Chadar trek is a very unique winter trek and it is perfect for adventure seekers. The river of Zanskar transforms into a thick white blanket of ice which enables people to walk on the frozen water, following a path which is inaccessible in summer. Walking on the frozen river is the only way for the people of Zankar to access rest of Ladakh during winter when the roads are closed because of heavy snow on the passes.
The trek can usually be done from January until the end of February, when the temperature drops down to -25 to -35 degrees. The trek follows the river gorge through dramatic landscape and you might catch sight of wildlife on the trail. Be prepared to stay in caves, villages and camps.
Itinerary
Day 1
Leh – Chilling – Zari Bago
Time: 3-5 hrs
Distance: 9.8 km
| Drive to Chilling, stop at the Indus-Zanskar rivers confluence on the way |
| Cross Zanskar river to reach Tilat Do, a small settlement that marks the beginning of the Chadar trek |
| Walk to Zari Bago |
Day 2
Zari Bago – Dib Yokma
Time: 4-6 hrs
Distance: 16.2 km
| The trail goes through narrow gorges where you might need to scramble up the steep rocky bank |
| There are beautiful frozen waterfalls on the way |
Day 3
Dib Yokma – Nyerak Pulu
Time: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 13.4 km
| Walk through deep ravines where many caves can be seen |
| Reach Nyerak and its fantastic frozen waterfall, the largest in Zanskar |
Day 4
Nyerak Pulu – Lingshed
Time: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 15.0 km
| Walk on the ice for 1-2 hours and then there is a 5-hour steep hike up to Lingshed village |
Day 5
Lingshed
| Whole day in Lingshed |
| Visit the beautiful monastery of Lingshed, a home to more than 60 monks |
| Walk around the charming isolated village of Lingshed and discover the life of the local people during the cold winter months |
Day 6
Lingshed – Nyerak Pulu
Time: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 15.0 km
| Walk back to Nyerak Pulu |
Day 7
Nyerak Pulu – Dib Yokma
Time: 4-6 hrs
Distance: 13.4 km
| Follow the same trail to reach Dib Yokma |
Day 8
Dib Yokma – Zari Bago
Time: 4-6 hrs
Distance: 16.2 km
| Walk to Zari Bago |
Day 9
Zari Bago – Chilling – Leh
Time: 3-5 hrs
Distance: 9.8 km
| Walk back to Chilling and drive to Leh |