Chadar Trek

Rest Day for Acclimatization – Explore Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, Hall of Fame & Leh Market

• Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude, ensuring your body adjusts for the trek ahead.

• Visit Shey Monastery, once the summer capital of Ladakh, housing a 12-meter-high Buddha statue with scenic views.

• Explore Thiksey Monastery, a stunning Tibetan-style monastery featuring a Maitreya Buddha statue and Indus Valley views.

• Stop by the Hall of Fame, a museum honoring the Indian Army, showcasing Ladakh’s history and military bravery.

• In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Leh Market, discovering traditional Ladakhi crafts, souvenirs, and local goods.

• Return to the hotel for an overnight stay, preparing for the upcoming trekking adventure.

Medical Check-Up & Permit Process – Preparation for Chadar Trek.

• Wake up early in the morning and get ready for the mandatory medical check-up at the Tourist Information Center in Leh.

• As per Ladakh Government rules, all trekkers must pass the medical test before being allowed to proceed with the Chadar Trek.

• After a successful check-up, obtain the trekking permits and required documents from ALTOA and the Wildlife Department.

• Enjoy a relaxed afternoon while our team completes the insurance formalities for the trek.

• If not approved for the Chadar Trek, you can still explore Ladakh with an alternate Ladakh Tour at no extra cost.

• Spend the evening exploring Leh, shopping for last-minute essentials, or relaxing at the hotel.

• Overnight stay in Leh, preparing for the thrilling frozen river adventure ahead.

Drive from Leh to Tsomo Paldar – Start of Chadar Trek.

• After breakfast, pickup from Leh and begin the scenic drive to Tsomo Paldar, the starting point of the trek.

• Travel along the Indus River, witnessing the stunning contrast between emerald-green waters and Ladakh’s barren mountains.

• Pass by the famous Magnetic Hill, where an optical illusion makes vehicles appear to roll uphill.

• Stop at Sangam Point, the mesmerizing confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers, a breathtaking natural wonder.

• Reach Chilling Village, where the road narrows, leading deeper into the rugged and remote Zanskar Valley.

• Follow the Zanskar River, surrounded by towering cliffs, stark landscapes, and a sense of true wilderness.

• Arrive at Tsomo Paldar and settle into the campsite, preparing for the trekking adventure ahead.

• Overnight stay in camps at Tsomo Paldar, enjoying the peaceful surroundings before the trek begins.

Trek from Tsomo Paldar Camp to Tibb Cave Camp.

• Begin your first full day of trekking on the Chadar Trek, walking over the frozen Zanskar River towards Tibb Cave Camp.

• Experience the Chadar, a natural ice highway with varying textures, from glass-like smoothness to rough frozen patches.

• Walk through steep gorges with towering cliffs as high as 600 meters, creating a breathtaking and surreal winter landscape.

• Witness frozen waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, forming mesmerizing natural ice sculptures along the route.

• Pass through narrow canyons where trapped cold air keeps the Chadar frozen, even as temperatures fluctuate.

• Keep an eye out for snow leopards, blue sheep, and ibex, with wildlife tracks often visible in the fresh snow.

• Reach Tibb Cave, a natural rock shelter used by trekkers and locals, set in a wide valley with stunning frozen river views.

• Spot colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding a spiritual touch to the stark winter landscape.

• Stay hydrated and avoid over-exertion as you trek at a stable altitude, ensuring a comfortable acclimatization process.

• Enjoy a warm meal at Tibb Cave Camp and rest under a starlit sky, marking the end of a thrilling day.

Trek from Tibb Cave to Nerak Camp.

• Start the trek from Tibb Cave after breakfast, walking on the frozen Zanskar River towards Nerak Camp.

• Witness the morning light reflecting off the ice, creating a magical and surreal winter atmosphere.

• Navigate carefully over varying ice conditions, ensuring steady and safe steps on the frozen river.

• Trek through deep Zanskar gorges with towering cliffs, forming a dramatic landscape of rock and ice.

• Capture the breathtaking contrast of white ice, rugged brown mountains, and frozen riverbanks.

• Encounter more frozen waterfalls and surreal ice formations, constantly changing with temperature shifts.

• Spot the famous blue ice of Nerak, where compressed ice layers create stunning, vibrant blue formations.

• Arrive at Nerak Camp, a beautiful spot near a large frozen waterfall with scenic surrounding landscapes.

• Experience the small village of Nerak, offering glimpses of local life in the remote Himalayan wilderness.

• Stay mindful of altitude changes, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed for smooth acclimatization.

• Enjoy a warm meal and a peaceful night under the spectacular starlit sky at Nerak Camp.

Trek from Nerak Camp to Tibb Cave (13 km, 6-7 hours, 3300 m).

• Begin the trek from Nerak Camp after breakfast, taking in the last views of frozen waterfalls and blue ice formations.

• Retrace your steps along the Chadar Trek, experiencing the stunning Zanskar River landscape from a fresh perspective.

• Walk through towering rock formations and icy cliffs, appreciating the grandeur of the frozen Zanskar Gorge.

• Be mindful of changing ice conditions, as some sections may have melted slightly during the day.

• Capture new angles of frozen waterfalls and surreal ice structures, offering unique photographic opportunities.

• Enjoy the tranquility of the Chadar, where the only sounds are crunching footsteps and flowing water beneath the ice.

• Keep an eye out for snow leopard tracks, ibex, and Himalayan birds, adding excitement to the return journey.

• Reach Tibb Cave Camp, a familiar and scenic stop where you can relax after an exhilarating day of trekking.

• Adjust to the slight altitude increase (3200 m to 3300 m) and stay hydrated to ensure smooth acclimatization.

• Enjoy a warm meal and camaraderie with fellow trekkers, sharing stories under the clear Himalayan night sky.

Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma (13 km, 5-6 hours) & Drive to Leh

• Begin your final trek from Tibb Cave, soaking in the last views of the stunning frozen Zanskar River.

• Walk along the Chadar’s ever-changing ice formations, with varying textures and patterns beneath your feet.

• Experience the silent beauty of the canyon, where the only sounds are crunching footsteps and distant water flow.

• Capture picturesque views of deep gorges, towering cliffs, and icy landscapes for lasting memories.

• Watch for wildlife tracks and soaring Himalayan birds, adding excitement to your last day of trekking.

• Reach Shingra Koma, a bustling area with fellow trekkers and locals, where you'll rest and enjoy a packed lunch.

• Board the vehicle for Leh, embarking on a scenic 3-4 hour drive through the rugged Ladakhi terrain.

• Enjoy the views of Zanskar River valleys, reflecting on the challenging yet rewarding journey.

• Pass through quaint villages, offering glimpses of traditional Ladakhi culture and way of life.

• Arrive in Leh, check into your hotel, and relax, celebrating your incredible Chadar Trek accomplishment.

Departure from Leh.

• Wake up to your final morning in Leh, reminiscing about the incredible Chadar Trek adventure.

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, taking in the serene Himalayan surroundings one last time.

• Prepare for departure, ensuring all belongings and memories are packed.

• Bid farewell to Leh, a town that has been your gateway to an unforgettable frozen river expedition.

• Transfer to Leh Airport, where you’ll board your flight, cherishing lifelong memories of this once-in-a-lifetime trek.