Chadar: The Frozen River Trek 2024

It is a 6-7 day trek in inhospitable conditions over a frozen river in Ladakh. Average mean temperature hovers between minus 10 degrees in the day to minus 25 at night. The truth is the extreme conditions are not hard to beat and with multiple layers and sensible trekking, the chadar trek is not a very difficult trek. What sets the Chadar trek  apart is its unique experience. Everything about it is unique: the scenery, temperature, atmosphere, the frozen river, sledges, unusual camp sites, caves and the ever changing colours of chadar. So unique that it has to be experienced.

Day 1: Arrive in Leh by morning flight 

Leh is at an altitude of 3500 mts above sea level and is the second largest district in the country. The temperature in Leh in winters is almost always in the negative. Keep a jacket, woollen cap and gloves handy in the flight to face the blast of cold air the moment you land from the plane. Leh is totally covered by a blanket of snow. It’s white all around. Sometimes the roads have a coating of a think sheet of ice. Watch out when you walk on them and be wary of slips and falls.The city of Leh only partly open during the winter months only the shops catering to the local needs are open. Buy all your gears from your city and don’t keep any major shopping to do at Leh.

Leh at 11,800ft is higher than your entire trek. It is colder too. Daytime the temperature hovers at around -10 degrees and after sundown drops to -16 or more. Get used to the cold at Leh during the day in the sun but get into your rooms once the sun goes down.

Stay at The Auspicious Hotel (Centrally heated) or like in Leh

Day 2: Acclimatization walk in Leh

Start the day early with breakfast and an acclimatization walk at high altitude to Shanti Stupa. This Buddhist sacred Stupa is at quite an altitude and is a good hike. Stay hydrated during the walk.

Day 3: Medical check-up at SNM Hospital

Due to the challenging nature of this trek, it is now mandatory for all participants to get a medical certification before the commencement of the trek. A clerance certificate upon a medical check up will be issued by the Sonam Narbu Hospital. The certificate is only issued if the participant is medically fit and well acclimatized.

Day 4: Shingra Koma to Somo Paldar

Start the day early with breakfast and a drive to Shingra Koma from Leh. The route is extreme with hair pin bends and a very bumpy road. Deboard at Shingra Koma and start the trek to Somo Paldar.

The Chadar Trek expedition starts here.

Day 5: Trek to Tibb / Dib Cave

The trail from Somo Paldar to Tibb passes through ravines and gorges and is very scenic. There is hardly any sunlight pouring in as it is obstructed by high mountain walls. On reaching Dib, you will arrive at a massive cave, which is where we will camp for the night. We recommend that you try the butter tea that is offered there.

Day 6: Tibb / Dib Cave to Naerak

Today, is the most scenic day of the trek. Along the trail, there is the largest frozen water fall with prayer flags. The bridge next to the waterfall is used in summers to access Zanskar from Leh. From here, proceed to the village of Naerak and interact with the locals and appreciate their unique lifestyle. Overnight stay is at the village camp site.

Day 7: Naerak to Tibb

Today, start the return trek back from Naerak to Tibb. The return trail is not very easy as the river reacts to any changes in temperature. Enjoy your walk back and observe how well are the locals clothed to battle these temperatures Upon reaching Dib Cave, unwind for the night and camp here.

Day 8: Tibb to Shingra Koma and Back to Leh

In the early morning, leave for Shingra Koma while crossing Gyalpo. There is a chance that you can come across the pug marks of snow leopard, ibex and fox. On reaching Shingra Koma, board the vehicles and drive back to Leh.

Day 9: Departure from Leh

Today, one of the most scenic journey comes to an end. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city of Leh and leave for the airport.