HomeTreksChadar Frozen River Zanskar Trek
Chadar Frozen River Zanskar Trek
Santara Routes TrekWorld Famous Ice WalkDifficulty: DifficultChilling, Zanskar, Ladakh

Chadar Frozen River Zanskar Trek

A once-in-a-lifetime expedition walking atop the frozen sheet of ice on the Zanskar River inside vertical canyon walls at sub-zero temperatures reaching -30°C.

Max Altitude

11,123 ft

Duration

9D / 8N

Distance

62 km

Best Season

January to February (Deep Winter Freeze)

Basecamp

Leh

Expedition Highlights

Walking on glassy ice sheets ('Chadar') over rushing turquoise river waters
Enormous frozen cascading waterfalls clinging to gorge canyon walls
Traditional cave stays with warm butter tea by native Zanskari porters
Extreme sub-zero winter survival experience in trans-Himalayan Ladakh

Detailed Trail Schedule

9 Days Itinerary
1

Arrive at Leh & Trailhead Briefing

Basecamp
Distance: Drive to baseTerrain: Scenic highway and mountain roads

Arrive at the official basecamp in Leh. Meet our certified mountain guides, complete registration, check gear, and attend the evening route and safety briefing.

2

Trek from Camp 0 to High Camp

5875 ft
Distance: 10 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

3

Trek from Camp 1 to High Camp

6750 ft
Distance: 12 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

4

Trek from Camp 2 to High Camp

7625 ft
Distance: 6 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

5

Trek from Camp 3 to High Camp

8500 ft
Distance: 8 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

6

Trek from Camp 4 to High Camp

9375 ft
Distance: 10 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

7

Trek from Camp 5 to High Camp

10250 ft
Distance: 12 km trekTerrain: Dense pine forest, riverbanks, and alpine meadows

Steady ascent through pristine forest trails, crossing mountain streams and breaking into rolling alpine meadows with spectacular mountain vistas.

8

Summit / High Pass Push to 11,123 ft & Camp

11,123 ft
Distance: 6 km trekTerrain: Exposed alpine ridge, moraine, or snowpack

The climactic summit ascent! Reach the highest vantage point of Chadar Frozen River Zanskar Trek at 11,123 ft, soaking in breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views across high mountain ranges.

9

Descend to Leh & Onward Departure

Basecamp
Distance: 10-12 km descentTerrain: Forested downhill trail

Descend through familiar wooded trails back to Leh. Celebrate your journey with your fellow trekkers and board transport for onward connections.

What's Included

  • •All camp and dome tent accommodations on twin/triple sharing basis
  • •Nutritious, freshly prepared vegetarian meals from Day 1 dinner to summit
  • •Certified native mountain leader and experienced local support staff
  • •Inner line permits, forest sanctuary entry fees, and camping permits
  • •High-altitude first aid kit, pulse oximeter, and emergency oxygen cylinder

What's Excluded

  • •Transport to and from the starting basecamp
  • •Personal trekking equipment (trekking poles, personal sleeping bag liner)
  • •Unforeseen emergency evacuation or medical hospitalization expenses
  • •Personal snacks, bottled beverages, and tips for local staff

Trail Gallery

Chadar Frozen River Zanskar Trek gallery photo 1

Frequently Asked Questions

This trek is rated as Difficult. It reaches a maximum altitude of 11,123 ft. Trekkers should maintain moderate physical fitness with routine cardio exercises.
Starting From
₹42,500/ trekker
✓ Includes mountain camping, all meals & certified local guides
Region:Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh
State:Ladakh
Difficulty:Difficult
Altitude:11,123 ft
Basecamp:Leh
Expert local guides with mountain safety protocols
Transparent booking & verified local logistics