Chadar Trek (with Zangla and Padum)

Embark on the iconic Chadar trek, one of the most celebrated treks in the Indian trekking community, on a unique and little-known itinerary. For 12 days spent deep inside the Zanskar valley, you'll trek over the frozen river of Zanskar, stay in tents beside the turquoise river, hike across frozen waterfalls and explore a terrain of barren rock-faces, narrow gorges and rugged mountain slopes. With a creaking sheet of ice underneath your gumboots, you'll trek to grab some of the most extravagant views of the Ladakhi mountains.

While most travellers to the frozen river only trek till Nyerak Pulu, you'll continue deeper into the valley to visit the small village of Zangla. Here, you'll spend a day living with a local family and embark on day trips to visit the Padum marketplace and Karsha Monastery.

A riveting adventure at more than 11,000 feet in the mountains, the Chadar trek is only recommended for travellers with previous experience of at least one high-altitude trek.

Destination

Located in the heart of rough and craggy mountains of Ladakh, the glacier-fed river of Zanskar cuts across towering hills and valleys. When the temperatures drop to sub-zero with the onset of winter, the Zanskar river water turns into ice freezing the entire river. This thick sheet of ice is rigid enough to allow trekkers to traverse from one end of the river to another, giving rise to the famous Chadar trek. Literally translating to 'a blanket of ice', the Chadar trek offers a unique perspective of Ladakh's mountains since it is the twists and turns of the Zanskar River that make for the trekking route.

Destination highlights

Embark on the iconic 12-day Chadar trek in Ladakh. | Visit the Karsha Monastery and Padum marketplace. | Trek over the frozen blanket of ice over the Zanskar River. | Spend 5 nights in tents pitched alongside the Zanskar River. | Get the Chadar experience on a unique itinerary.

11482

12467

11150

88 kms

44 hrs

13 kms

Leh Airport

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Leh Airport

Private vehicle

Shingrak Yongma

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10:00

10:00

Land at the Leh Airport and take an airport transfer to a pre-arranged hotel in the city. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you do venture outside your hotel, make sure to wear enough warm clothes since winters in Leh paint the city with layers of thick snow. Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Fly into Leh on an early morning flight and transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights. You'll be accommodated in a hotel at Leh on twin-sharing basis. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be available during most meals.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 1 Milestone

Leh

Leh

10:00 AM

Spend the day at Leh acclimatizing to the city's high altitude. You'll spend much of the day visiting some of the local attractions around town like the Shey Palace and the Thikse Monastery, both of which are epicentres of Buddhist influence and worship. In the evening, you'll visit a hospital in Leh to undergo a routine medical checkup. This is intended only to ensure proper health before beginning the Chadar trek. Overnight in a hotel in Leh.

Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Acclimatize to the high altitude of the city. Eat frequent meals, keep yourself hydrated and take short walks without exerting yourself. You'll be accommodated in the same hotel at Leh. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be available during most meals.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 2 Milestone

Leh

Leh

08:00 AM

Board a vehicle and travel to the start point of the Chadar trek at Shingrak Yongma. The scenic drive will take you outside the city and into the Ladakhi mountains. At Shingrak Yongma, you'll get your first views of the frozen Zanskar River. A quick briefing from the trek leader later, you'll begin walking over the frozen river. You'll slip and fall a few times before finding your footing over the unique terrain. Head towards your destination for the night, located just a short distance away. Overnight in tents at Shringrak Gongma.

Overnight in tents at Shingrak Gongma.

Board a vehicle and travel to Shingrak Yongma, and begin trekking to Shingrak Gongma. You'll be accommodated in tents at Shingrak Gongma on twin-sharing basis. Make sure to carry your own sleeping bag for maximum comfort. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options using canned meat may be available. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 3 Milestone

Leh

Shingrak Gongma

07:00 AM

Begin a long trek alongside the turquoise blue river towards the campsites of Dib Gongma. En route, you'll pass through the Tsomo Paldar campsite and trek across a flowing waterfall, the only one that doesn't freeze even in sub-zero temperatures. By the end of the day, you'll perfect your walking technique by spending hours over the rugged rock formations and sprawling ice blankets. Overnight in tents at Dib Gongma.

