Chadar Trek
Walking on the frozen Zanskar river itself rather than a trail beside it — currently on hold pending safe ice conditions, so treat any listed date as provisional.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Chadar Trek Trek Overview
Walking on the frozen Zanskar river itself rather than a trail beside it — currently on hold pending safe ice conditions, so treat any listed date as provisional.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Chilling · Estimated trip duration: 9 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation information
Catalogue altitude reference
This is a catalogue figure without a route-specific linked elevation source. It is not a verified GPS maximum, starting altitude or total ascent.
A measured walking-route profile is not available. Have a reliable published route or GPX file? Send a correction or source.
Chadar Trek Trek Planning Guide
Chadar Trek is a difficult trek in Zanskar, Ladakh, Ladakh. Panth records the route as approximately 65 km over 9 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 11,123 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Chadar Trek
The Panth catalogue currently lists Jan, Feb as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 5 planned days, including Leh acclimatization and Leh to Chilling to Tsomo Paldar. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
A permit or ILP is listed in the catalogue, but current rules must be confirmed. The recorded base location is Chilling, and the nearest listed rail connection is None — fly into Leh, then a road journey to Chilling or Shingra Koma. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A difficult rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Chadar Trek. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Ice conditions can change day to day; ALTOA-certified guides make the real-time call on route safety, not the trekker and Temperatures drop below -20°C at night — this is not a trek to attempt underprepared or independently. The current packing notes include Gum boots for river-ice traction (rentable in Leh), Down suit or equivalent — standard trekking layers are not sufficient at these temperatures. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Ladakh
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Chadar Trek with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Mandatory rest at 11,500 ft before any further travel.
Drive to the trailhead and first steps onto the ice.
Walking the frozen river, overnighting in a riverside cave.
Reach the trek's turnaround point, below the frozen Nerak waterfall.
Retrace the route back toward Chilling over the following days.
Safety notes
- Ice conditions can change day to day; ALTOA-certified guides make the real-time call on route safety, not the trekker
- Temperatures drop below -20°C at night — this is not a trek to attempt underprepared or independently
What to pack
- Gum boots for river-ice traction (rentable in Leh)
- Down suit or equivalent — standard trekking layers are not sufficient at these temperatures
Frequently asked questions about Chadar Trek
Where is Chadar Trek located?
Chadar Trek is listed in Zanskar, Ladakh, within the Ladakh trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Chadar Trek trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Difficult. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Chadar Trek?
Panth currently lists Jan, Feb. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Chadar Trek?
A permit or ILP is currently recorded as required.
How long is the Chadar Trek trek?
The catalogue records 9 days and approximately 65 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.