Chadar Trek

INR 21,500/-

Trek Overview

The Chadar Trek is a winter trek in the Zanskar region of Ladakh where you walk on the frozen Zanskar river — 'Chadar' means 'a sheet' in the local language.

Previously only used by Zanskaris to travel to Leh, the Chadar Trek has become one of the most challenging and celebrated treks among seasoned trekkers, owing to its complex route and wildly unpredictable weather.

This 62 km journey through the snow at an elevation of 11,483 ft and more pushes you to the brink, but is bound to be an extraordinary experience with surprises around every corner.

Highlights

The glossy ice sheets, rust-coloured mountains, frozen waterfalls, and the mammoth Naerak frozen waterfall are among the trek's most unforgettable sights.

Best Time & Difficulty

Only attemptable in winter (mid-January to mid-February) when the Zanskar River freezes over completely.

Pegged as one of the toughest treks in India, requiring 12-14 km of walking daily in extreme weather. Recommended only for seasoned trekkers with prior high-altitude experience.

How to Reach

By Air: Fly into Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, well connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi (~700 km away), connected to Leh via JKSRTC bus or cab.

Itinerary

Day 1: Acclimatization in Leh

Altitude 11,500 ft

Flight into Leh, with the day reserved for acclimatization.

Day 2: Drive to Chilling, trek to Tilad Sumdo

64 km drive + 5 km trek

Drive past Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the Zanskar-Indus confluence at Nimmu Point, then a short trek beside the frozen Zanskar River.

Day 3: Tilad Sumdo to Gyaplo

12 km trek

A long walk on the frozen Zanskar River itself.

Day 4: Gyaplo to Tibb Cave

14 km trek

Pass dozens of frozen waterfalls en route to the mysterious rust-coloured Tibb Cave.

Day 5: Tibb Cave to Naerak Camp

12 km trek

Encounter the mammoth Naerak frozen waterfall, with an optional detour to Naerak village.

Day 6: Naerak Camp back to Tibb Cave

13 km trek

Return journey along an ever-shifting ice trail, meeting locals and monks along the way.

Day 7: Trek to Gyaplo

14 km trek

Continued return journey with its own challenges and beauty.

Day 8: Tilad Sumdo, drive to Leh

10 km trek + 64 km drive

Final trek segment followed by the drive back to Leh.

Day 9: Departure from Leh

Fly back home from Leh.