The Chadar Trek is a surreal dance with nature—where the frozen Zanskar River gleams like a shattered mirror under the winter sun. Towering cliffs, draped in icy curtains, rise like ancient sentinels, their jagged edges dusted with snow. The silence is profound, broken only by the crunch of boots on frost and the distant rush of hidden waterfalls frozen mid-cascade. Crystalline caves glitter under torchlight, while the night sky blazes with stars undimmed by city lights. Each step reveals nature’s raw artistry—the delicate lace of frost on rocks, the eerie blue glow of thick ice, and the stark, breathtaking grandeur of Ladakh’s untouched wilderness. ❄️🏔️

Ultimate Guide to Chadar Trek: Detailed Itinerary, Cost, Stay, Food & More

The Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling and challenging winter treks in India, taking you across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh. This trek is not just about adventure but also about experiencing the raw beauty of nature in extreme conditions.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about the Chadar Trek—starting from Delhi, food, accommodation, travel options, budget vs luxury costs, daily itinerary, best trekking companies, packing list, and essential tips.

📌 Table of Contents

Introduction to Chadar Trek
Best Time to Do Chadar Trek
Chadar Trek Difficulty Level
Detailed Itinerary (Day-by-Day Breakdown)
How to Reach Chadar Trek from Delhi?
Food & Accommodation During the Trek
Cost Breakdown (Budget vs Luxury Options)
Best Trekking Companies & Their Costs
Packing List for Chadar Trek
Permits & Safety Tips
FAQs About Chadar Trek

1️⃣ Introduction to Chadar Trek

Location: Zanskar Valley, Ladakh (J&K)
Trek Duration: 8-9 Days (Delhi to Delhi)
Trekking Distance: ~75 km (round trip)
Max Altitude: 11,400 ft (Shingra Koma)
Temperature: -15°C to -30°C (Extreme Cold)
Unique Feature: Walking on a frozen river (Chadar = Ice Sheet)

The trek is named after the thick ice sheet (Chadar) that forms over the Zanskar River in winter, allowing trekkers to walk on it. The route passes through deep gorges, frozen waterfalls, and remote villages, offering a surreal experience.

2️⃣ Best Time to Do Chadar Trek

Mid-January to Mid-February (Ideal time when ice is most stable)
Early January: Ice may not be fully formed.
Late February: Ice starts melting, making it risky.

3️⃣ Chadar Trek Difficulty Level

Difficulty: Challenging (5/5)
Why? Extreme cold (-30°C), slippery ice, unpredictable weather, and high endurance required.
Suitable For: Experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.

4️⃣ Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

🗓 Day 0: Delhi to Leh (Flight/Travel Day)

Travel Mode: Flight (1.5 hrs) or Road (2 days via Manali/Srinagar)
Stay: Guesthouse/Hotel in Leh
Cost:
- Flight: ₹8,000-12,000 (round trip)
- Bus: ₹2,500-4,000 (one way)
Acclimatization: Rest in Leh to avoid AMS (Altitude Sickness).

🗓 Day 1: Leh to Shingra Koma (Drive) & Trek to Tsomo Paldar

Drive Distance: 65 km (3-4 hrs)
Trek Distance: 3-4 km (2-3 hrs)
Stay: Camp near Tsomo Paldar
Food: Hot meals prepared by support team.

🗓 Day 2: Tsomo Paldar to Tibb Cave

Trek Distance: 12 km (6-7 hrs)
Terrain: Frozen river, occasional cracks in ice.
Stay: Cave camping (basic shelter).

🗓 Day 3: Tibb Cave to Naerak Camp

Trek Distance: 13 km (7-8 hrs)
Highlights: Frozen waterfall, prayer flags.
Stay: Tents near Naerak village.

🗓 Day 4: Naerak to Tibb Cave (Return Trek)

Trek Distance: 13 km (6-7 hrs)
Stay: Cave camping again.

