Chadar Trek

• Starts from Janglik Village in Himachal Pradesh and crosses to Barua Village in the Baspa Valley.
• Passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and high-altitude landscapes.
• Features Chandranahan Lake and the scenic Litham Valley.
• Crosses the challenging Buran Pass at around 15,000 ft.
• Includes snowfields, rocky trails, streams, and steep mountain sections.
• Offers spectacular views of the Kinnaur Himalayas and surrounding snow-covered peaks.
• Combines remote villages, diverse landscapes, and an exciting high-altitude pass crossing.
• Best suited for fit trekkers with prior trekking experience.
• Best months are May–June and September–October.

The Chadar Trek is one of the most unusual and iconic winter treks in India. Unlike traditional mountain trails, this trek follows the frozen surface of the Zanskar River in Ladakh. During the harsh winter months, temperatures drop low enough for parts of the river to freeze, creating a sheet of ice known locally as the "Chadar."

Historically, this frozen river served as a winter route connecting remote villages in the Zanskar Valley with the outside world when mountain passes became inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Today, the trek offers adventurers the opportunity to walk across a frozen river while experiencing the unique landscapes, culture, and extreme weather conditions of Ladakh.

Day 1 — Arrival in Leh
Arrival in Leh followed by rest, initial acclimatization, medical checks, and expedition briefing.

Day 2 — Acclimatization in Leh
Acclimatization day with short walks, proper hydration, and preparation for cold-weather trekking.

Day 3 — Drive to Trek Starting Point and Trek to Shingra Koma
Scenic drive through Ladakh followed by the first trek on the frozen river, with a riverside campsite.

Day 4 — Shingra Koma to Tibb
Longer trekking day through narrow canyon sections and frozen river terrain.

Day 5 — Tibb to Naerak
Trek to the famous frozen waterfall area, exploring spectacular ice formations before camping near Naerak.

Day 6 — Return to Tibb
Retrace the frozen river route back to Tibb, with changing ice formations depending on conditions.

Day 7 — Tibb to Shingra Koma
Continue the return journey through the frozen river landscape towards Shingra Koma.

Day 8 — Trek Exit and Return to Leh
Complete the final trek section and drive back to Leh.

Day 9 — Departure
Return travel from Leh, marking the end of the expedition.

Participants should ideally:

• Have strong cardiovascular fitness
• Be capable of walking for 6–8 hours daily
• Be comfortable carrying a daypack
• Possess good balance and endurance

Preparation often includes:

• Running
• Stair climbing
• Hiking practice
• Leg-strength exercises

Mental resilience is equally important.

Nearest Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

Most participants fly directly to:

Leh

Road access is usually limited during winter due to snow-covered mountain passes.

Clothing

• 1 half-sleeve synthetic quick-dry T-shirt

• 2 fleece T-shirts

• 1 wind stopper / fleece jacket

• 1 down feather / hollow jacket

• 1 thermal innerwear set (upper & lower)

• 2 wind stopper / fleece pants

• 1 pair waterproof gloves

• 1 pair fleece / woollen gloves

• 1 poncho / waterproof jacket and pant

Head Gear

• 1 head torch

• 1 woollen cap

• 1 balaclava

• 2 woollen buff / neck gaiters

• Sunglasses with UV protection and side cover

Footwear

• 1 pair gumboots

• 3 pairs cotton socks

• 4 pairs woollen socks

• Gaiters not required

• Micro spikes not allowed

Backpack

• 50–60 L backpack with rain cover

• 20–30 L daypack with rain cover, if offloading is opted

• Walking stick

• 2 × 1 L thermos flasks

• Small tiffin / lunch box

• Personal medical kit / medicines

Food / Snacks

• Energy bars

• Dry fruits

• ORS / electrolytes

Personal Essentials

• Sunscreen

• Moisturiser

• Chapstick / lip balm

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Toilet paper & wipes

• Hand sanitizer

• Antibacterial powder

• Quick-dry towel

Important: Hydration packs are not recommended for this trek. Floaters / flip-flops, windproof jackets, quick-dry trekking pants, gaiters, and micro spikes are not required or allowed as specified in the checklist.

Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:

• Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
• Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.