Overnight in tents at Dib Gongma.

Trek from Shingrak Gongma to Dib Gongma. You'll be accommodated in tents at Dib Gongma on twin-sharing basis. The campsite is equipped with common kitchen/dining tent and washroom tent. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options using canned meat may be available. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 4 Milestone

Shingrak Gongma

Dib Gongma

07:00 AM

Resume trekking early in the morning on your way to Nyerak Pulu. En route, you'll stop to see the famous Nyerak frozen waterfall and pass the bridge over the river that connects the villages of Nyerak and Lingshed. The Nyerak village is the first hint of civilization since Leh. Overnight in tents at Nyerak Pulu.

Overnight in tents at Nyerak Pulu.

Trek from Dib Gongma to Nyerak Pulu. You'll be accommodated in tents at Nyerak Pulu on twin-sharing basis. Throughout the trip, one porter per two travellers will be assigned. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be unavailable. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 5 Milestone

Dib Gongma

Nyerak Pulu

06:00 AM

While most travellers to the frozen Zanskar turn back from Nyerak, you'll continue trekking deeper into the Zanskar valley. With spectacular views of the rocky mountain terrain, you'll trek to Tsarak Do, the coldest campsite alongside the Zanskar River. However, instead of camping here, you'll board vehicles that'll drive you to the village of Zangla. Overnight in a home-stay at Zangla.

Overnight in a home-stay at Zangla.

Trek from Nyerak Pulu to Tsarak Do and board a vehicle to Zangla. You'll be accommodated in a home-stay at Zangla on multi-sharing basis. The home-stay has three to four rooms shared by all travellers. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be unavailable. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 6 Milestone

Nyerak Pulu

Zangla

07:00 AM

Spend the day on day trips around Zangla. You'll begin with a drive to the nearby town of Padum to visit the local marketplace and shop for souvenirs and gits. You'll also visit the Karsha Monastery, a massive house of worship offering spectacular views of the alpine topography. Travel back to Zangla by nightfall. Overnight in a home-stay at Zangla.

Overnight in a home-stay at Zangla.

Visit the Padum marketplace and the Karsha Monastery. You'll be accommodated in a home-stay at Zangla on multi-sharing basis. The home-stay will have a traditional wooden fireplace to heat the room. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be unavailable. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 7 Milestone

Zangla

Zangla

08:00 AM

Drive back from Zangla to the frozen river. You'll disembark from the vehicle at Tsarak Do and begin the return trek to the familiar campsite of Nyerak Pulu. Views of towering mountains painted brown and grey will dominate the horizon. Overnight in tents at Nyerak Pulu.

Overnight in tents at Nyerak Pulu.

Board a vehicle to travel from Zangla to Tsarak Do and trek to Nyerak Pulu. You'll be accommodated in tents at Nyerak Pulu on twin-sharing basis. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. The multi-course meals will generally have a different menu each day. Non-veg options will be unavailable. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 8 Milestone

Zangla

Nyerak Pulu

07:00 AM

Trek back over the frozen river from Nyerak to Tsomo Paldar. Since you'll be quite adept at pacing your walk over the frozen sheet of ice, you'll trek faster and cover more ground on the return trek. The ice underneath your shoes often breaks and reforms again, presenting a whole another terrain on your way back. Overnight in tents at Tsomo Paldar.

Overnight in tents at Tsomo Paldar.

