and dry feet come first. Big technical items can often be rented from your operator; anything next to your skin is worth owning. Our field-tested essentials:
This trek reaches 3,383 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
It is graded Difficult, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.
The best window is Jan–Feb. For the snow you are picturing, aim for the heart of that window.
It is strongly discouraged. The route involves real altitude and serious terrain, and permits plus local knowledge make a guided trip far safer.
Expect snow and cold: nights at the higher camps drop well below freezing. The best months are Jan–Feb. Warm layers, a good sleeping bag and insulated boots are essential.
Plan for 8 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
Costs vary with group size, season and inclusions — send a quick enquiry and we will share a current, all-in price for Chadar Frozen River Trek.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek