What It Is

• Location: Zanskar Valley, Ladakh, India.
• Distance: About 65–105 km round trip, depending on the route and ice conditions (typically 13–15 km per day).
• Duration: 6–9 days, including travel from Leh and acclimatization.
• Altitude: Ranges from 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) to 3,850 meters (12,600 feet).
• Season: Mid-January to mid-February, when the river freezes solid enough to walk on.

The trek’s name, "Chadar," refers to the sheet of ice that forms over the Zanskar River, historically used by locals as a trade route when snow blocks mountain passes. Today, it’s an adventure drawing trekkers worldwide.

The Experience

• Day-to-Day: You start from Chilling, about 65 km from Leh, and trek to spots like Tilad Do, Gyalpo, and Nerak village. Each day involves 5–7 hours of walking on ice, with overnight camping in caves or tents along the riverbank.
• Scenery: Expect dramatic gorges, frozen waterfalls, and snow-dusted cliffs. The ice varies—smooth in some patches, jagged in others, with surreal turquoise hues peeking through cracks.
• Challenges: Slippery ice, freezing temperatures (-15°C to -30°C at night), and limited daylight (6–7 hours). Sometimes, trekkers may wade through shallow water when ice thins.

Preparation

• Fitness: Moderate to high stamina required. Practice walking on uneven terrain for hours, and core strength helps with balance.
• Gear:
  • Crampons or microspikes for icy grip.
  • Trekking poles (a must for stability).
  • Layered clothing: thermals, fleece, down jacket, and windproof outer layer.
  • Waterproof boots (Gore-Tex or similar) and extra socks.
  • Sleeping bag rated for -20°C or lower.
  • Sunglasses (UV protection—snow glare is intense).
• Permits: Required (Inner Line Permit and wildlife fee), usually arranged by trek operators.
• Guides/Porters: Essential. Locals know the ice conditions and safe routes.

Best Time

January–February is the best time, ensuring a solid Chadar. However, climate change has made ice less predictable lately. Early January may be slushier, while late February carries the risk of melting.

Highlights

• Frozen Waterfall at Nerak: A massive, glistening wall of ice—stunning and eerie.
• Wildlife: Chance to spot ibex, blue sheep, or even snow leopard tracks.
• Campfire Nights: Huddling with tea in subzero silence, stars blazing overhead.

Risks

• Weather: Sudden snowstorms or thaws can disrupt the trek. In recent years, some trips have been canceled due to unsafe ice.
• Cold Injuries: Frostbite and hypothermia are real threats—keep hands, feet, and face covered.
• Isolation: No phone signal, limited rescue options. You’re in the wild.

Pro Tips

• Test Your Boots: Break them in before you go—blisters at -20°C are brutal.
• Hydrate: Altitude dries you out, even in the cold. Sip constantly.
• Mental Prep: It’s as much a mind game as a physical one. The isolation and cold can wear you down.

If you’ve got a specific angle in mind—like training plans, operator recommendations, or what to pack—I can dive deeper. What’s on your mind about the Chadar Trek?