9 Days Chadar Trekking Tour Ladakh
Trip Overview
Chadar trek is an adventurous and thrilling trek in Ladakh, India. This trek is performed on the frozen river called Zanskar River. This river is a perfect place for river rafting expedition in summers and transforms into Chadar trek during winters. Here are some wondrous local monasteries, wedges between the mighty Karakoram, chance to stay with local Zanskari’s, and Great Himalayan ranges. There’s a team of well-qualified staff to handle any situation during the trek. They plan itinerary after collecting local information to ensure your safety.
Highlights:
- Best time for the trek is mid-January to Mid February
- Total duration is nine days
- The main focus is Ladakh winter life, monks, culture, ice trek, and monasteries.
- Physical challenges will be harsh cold, some long trekking days., and tough expeditions
- The highest points are Padum 3,610M and Leh 3,505M.
- Climate is usually sunny with chill and dry winds, the temperature may drop up to -25c
- Group size will be 5 to 10 people only
- You’ll get high altitude sleeping bags of high quality
- Spacious and comfortable twin sharing tents in adverse conditions
- Highly qualified coordinators with the team
- Vegetarian meals
- Porters are available for carrying extra luggage
Itinerary
Day 01: Leh by flight
The day will be reserved for acclimatization in high altitude and for the preparation of the trek. You’ll stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Leh to Chilling by drive and trekking up to Tilat Sumdo
You’ll get a drive to the Chilling – one of the villages famous for metal work and craftsmanship in Ladakh. On your way, you’ll take a crisp halt for experiencing a majestic confluence of River Indus and Zanskar. You’ll touch the Chadar for the first time and start trekking along the frozen Zanskar River to reach Tilat Sumdo. This trek will take 1 to 2 hours. You’ll stay overnight in a cave/camp/tent. You’ll learn the fun ways of walking on frozen slippery ice.
Day 03: Tilat Sumdo to Tsomo Paldar
Start your day around 7:00 AM after freshening up. After breakfast with hot tea, you’re all set to start the frozen ice river trek by 9:00 AM. Gradually you’ll adapt to the sound of Chadar forming and breaking, and where the ice cover is thin or thick. Lunch break will be taken where there is sunlight. Sunlight time is limited. You have to start trekking to the frozen trek towards the camping site.
Day 04: Tsomo Paldar to Dibb
In the early morning after having breakfast, you’ll spend another day in an ice expedition among ice vistas and the most incredible landscapes. You’ll see vast mountains rising from the river as it flows through the gorge. Can’t say about frozen waterfalls but you can expect to see a glimpse of blue sheep or Bharals as we trek along with the frozen river. Although it is the longest trek, you’ll get a chance to see the magnificent ice cliffs and waterfalls. You’ll feel like walking through a giant freezer. You may have to climb briefly on to rocky riverbanks while passing through narrow gorges. Trek on the frozen ice towards the campsite for staying overnight.
Day 05: Dibb to Nyerak Pullu
This will be magnificent or difficult if Chadar is not firm. You have to be cautious. We will pass through gigantic frozen waterfalls and ice cliffs. If lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the mountain fox. We pass through the ‘incense tree’ and the prayer flags draped which marks the entry to Zanskar proper. Porters will take a few twigs from the trees. You’ll reach Narek Campsite by afternoon. There is a dilapidated bridge on the river which is said to be 1000 years old. You’ll stay overnight in the camp.
Day 06: Naerak to Dibb
Technically it is the same way to return though it is different. You’ll notice chadar is always changing it breaks and forms on its own. You’ll feel a difference on the same trek because of the changes in condition and texture. On your way back you’ll see many locals wearing traditional woolen Gonchas and trekking towards their village of Lingshed, Naerak, and Padum. You can hear the legend about Zanskar while exchanging pleasantries. You’ll be amazed by seeing a smile on their faces despite the hardship they face. You’ll stay in the camp overnight.
