Chadar Trek, Ladakh - Frozen River Trek

Chadar trek temperature in the day time goes up to -10 Degrees. A sunny day can make the environment warm as well due to the reflection of the sunrays from the ice. Temperatures till -30 degrees have been witnessed by us in the nighttime. But don’t worry, it is quite warm inside the sleeping tent but the psychological feeling of cold will be there till the last moment of you being on the trek and in Leh as well.

With proper gear and sensible trekking, the Zanskar River trek Ladakh is not a very difficult trek. But what sets it apart is its unique experience. Everything about it is unique: the scenery, temperature, atmosphere, the frozen river, sledges, unusual campsites, caves, and the ever-changing Chadar. So unique that it makes for an unmissable experience. Chadar Frozen River Trek has been featured as the most unique trek in the country.

With proper training and preparation, even a beginner can opt for a Chadar trek package. Even though Chadar winter trek has been considered to be one of the challenging trekking routes, its path however is easy to coved for being straight and not inclined. Since you are required to spend nights in caves, pass through rugged snowy paths and a frozen lake, a large part of Chadar Trek thus depends on the mental as well as physical capabilities of a person.

To make sure that you enjoy the trek in its best form, you can start training beforehand. A month-long extreme running, cycling, and weight training can make it easy for you even if you are a beginner. 

The weather in Chadar Trek is extremely chilling. With the temperatures going negative to zero degree celsius, it adds to the difficulty of the Chadar trek. The piercing winds and sudden leg dips into the numbing water will challenge you to the core. The days are comparatively warmer than the nights as the sharp rays of the Sun flash over your heads, making the temperature rise to -5 degree celsius. The night cold is a test that can be qualified if you do not let your skin exposed to the freezing -25 degree celsius temperature outside and stay in your sleeping bags.

Chadar trek is considered the toughest winter trek in India, it is indeed a difficult adventure. All you need is proper preparation which includes physical and mental training along with the smart packing regime. If you make all the pieces fall in the correct places, it does not matter even if you are a first-timer.

• The Chadar winter trek required you to walk along a frozen river for straight five to six days while carrying a backpack weighing up to 10 Kg, thus a moderate to a high level of fitness is compulsory for all the participants. 
• You can easily contact a physician or an experienced trekker to help with gaining such a fitness level. From weight training to the building of calf muscles, there are various considerations involved in gaining a fit body for Chadar frozen river trek. 
• From the right exercises to get the proper level of fitness to packing right so that you can lift your baggage, various things can be done to enjoy the best of this adventure. 

You will need to prepare for the Chadar Trek, 4 months before the commencement:

- Start watching your diet and exercise 4 months before you have to trek.

- Once you reach Leh, give at least 3 days for acclimatizing to the high altitude of the city.

- Do examine your health and do not skip the medical examination.

- Do pack your best quality woolens to fight the extremely cold weather.

- Pack extra clothes and shoes so that you can change when you are wet.

- You can pack gumboots to secure yourself from the icy cold water.

- 2 water bottles of 1 liter each.

Zanskar Trek is indeed the most adventurous and challenging trek in India. But it is those challenges that make it the most gratifying trek. While on the trek, you can get nauseous, tired, exhausted, and much more, but some precautions could get everything straight.

First, you should understand that Leh is at a very high altitude starting with 11,000 ft. Hence, Acute Mountain Sickness is very common so consider medical examination and body signals before trekking.

Moreover, the terrain is extremely unpredictable as a slight variation in the temperature can lead the ice to form, break or melt throughout the day. 

Lastly, you should be aware of the fact that it would take 12-48 hours to rescue a person as there is no nearby checkpoint and one would need to reach Leh and inform the army to the rescue.

Chadar Trek is a difficult trek because of the terrain. As the altitude rises, chances of AMS increases which leads to difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, breathing issues and more.

This could be cured if you give yourself time for acclimatization. Ideally, you should initiate your trek 3 days after you reach the place to give time to your body for adjusting with the environment. Besides this, you should watch your diet and exercise at least a month before the trek.

Average walking distance is 10- 12 km each day and trekkers make it mostly in 5-7 hours. You will definitely enjoy it, don’t be disheartened. We try to reach the camp site by the afternoon everyday so that the rest of the day can be enjoyed at leisure.

Yes. Gumboots are required as you may have to cross a path where water levels are high and you wouldn’t want the ice-cold freezing water to enter your shoes and make it all wet. Gumboots are easily available in different sizes at the Leh market.