🗓 Day 5: Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma & Back to Leh

Trek Distance: 12 km (5-6 hrs)
Drive Back to Leh: 65 km (3-4 hrs)
Stay: Hotel in Leh.

🗓 Day 6: Buffer Day (Weather Contingency)

Extra day in case of bad weather.

🗓 Day 7: Leh to Delhi (Return Journey)

Flight/Bus back to Delhi.

5️⃣ How to Reach Chadar Trek from Delhi?

Option 1: By Flight (Fastest & Recommended)

Delhi → Leh (1.5 hrs, ₹8,000-12,000 round trip)
Leh → Trek Start Point (Drive to Shingra Koma, 65 km)

Option 2: By Road (Budget Option but Longer)

Delhi → Manali → Leh (2-3 days, ₹2,500-4,000 by bus)
Leh → Shingra Koma (Drive)

6️⃣ Food & Accommodation During the Trek

🏠 Stay Options:

Leh: Budget hotels (₹800-1,500/night), Luxury stays (₹3,000-5,000/night)
During Trek: Tents & caves (included in trek cost).

🍲 Food Options:

In Leh: Tibetan, Indian, Continental (₹200-500/meal)
During Trek: Hot meals (Dal-Rice, Pasta, Soups, Maggi) provided by trek organizers.

7️⃣ Cost Breakdown (Budget vs Luxury Trek)

💰 Budget Trek (₹25,000-35,000)

Includes: Basic tents, vegetarian meals, guide, permits.
Excludes: Flight, personal gear, extra snacks.

💎 Luxury Trek (₹45,000-60,000+)

Includes: Better tents, heated camps, non-veg meals, more comfort.
Companies: Indiahikes, Thrillophilia, Bikat Adventures.

📌 Additional Costs:

Flight: ₹8,000-12,000
Gear Rental: ₹3,000-5,000 (if needed)
Miscellaneous: ₹2,000-3,000 (snacks, tips, etc.)

8️⃣ Best Trekking Companies & Their Costs

Company	Cost (₹)	Inclusions
Indiahikes	32,000-38,000	Tents, meals, permits, guide
Thrillophilia	28,000-35,000	Basic stay, food, equipment
Bikat Adventures	35,000-45,000	Better tents, experienced guides
YHAI (Budget)	25,000-30,000	Basic facilities

9️⃣ Packing List for Chadar Trek

🧥 Clothing (Layering is Key!)

Thermal inners (2 pairs)
Fleece jacket
Down jacket (-20°C rated)
Waterproof trek pants
Woolen socks (4-5 pairs)
Waterproof gloves & balaclava

🎒 Gear & Accessories

Trekking poles
Sunglasses (UV-protected)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sleeping bag (-15°C or lower)
Trekking shoes (waterproof)

🔟 Permits & Safety Tips

Permit Cost: ₹3,000-5,000 (included in trek cost)
Medical Checkup: Mandatory in Leh before trek.
Safety Tips:
- Walk carefully on ice (follow guide).
- Stay hydrated (avoid alcohol).
- Carry hot water in thermos.

❔ FAQs About Chadar Trek

Q: Is Chadar Trek safe for beginners?

A: No, it’s extremely challenging due to freezing temps and slippery ice.

Q: Can I rent gear in Leh?

A: Yes, shops in Leh rent jackets, shoes, and sleeping bags (₹3,000-5,000 for full kit).

Q: What if the ice breaks?

A: Guides check ice stability daily. Always follow their instructions.

✅ Final Verdict: Should You Do Chadar Trek?

✔ For Adventure Lovers: A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
❌ For Beginners: Not recommended without prior high-altitude trek experience.

📢 Ready for the Adventure?

Book with a reliable trekking company, pack wisely, and prepare for an epic journey on the frozen river! ❄️🥾

Would you like recommendations for specific trek operators or more details on gear rental shops in Leh? Let me know! 😊

Walking on Ice: A Journey Through Ladakh’s Frozen River