Trek from Nyerak Pulu to Tsomo Paldar. You'll be accommodated in tents at Tsomo Paldar on twin-sharing basis. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be unavailable. However, eggs will be served during breakfast.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 9 Milestone

Nyerak Pulu

Tsomo Paldar

07:00 AM

Conclude the iconic Chadar trek by returning to Shingrak Gongma. You'll bid goodbye to the frozen river and the Zanskar valley, and board vehicles to travel to Leh. You'll sleep in a comfortable bed after almost a week of sleeping bags and mattresses. Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Trek from Tsomo Paldar to Shingrak Yongma and drive back to Leh. You'll be accommodated in a hotel at Leh on twin-sharing basis. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be available during most meals.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 10 Milestone

Tsomo Paldar

Leh

07:00 AM

This day serves as a buffer day, to be used just in case the you're forced to extend the trip due to bad weather conditions or any other unforeseen situations. Otherwise, you can spend the day in Leh at leisure. Visit the local Tibetan marketplace or explore the narrow and enchanting lanes of the city. Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

Overnight in a hotel at Leh.

This is a buffer day kept to accommodated any unforeseen circumstances. You'll be accommodated in a hotel at Leh on twin-sharing basis. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Non-veg options will be available during most meals.

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 11 Milestone

Leh

Leh

08:00 AM

Check-out of the hotel and take an airport transfer to Leh Airport. Your trip ends here.

Your trip ends by late morning.

Check-out and travel to the Leh Airport. Today's meal package includes breakfast only. Your trip ends here.

Food

Breakfast

Veg|Non-veg|Egg

Day 12 Milestone

Leh

Leh

08:00 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Travel arrangements, as per itinerary (including airport transfers) in private, shared vehicles
  • Accommodation for 4 nights in hotel at Leh on twin-sharing basis
  • Accommodation for 2 nights in home-stay at Zangla on multi-sharing basis
  • Accommodation for 5 nights in tents during trekking on twin-sharing basis
  • All equipment required for camping: tents, mattresses
  • Common kitchen/dining tent and washroom tent
  • All buffet veg/non-veg meals from breakfast on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12
  • Services of experienced trek leader and camping crew
  • Services of porters to carry personal luggage of maximum 10 kgs per traveller
  • Technical and safety gear required during the trek, if any
  • All government permits and camping charges
  • All applicable taxes

Excludes

  • Travel arrangements from home city to Leh
  • Sleeping bags
  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
  • Personal expenses such as tips to staff, additional meals or beverages etc.
  • Adventure travel or medical insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions

What to Wear

What to Wear

  • Full-sleeved t-shirt/shirts
  • Full-length track pants
  • Quick-dry apparel
  • Waterproof trekking shoes
  • Rubber gumboots
  • Fleece jacket
  • Thermal wear (tops and bottoms)
  • Synthetic gloves
  • Socks, muffler and balaclava
  • Gaiters
  • Not to wear - Expensive jewellery or gadgets
  • Hard luggage like trolley bags, suitcases

What not to Wear

  • Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Flip-flops

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

  • Private vehicle for travel arrangements, as per itinerary (including airport transfers)
  • Technical and safety gear required for the trek, if any
  • All equipment required for camping: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
  • Common kitchen/dining tent and washroom tent

You need to get

  • Rucksack (70-80 litre)
  • ID proof
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cold cream
  • Flash light (with extra batteries)
  • Water bottle
  • Personal toiletries
  • Power bank
  • Camera
  • Dry snacks (protein/granola bars, Glucon-D etc.)

Medical Kit

  • Specific personal or prescribed medication
  • Personal first-aid kit

Cancellation policy

For cancellations made more than 45 days before departure of the Chadar trek: 95% refund.

For cancellations made between 15-45 days before departure of the Chadar trek: 50% refund.

For cancellations made less than 15 days before departure of the Chadar trek: no refund.

In case of no show: no refund.

All refunds will be processed after deducting any transaction charges.

Rules on trip

Travellers are required to adhere to instructions of the trek leader during the Chadar trek.

Consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited during the trek. Consumption of tobacco products and cigarettes is not recommended.

Travellers are requested to treat the local culture with respect and avoid littering, defacing property and monuments and causing general disturbance.

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

The tour operator takes utmost care to ensure safety of the travellers and shall not be held responsible for any mishap, accident or loss of life during the Chadar trek.

The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or alter the itinerary of the trek to ensure maximum safety for travellers as well as staff.

Travellers will be required bear any additional costs arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.