You should prefer choosing the brand “Diamond” If you are looking to buy gumboots as they are made of soft rubber and thus are comfortable while on the trek.

Trekking shoes is one of the most important things needed in any trek, so you have to be very careful before buying it. Recommended only high-ankle and waterproof shoes which are branded and are specifically designed for trekking purposes.Quechua, Zamberlan, Lafuma, Conquest and The North Face are some high quality brands dealing in High Altitude trekking shoes

Complying the insulating properties of air, Layering is a technique that will help you withstand the piercing cold of Ladakh. Ensure that you wear around 4-5 layers of clothing throughout this trek. These layers include warmers, sweaters, fleece jackets, Balaclavas, gloves, socks and several other clothing essentials.

You need to ensure that none of your skin is exposed to the cold and stays covered. Cotton gears should be completely avoided during the trek as they absorb the sweat and make your body feel cool, which you would not want. Quick-dry and breathable clothes are preferable for this exciting excursion. Avoid denims and woolen clothes as they take too much time to dry.

Our trek leaders are certified in first-aid and are aware of high attitude problems. We carry a complete first-aid kit, oxygen cylinders, necessary medicines (relating to AMS), and extra team members with us may it be any contingency.

Leh is situated at a height of 11,000 feet and the weather conditions and the thin oxygen levels already make the acclimatization process difficult. Consuming any kind of drugs or liquor might add as a catalyst to make you unwell. In our past experiences, there have been many cases of healthy people who knowingly consumed drugs and alcohol and immediately developed symptoms of AMS and nausea. They had to be sent back from Leh to descend to a lower height immediately after getting hospitalized.

Toilet tents will be pitched in the campsites and can be used for sanitary purposes. Do not forget to bring your toilet kits. .

Tempo Traveler, TATA Sumo, Mini Buses are generally used for commuting from Leh to Chilling and back, which are pre-checked by our outdoor staff.

Keeping some cash handy while going on such a long trek is a must. Apart from the charges that you pay for the Chadar trek package, some additional charges are also needed to be paid. From entry charges taken by LHDC and ALTOA to convenience fees charged by the environment and wildlife department, a total of INR 8000 to INR 10,000 will be required to get all the permissions and stamps. 

In addition to this, carrying extra cash of INR 4000 to 5000 will also help in need. From hiring a helper to take your stuff to the top, to stop at charging points and cafes, this extra cash might come in handy during various instances.

Here are some of the important things to keep in mind while going for frozen river trek:

1) Prepare your mind first: This is a difficult trek that comes with a lot of extremities. From the weather to physical requirements. Train your mind to expect and accept the sub-zero level. Do bear in mind that there is a life that exists there as well; for centuries Chadar is used as the only way to commute to Leh during winters. Your mental strength will signal your body to withstand the cold climb.

2) Be Warm: Next is to keep oneself warm as the temperature falls severely on this trek. To keep going and not be deterred by the weather conditions, use 4 layers for the Torso that includes a jacket and a wind sheeter which is waterproof and has a fleece lining. For the bottom, a base layer, thermal underpants and waterproof pants with a fleece lining should suffice. Make sure your fleece and jackets have zips down the front so that you can unzip them as the day grows progressively warmer.

3) Keep a woolen cap and gloves (a must): Essentially you need to sleep well during the night to keep you fresh for the next day of the trek. Keep an insulating water bottle to keep your sleeping bag warm during the night. Use Silk liner inside your bags to keep it warm enough.

4) Footwear: Hiking shoes + Gumboots At occasions, trekking on the Chadar involves wading through knee-deep cold water. Though hiking shoes are highly recommended, gumboots help keep your shoes and feet secure from the icy cold water. It is practically impossible to dry anything at Zanskar trek in Ladakh, so gumboots are a compulsory and crucial addition to the footwear.

5) Expect sweet pain: The Chadar is a glossy, slippery sheet of ice and will never let you walk carelessly. But no matter how careful one is, everyone falls and slips more than once on the Chadar. If you fall, just get back up by rolling on your knees and keep walking with confidence. Gumboots might give you shoe bites, but you’ll get used to it as you walk.

6) Observe and keep moving: The locals can give you firsthand training on how to cross the lake on your foot. On closer observation, you would notice that they walk fast and take Penguin like strides on the ice. As you watch them, you will learn their ways of maneuvering around on the ice blanket and learn when it is wiser to wait than to carry on or the reverse.

7) Keep your electronics warm: Extreme cold climate can ruin electronics. Hence keep them warm by keeping them safe by tucking them into your pockets closer to your body it will keep them warm and long-lasting.

