Chadar Trek
- 9D / 8N
- Ladakh
- Challenging
- Starts in Leh
Overview
Challenging 8- to 9-day winter expedition in Ladakh, India, where you walk on the thick, frozen sheet of the Zanskar River (the word chadar means blanket)
- Best time
- September to March
- Group size
- 12 to 18 travellers
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start / end
- Leh
Highlights
- Walking on a Living Ice Sheet
- The Magnificent Nerak Waterfall
- Deep Himalayan Gorges
- Tibb Cave
- The Zanskari "Penguin Walk"
- Resilient Local Culture
Day-by-day itinerary
-
Day 1 ARRIVAL IN LEH & ACCLIMATIZATION
Arrive in Leh and settle into your guesthouse on the outskirts of Leh.
Explore the sleepy town with a few shops around.
Dinner, rest and relax.
Overnight stay at Leh.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2 EXPLORE LEH MARKET AND LOCAL SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, acclimatize to the cold and high altitude.
Explore the local markets & local sightseeing points of Leh. (by your own)
Do some shopping for souvenirs.
Soak in the cultures of Leh.
Ensure all trek essentials are set. Head back to the guesthouse.
Dinner at guesthouse. Overnight stay at Leh.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner -
Day 3 MANDATORY MEDICAL CHECK-UP CLEARANCE & PREPARE FOR TREK
After Breakfast, you will undergo a mandatory medical check-up for your trek fitness. (at your own cost)
Once cleared, ensure to collect all necessary permits and documents.
Spend the rest of the day organizing your gear and mentally preparing yourself for the adventure.
Head back to guesthouse.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner -
Day 4 LEH TO TILAD DO (65 KMS DRIVE, 1.5 HOURS)
Embark on a picturesque drive from Leh to Tilad Do, passing through Chilling.
Pause at Nimoo to marvel at the stunning confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.
Reach Tilad Do, the trek's starting point, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Take a short acclimatization walk on the frozen river to get familiar with the terrain.
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, dinner -
Day 5 TILAD DO TO SHINGRA KOMA (10-12 KMS TREK, 6-7 HOURS)
Begin your trek along the mesmerizing frozen Zanskar River.
Traverse through breathtaking gorges and intricate ice formations.
Master the art of walking on slippery ice and navigating slushy patches.
Arrive at Shingra Koma, renowned for its towering cliffs and vast ice expanses.
Meals: All meals -
Day 6 SHINGRA KOMA TO TSOMO PALDAR (10-11 KMS TREK, 6-7 HOURS)
Proceed through narrow valleys framed by majestic towering cliffs.
Marvel at frozen waterfalls and explore the unique textures of the icy trail.
Reach Tsomo Paldar, a tranquil campsite nestled in breathtaking natural beauty.
Meals: All meal -
Day 7 TSOMO PALDAR TO SHINGRA KOMA (10-11 KMS TREK, 6-7 HOURS)
Begin your return journey from Tsomo Paldar to Shingra Koma along the frozen river.
Experience the frozen river's unique charm from a fresh perspective.
Take time to admire the changing patterns of ice and snow.
Pause at scenic spots to capture the breathtaking landscape.
Relish the serene beauty of the journey back to Shingra Koma.
Meals: All meals -
Day 8 SHINGRA KOMA TO TILAD DO – DRIVE TO LEH (10-12 KMS TREK, 6-7 HOURS & 65 KMS DRIVE, 1.5 HOURS)
Begin the final stretch of your trek, making your way back to Tilad Do.
Relish the last moments on the frozen river, taking in the serene surroundings.
Arrive at Tilad Do, marking the end of your trekking adventure.
Board your vehicles and embark on a scenic drive back to Leh.
Reflect on the incredible journey as you return to the comforts of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner -
Day 9 DEPARTURE FROM LEH
After an early breakfast, we will check out of the guesthouse and head back (departure).
This concludes your beautiful Chadar trek full of memories.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates and prices
What's included
Included
- Accommodation on Double/Triple sharing basis in Guest house/Homestays/Tents (4N in Leh, 1N in Tilad Do, 2N Shigra Koma & 1N Tsomo Paldar)
- Accommodation on APAI basis (Total 24 Meals - 1 Meal on Day 1 (D) + 2 Meals on Day 2 (B+D) + 2 Meals on Day 3 (B+D) + 3 Meals on Day 4 (B+S+D) + 4 Meals on Day 5 (B+L+S+D) + 4 Meals on Day 6 (B+L+S+D) + 4 Meals on Day 7 (B+L+S+D))
- Surface transfer from Leh-Tildo-Leh by Sumo/ Bolero / Tempo Traveler (Depending on the number of travelers)Camping logistics: Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Toilet tent
- Trek Leader: Qualified and Experienced Trek leader and support staff
- Trekking Equipment: Gaiters, Micro Spikes, and Rope if required
- Safety Equipment: Walkie / Talkie , Basic First Aid kit with Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitor and Oxygen Cylinder
- Others : Cloack Room facility available at base camp for extra luggage.
Not included
- GST 5%
- Permits: All necessary fees and permits
- Any air /train charges to reach Leh
- MEDICAL CHECKUP & CLEARANCE
- Any extra stay/meals apart from the ones mentioned in the inclusions.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Meals during transit.
- Travel insurance / Medical insurance
- Any tips for guide / driver / hotel & restaurant staff
- Cost incurred or expenses arising due to natural calamities, strikes, breakdowns and any other
- Any itinerary extension will be subject to additional cost
- Unforeseen calamities beyond the control of AlhitoTrips
- Any items not mentioned in include section
Things to carry
- Valid photo ID
- Warm layers and a windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal medicines
- Reusable water bottle
Cancellation policy
Upto 21 days before departure: full refund (minus) booking amount.
20 to 15 days before departure: full refund (minus) 25% of trip amount.
14 to 08 days before departure: full refund (minus) 50% of trip amount.
07 to 3 days before departure: No refund
Questions about this trip
How difficult is the Chadar Trek?
It is rated difficult because of extreme sub-zero weather and walking on slippery, shifting ice, rather than steep altitude gains.
What is the mandatory medical check?
You must pass a physical and oxygen check in Leh, including a mandatory medical clearance certificate from SNM Hospital, regulated by the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA).
Do I need crampons?
No. Crampons can crack or damage the delicate sheet of ice (chadar), so trekkers use specialized gumboots provided locally for traction.
What gear is essential?
You need a minimum of 4 layers of clothing (thermal base, insulating layers, and windproof outer shells), -30°C rated sleeping bags, high-ankle trekking socks, and extra camera/phone batteries kept warm near your body.
Is mobile network available?
Only BSNL postpaid connections work intermittently in Leh; there is no cellular network once you are on the frozen river trail.