Chadar Trek (frozen Zanskar)
The Chadar Trek - walking the frozen Zanskar river through a deep gorge, an ancient winter trade route
The route
The line through Ladakh (Zanskar), India - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Chilling (Zanskar)Trailhead
Frozen-river start
- 2Tibb CaveCamp
Cave camp
- 3NerakCamp
Frozen waterfall
- 4Return to ChillingTrailhead
Out-and-back
Season & conditions
Jan-Feb (the frozen-river window only)
Extreme cold (well below -20 C), the ice can be thin/broken
Only in the deep winter (Jan-Feb) when the river freezes; the window is shrinking with climate change; permits and medical checks required. Confirm.
On the trail
Walking on the frozen Zanskar river between canyon walls, camping in caves
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Shorter out-and-backs depending on ice conditions
Getting there & staying
Chilling (Zanskar), from Leh
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Cave camps on the riverbank
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Leh; limited or none on the trail
Mandatory guide/operator
Permits & safety
A permit, medical check and a mandatory guide/operator (environmental fees). Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Thin/breaking ice (a real danger), extreme cold/frostbite, the climate-shortened season
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.