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Adventure holidays

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

Leh Palace – Leh
Leh, Ladakh
Shanti Stupa – Leh
Zanskar (Chadar trek), Ladakh
Leh Palace – Leh

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.

  1. Leh 3N
  2. Zanskar (Chadar trek) 6N

Highlights

Leh PalaceShanti StupaThiksey MonasteryThe ChadarNerak waterfallZanskar gorge

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.
FAQs

Questions about this trip

Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. This is a private, customisable itinerary. We can add or remove nights, change hotels, swap sightseeing and adjust the pace before you book.
When is the best time for this trip?
Leh: May to September. Zanskar (Chadar trek): January to February for the Chadar.
How do I start the trip from Chennai?
The trip begins in Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)). We can add flights or train tickets from Chennai or any other city to your quote.
How much does this package cost?
We quote each trip individually because the price depends on travel dates, hotel category, room sharing and group size. Request a quote and we send a price on WhatsApp.
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