Chadar Frozen River Trek
The winter walk on the frozen Zanskar river, after the health check and acclimatisation days in Leh that the local administration requires; January and February only.
Trip at a glance
- Duration10 days / 9 nights
- Starts inLeh
- RouteLeh · Zanskar (Chadar trek)
- Places2 destinations
- StateLadakh, India
- Ideal forAdventure holidays, Photography holidays
- Trip stylePrivate, customisable
- Package codeNX-1FVGM0
Best time to visit: May to September




Trip overview
The winter walk on the frozen Zanskar river, after the health check and acclimatisation days in Leh that the local administration requires; January and February only.
The route spends 3 nights in Leh and 6 nights in Zanskar (Chadar trek), so you get time for the main sights without changing hotels every day. It suits adventure holidays and photography holidays, and every day can be shortened, swapped or extended.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Leh
- Arrive via Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) and transfer to your hotel
- Check in and settle in
- Later: Rafting on the Indus and Zanskar
Day 2Leh: Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
- Leh Palace: Seventeenth-century royal palace
- Shanti Stupa: White stupa with sunset views
Day 3Leh: Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery: Monastery resembling the Potala Palace
- Hemis Monastery: Largest monastery, with a summer festival
Day 4Leh to Zanskar (Chadar trek)
- Travel from Leh to Zanskar (Chadar trek) by private vehicle
- Check in at your Zanskar (Chadar trek) hotel
- The Chadar: Frozen Zanskar river walked in January and February
Day 5Zanskar (Chadar trek): Nerak waterfall and Zanskar gorge
- Nerak waterfall: A frozen waterfall, the usual turning point
- Zanskar gorge: Sheer rock walls above the ice
Day 6Zanskar (Chadar trek): Padum and Winter camping
- Padum: Zanskar's main town, reached by road in summer
- Winter camping
Day 7Zanskar (Chadar trek): Summer road trip to Padum
- Summer road trip to Padum
Day 8Zanskar (Chadar trek) at your own pace
- A free day in Zanskar (Chadar trek). Relax, shop or add an optional excursion; ask us for ideas
Day 9Zanskar (Chadar trek) at your own pace
- A free day in Zanskar (Chadar trek). Relax, shop or add an optional excursion; ask us for ideas
Day 10Depart from Zanskar (Chadar trek)
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your journey home
How this version is planned
- Activities booked with licensed, insured operators
- Fitness level and experience checked before we confirm each activity
- Weather and season buffers built in for outdoor days
- Travel insurance covering the activities strongly recommended
- Sunrise and sunset kept free for shooting
This is a suggested itinerary. Sightseeing order may change with opening days, weather and local conditions; your final plan is in your written quote.
Good to know
- Leh: Rest completely on arrival day; altitude sickness is common if you rush.
- Zanskar (Chadar trek): The Ladakh administration requires a health check and acclimatisation days in Leh before the Chadar; we build them into the plan.
Questions about this trip
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LadakhLeh
Leh, at about 3,500 metres, is Ladakh's capital and the base for exploring the region.
LadakhZanskar (Chadar trek)
Zanskar is a remote valley in southern Ladakh.
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