Chadar (Frozen River) Trek, Ladakh
About the Trek
Ladakh is a mystique landscape, serene and filled with wondorous beauty. Woven by the mighty Himalayas Zanskar is nurtured by zanskar river, which forms a life line for many villages in winter, It is the frozen highway of zanskar. This world famous trek has been covered by all major international media agencies. This 9 or 10 Day trek in the most inhospitable conditions found in the world. The tempratures vary from -10 to -30 degree celcius. This trek is about strength and determination to fight the nature and enjoy its extreme conditions.
Itinerary Brief
| Day 1 | Arriving in Leh. |
| Day 2 | Getting Aclamatized to the Mountains. |
| Day 3 | Drive to Tilat Sumdo |
| Day 4 | Trek to Shingra Koma. |
| Day 5 | From Shingra Koma to Tibb. |
| Day 6 | Towars Nerak. |
| Day 7 | Return from Nerek to Tibb |
| Day 8 | Trek from Tibb to Shingra Koma. |
| Day 9 | Shingrakoma to Tilat Sumdo and Drive to Leh |
| Day 10 | Leaving Leh. |
Trek Details
Day 1 – Arriving in Leh
We will receive you at the airport and direct your travel towards your overnight accommodation in Leh. You can take full rest and get aclamatized with the environment.
Day 2 – Getting Aclamatized to the Mountains.
Travelling from plains into the mountains is always challenging, before start of the trek its better to get the body acquinted with the environment and altitude.
Day 3 – Drive to Tilat Sumdo
Early morning the group assembles and we will leave in in vehicles towards tilat sumdo. The vehicles take you upto Chilling, Start of the Chader Trek. Tilat Sumdo is about 2 Km from Chilling, trekkers assemble their gear at chilling and take a gradual walk towards tilat sumdo. Walking in Ice can be tricky at the start, A patient start can get you a long way. Its wonderful to have a fresh snowfall on the ice as it gives grip and makes it easy to walk.An Hour of walk and you are at campsite, a raised level field.
Day 4 – Trek to Shingra Koma.
An Early start in mountains gets you a long distance in a short span. By 9:00 Am the group is already on its way to Shingra Koma, 10Km away. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to reach Shingra Koma. On the way find sunny spots to take a quick sip of hot tea of have lunch to reenergise yourself. As you come closer to the destination you can see a big field of Shingra Koma our campsite.
Day 5 – From Shingra Koma to Tibb.
The longest strech on the trek is getting to Tibb (15Km), but the lenght is compensated by the beauty around. This is the most beautiful strech of the entire trek comprising of freezing cold waterfalls. After Lunch at midway into the trek the river narrows and the trek continues through deep gorges. 6 to 7 hours into the day and you are welcomed by a large camping area of Tibb. There are caves as well that can be used as shelter.
Day 6 – Towars Nerak.
Walking through the Clifs and Gorges takes you to Nerak (12Km). You encounter on your way the much awaited frozen waterfall. A gradual walking of 6 to 7 hours brings you to Nerek and just around the corner is a 50 Feet waterfall completely frozen. Half an hour more walk brings you to nerek campsite. Prepare your self as the tempratures can dip to -25 Deg Celcius at night.
Day 7, 8, 9 – Return from Nerek to Tibb.
Returning back gives you a sense of belongingness, a feeling that you have been here. You tend absorb to the nature inside you with the feeling that you have been to this place before. The Campsite is at Tibb. The following day the group treks back to Shingra Koma. The distances seem to become shorter. After Camping overnight at Shingra Koma the group moves towards Tilat Sumdo where the vehicles are waiting to be boarded for the journey towards Leh.
Day 10 – Leaving Leh.
We will provide you a vehicle to drop you at the port of your departure.
Trek Map
Pack List
- The group during their trekking will face extreme tempratures at high altitude, please make sure that you have consulted your doctor and travelling to high altitude places is ok for you.
- We will require the names and emergency contact details of the entire group, please provide these at your earliest. In case there is a group leader we will need the contact details so that our trekking experts can speak to them and provide preparedness information for the group.
- The group should provide their valid ID’s along with/or showing their date of birth.
- The Maximum number of persons allowed in one tent is 3 (three).
- As a company policy the trekkers are required to sign an indemnity form before commencing the trek.
- Discipline is a virtue and can mean the difference between life and death, we urge our trekkers to be disciplined during the trek.
- Alcohol or any Narcotic substance is strictly prohibited during the trek. As company policy trekker will not be provided any assistance if found consuming or under the influence. Moreover they will be reported to the local police for appropriate legal action.
FAQ
When is the best time for the Chadar Trek ?
The best time to do the Chadar Trek is from January to March. All through these months you will get a good frozen Ice and a clear view of the entire mountain range.
How difficult is the Chadar trek ?
Chadar trek is moderate and recommended to first timer also. Most of the days you will be walking at river level on frozen water.
What are the temperatures like during the trek ?
Its winter time and tempratures go really low. So please make sure you have some very good cloths with you which keeps you warm in minus temperatures at night time. The temprature can dip to –30°C.
How long do we walk each day ?
It varies each day. In an average we walk around 5 – 7 hours each day.
Who is included in the crew and who will be the leader ?
The trek is always led by one of our professional guides. They have a degree in mountaineering but more important a very good education in first aid training. We always take one riding pony along with us which can carry you in the worst case you have an injury. Of course our crew is joned by chefs as well as lots of other helpers and porters.
What´s the size of our trekking group?
Our aim is quality not quantity. We want to make this an unforgettable trekking holiday for you. So as a maximum we take 10 people. Therefore you will get a personalized atmosphere within the group thruout the whole trip. Also your guide can tell you a lot about Ladakh and the local area. We need a minimum of 6 people to start the trip on our fixed dates.
How many trekkers will be in one tent?
Our tents are 3 men tents. But we put 2 poeple in one tent. Unless you have a different number, just let us know.
Can you arrange that someone will carry my gear?
Sure, that´s no problem at all. But please let us know well in advance so we can organize a porter/pony for your equipment.
What kind of shoes do you recommend for the trek?
Good trekking shoes are very important. So don´t save some money on this item. They should be waterproof and go well over your ankle. The sole should have a sufficient profile and the most important thing: wear them in before you come trekking with us.
What is the level of fitness required?
A high fitness level is of a big advantage. In general you should of course be sportish without any issues. But the most important thing: you should enjoy sport and the nature.
What kind of food will we have during the trek?
We will serve typically Indian food which will be prepared on an open fire/ Stoves. Depending on you food preference we can make it vegeterian or non vegetarian.
Where do we get the drinking water from during the trek?
We get drinking water during the trek from fresh water streams which is absolutely safe to drink. However we can boil the same water if required. We also carry chlorine tabs with us – just in case.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
The vehicles we are using is called Sumo or Tavera in which 6 people fit in comfortably.
Will a doctor accompany us?
No. But your tour guides all have undergone a first aid course and are aware ot high altitude sickness. Apart from that we carry along a first aid kit which includes all important medicine. We also have one extra riding pony along with us in case of injury or any other requirement.
Shall I bring some medicine with me?
It´s always advisable to have some „standard“ medication like, aspirin, diclofenac or medicine against diarrhea with you. Also you should carry along some tape, wound plasters and plaster against blisters on your feet.
Book a Trek
| Trek Options | 9 Days |
| Per Person | 27,000/- INR. |
| Trek Options | 9 Days*(Airport to Airport) All Inclusions |
| Per Person | 490/- USD. |
