Walking on the frozen river is an ultimate experience for the adventure lovers. The traditional name of the trek is “Chadar Trek” the frozen sheet trek, which was only way in and out for the people of Zanskar in winters when all other ways are closed due to heavy snow fall at high passes.
This is a trek into some of the most isolated yet inhabited regions in the Zanskar Mountains, Trekking on ice, the frozen Zanskar River, on an average five to seven hours daily at an easy pace. But a reasonable degree of physical fitness is needed to sustain walking for nine days during winter conditions.
The trek commences from the village of Chiling located not far from the confluence of Indus and the Zanskar River. The trek follows the river gorge through a spectacular landscape, a photographer’s paradise, offering occasional sighting of wildlife. Although pleasant on clear, sunny days, the weather conditions can change abruptly with winds & temperatures falling up to minus 20 to 30 degree Celsius.
DAY 01:FLIGHT DELHI TO LEH:-
Upon arrival at Leh Airport you will meet by our representative and transfer to Hotel for Check in. On the first day of your trekking trip in Ladakh, you will spend your entire day in Ladakh for acclimatization. Although there are many things to do in Leh town, it’s best that you spend your entire day at leisure allowing time for high altitude acclimatization. Full day rest. Over Night in Leh
DAY 02 : IN LEH ALTIUTDE: 3524 METERS (11,562 ft.):-
Today is the day for sightseeing. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Leh town. From shopping in Tibetan markets to visiting Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Jama Masjid, you could explore this charming town entire day and interact with friendly locals. Today’s activity will give you a glimpse of the culture and tradition of Ladakh and also give you a hint as to why it is called Little Tibet.
DAY 03:AROUND LEH:-
Today you will visit the attractions (mostly monasteries) around Leh Town. Two stunning monasteries are located in the vicinity and should be included in every Ladakh trip itinerary. Visit to Shey palace and Thiksey Monastery are today’s sightseeing highlights.
Shey palace: Located 15 kms from Leh, Shey palace is nestled on top of a hill in Shey.A 7.5 metres high gold plated Buddha Statue made up of copper is one of the highlight of Shey Palace.
Thiksey Monastery: The impressive Thiksey Gompa is a sight to behold. Several stupas and exquisite wall paintings of Buddha adorn this monastery.Return to your hotel for stay overnight Leh.
DAY 04: LEH TO TILATDO (CHILLING) 2 Hrs’ DRIVE:-
After breakfast we will drive from Leh to chilling Tilatdo, once we reach Tilatdo we will descend down to the camping site, where we camp just next to the frozen river. Overnight camping. The road follows the serpentine Indus River up to the point of the confluence at Nimu where Indus and Zanskar River meet. From here we will ride till our arrival in Chilling where we’ll either camp overnight or optionally stay in a Home stay.
DAY 5 : CHILLING TO ZARIBAGGO (3250 Mts) 5 Hrs:-
Next few days are marked by trekking and stay in caves or camps along the way. In local language the caves are known as Baggo and offer good shelter from chilly wind. The walk on the Chadar (ice sheet) over Zanskar frozen is a thrilling experience. You may also notice that at some places the chadar is formed only at the banks of the river and don’t be scared to get down on your knees or on belly at some section of the ice sheet.
Today’s portion of Frozen River trek might take around 5 to 8 hours but this arduous journey is worth it. Upon arrival in Zaribaggo your overnight stay will be arranged in a cave or camps.
DAY 06: ZARIBAGGO TO NYERAK VILLAGE, 9Hrs AVERAGE WALKING:-
Start the trek from Zaribaggo on the way you will come across number of caves. Start the trek to Deepyokma, after 4-5hrs reach Nyarakpulu (3400m). Camp at an irrigation site or home stay at 1hr walk up along with a small stream you will reach a beautiful village called Nyarak. From here Singee-La will be visible, which is a summer trek pass. Stay overnight.
DAY 07 : NYERALK PULU TO LINGSHED (3850 Mts):-
After a leisurely breakfast, we will leave for Lingshed which is only reached through trekking. You can visit the monastery in the area with overnight stay at homes of inhabitants.
DAY 08 : LINGSHED TO NYERAK PULU:-
Return journey to Leh begins today as we take a descent towards Nyrak Pulu. Your stay overnight will be in a camp or cave.
DAY 09 : NYERAK PULU TO TSOMO PALDER (3300 Mts):-
We will continue our return journey by further descending towards Tsomo Paldar where we’ll make camp for overnight stay or else choose a cave.
DAY 10 : TSOMO PLADER TO TILAT DO (3200 Mts):-
It will take 7-8 hours to reach Tilat Do today hence we’ll break our camp early in the morning. In the night we’ll stay in a cave where dinner will be served before you retire to rest.
DAY 11 : TILAT DO TO CHILLING DRIVE BACK TO LEH:-
We’ll arrive in Chilling today after morning trek. Upon arrival we will board a private vehicle which will be waiting to take us to Leh town. Upon arrival in Leh, overnight stay is at a hotel.
DAY 12 : Leh:-
To accommodate any unexpected delays due to weather or other unseen circumstances today is reserved for stay in Leh. Spend entire day at leisure, go shopping in local markets and buy souvenir as reminder of your memorable Chadar Trekking in Ladakh. Overnight stay in hotel.
DAY 13: DEPART LEH (FLY OUT):-
Tour concludes. Travel To Himalaya thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to Domestic Airport to catch the flight for your onward journey towards home.
Category | Duration | 2 Pax | 4 Pax | 6 pax | 8 Pax | More then 8 Pax |
Standard | 11 Nights/12 Days | 92,500 | 75,000 | 52,000 | 38,000 | 35,000 |
The Package Does Not Include:-
Max Altitude: 3850 Mts
Highlights: Leh–Ladakh –Zanskar
Grade: Adventure/Challenging
Best Time:January & February