8) Protect your fingers and toes: In sub-zero temperatures, fingers and toes are the most exposed and can be frozen resulting in bad pain when camping. Carry waterproof woolen socks and gloves. An extra pair of socks would help as they gather moisture while wearing gumboots.

9) Warming pads: Warming pads are very helpful for those who feel cold sooner than others. These are exothermic pads to be slipped in your gloves and socks. They release heat and keep you warm for up to 10 hours.

Apart from the harsh climatic conditions and high altitude, there are various factors that make walking on the frozen Zanskar river a bit tricky. When visiting around early January, you can experience a very thick layer of ice over the lake, which is easy to walk on. However, your steps need to be light without any banging. In addition to this, you are required to follow your guide in a row as well as place your feet on the safer areas as prescribed by the trekking guide.

Yes, it is always advisable that in any trek carry your own personal medication and basic first aid kit with you.

1.Pangong Lake: A ride of 160 KM from Ladakh will take you towards the deserted area of Pangong Lake. One of the most famous tourist spots of this place, the Pangong Lake has been attracting flocks of tourists throughout the world. From camping to boating, a wide variety of activities can be done here. 

2.Nubra Valley: Cut by Nubra and Shyoka Rivers, Nubra Valley is a small area and home to many scenic spots. Literally translating to “A Valley Of Flowers”, this place has been exciting visitors with its splendid beauty and cultural charm. From the Buddhist “Diskit Monastery” to various small Hindu temples, one might find numerous attractions to visit here. 

3.Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery or the Hemis Gompa is one of the most famous Buddhist Monastery in India and is located really close to Hemis National Park. Known for the yearly Hemis Festival, this monastery is known for attracting flocks of tourists to enjoy a five days long fest honoring Padmasambhava. Reaching this monastery is an adventure in itself as you will be crossing various scenic spots and thrilling pathways along Pangong. 

4.Shanti Stupa: On a hilltop in Chanspa lies a beautiful, white-colored stupa having a giant sculpture of Gautama Buddha. Being a part of the Peace Pagoda Mission, this destination has got its name in some of the top Buddist locations in the world. Inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama, this place is loaded with serenity and a pious aura that no one can resist. 

5.Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Falling in the list of some of the most revered places of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is a blissful worship location. Considering the myths, this is the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji was praying/meditating and some demon threw a rock at him to obstruct him. The same rock/boulder has been placed in this temple and the imprints of food and other body parts can still be seen on it. 

6.Thiksey Monastery: Sitting on the top of a hill is this beautiful monastery belonging to the Gelug sect of Tibetian Buddhism. Dating back to the 1400s, the Thiksey Monastery houses various small temples, Buddhist artifacts, and various small nunneries. Other than being a place of worship, this monastery is also known for being home to more than 500 monks which can be seen meditating in its halls and gardens.

7.Local Market: No vacation or trip is complete without shopping for some souvenirs to take back home and by visiting the Local Markets of Leh, Ladakh, you can do that too. Visit the Tibetian Market in Main Bazaar and shop for numerous items ranging from spices to artifacts and handmade goodies to licious snacks. 

8.Khardungla Pass: A getaway to Nubra and Shyok Valley, the Khardungla Pass is a serene mountainous pass spanning for a length of 47.2 KM. Sitting at an elevation of 17852 ft, this pass will let you enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range. 

Ladakh is the home to numerous natural wonders, but the most precious gift bestowed upon this magical land is the Chadar Trek. The ultimate thrill of walking upon the frozen waters of the Zanskar river in extremely low temperatures sets this trek apart in the list of extreme adventures. Adding grace to the beauty of Ladakh with its unique adventure experience, the Chadar Trek 2022 has the kind of charm that is second to no other adventure.

The frozen Zanskar river trek is actually a connecting link between the villages of Zanskar Valley and the town of chilling in Ladakh and acts as the only and the most stable way of staying connected to the rest of the world for the people here in the months of extreme winter. Passing through the deep valley, the frozen river is bounded by huge walls of mountains on both sides, making a person feel like walking amidst high castle walls. Frozen Waterfalls, flowing green river on the trek, the cold temperatures, and the warm smiles of the local Ladakhis who are going by their normal day are the elements that make the Chadar Lake and in fact, all of Ladakh a beautiful paradise to visit.

Here is the list of other best Ladakh treks that you can book via Thrillophilia:

1. Stok Kangri Trek
2. Markha Valley Trek
3. Parang La Trek
4. Snow Leopard
5. Trekkangyatse Trek