Day 07: return trekking
You’ll start returning from Tibb to Shingra Koma
Day 08: return trek
Start trekking from Shingra Koma to Tila Do and after that to Leh by drive.
Day 09: Departure
Drop to the airport for catching an early morning flight.
Included
- Accommodation based on twin sharing in Non-AC rooms.
- Transfer service from the airport
- Activity point transfer
- Camping gear
- Cooking staff
- Porters for carrying extra luggage during the trek
- Sleeping bags
- Accommodation in the tents
- Campsite fee
- Trekking point transfer
- All meals on the trek
- Trekking point transfer
- Service charge
- Guide
Excluded
- All the beverages included bottled water
- All insurance
- Internet usage
- Camera fees
- Flight tickets
- Emergency transport cost
- Personnel trekking gear
- All permits
- Personnel expenses
- All not mentioned in the included section
Good to Know
- Food
You’ll get meals three times a day during this trek. You’ll start your day with morning tea and light breakfast. Cooks will be with you with their kitchen equipment and prepare fresh meals. You may carry some light packaged food for the trek. - Accommodation
You’ll stay the first day in the hotel for acclimatization on the high altitude. After that, during the camp, you’ll stay in a camp, tent, or cave. Comfortable and cozy accommodation is available on twin sharing basis. In the hotel, you’ll get non-AC rooms. - Important Note
Cancellation charges: you’ll get 100% of tour cost return if you cancel in 30+days. If you cancel within 30 days, 75% of the total amount will return. In between 29 to 16 days you’ll get 50% and in 15 to 8 days 25% of the total cost. However, if you cancel between 7 to 0 days you’ll not get any refund.
Itinerary
Day 01: Leh by flight
The day will be reserved for acclimatization in high altitude and for the preparation of the trek. You’ll stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Leh to Chilling by drive and trekking up to Tilat Sumdo
You’ll get a drive to the Chilling – one of the villages famous for metal work and craftsmanship in Ladakh. On your way, you’ll take a crisp halt for experiencing a majestic confluence of River Indus and Zanskar. You’ll touch the Chadar for the first time and start trekking along the frozen Zanskar River to reach Tilat Sumdo. This trek will take 1 to 2 hours. You’ll stay overnight in a cave/camp/tent. You’ll learn the fun ways of walking on frozen slippery ice.
Day 03: Tilat Sumdo to Tsomo Paldar
Start your day around 7:00 AM after freshening up. After breakfast with hot tea, you’re all set to start the frozen ice river trek by 9:00 AM. Gradually you’ll adapt to the sound of Chadar forming and breaking, and where the ice cover is thin or thick. Lunch break will be taken where there is sunlight. Sunlight time is limited. You have to start trekking to the frozen trek towards the camping site.
Day 04: Tsomo Paldar to Dibb
In the early morning after having breakfast, you’ll spend another day in an ice expedition among ice vistas and the most incredible landscapes. You’ll see vast mountains rising from the river as it flows through the gorge. Can’t say about frozen waterfalls but you can expect to see a glimpse of blue sheep or Bharals as we trek along with the frozen river. Although it is the longest trek, you’ll get a chance to see the magnificent ice cliffs and waterfalls. You’ll feel like walking through a giant freezer. You may have to climb briefly on to rocky riverbanks while passing through narrow gorges. Trek on the frozen ice towards the campsite for staying overnight.
Day 05: Dibb to Nyerak Pullu
This will be magnificent or difficult if Chadar is not firm. You have to be cautious. We will pass through gigantic frozen waterfalls and ice cliffs. If lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the mountain fox. We pass through the ‘incense tree’ and the prayer flags draped which marks the entry to Zanskar proper. Porters will take a few twigs from the trees. You’ll reach Narek Campsite by afternoon. There is a dilapidated bridge on the river which is said to be 1000 years old. You’ll stay overnight in the camp.
Day 06: Naerak to Dibb
Technically it is the same way to return though it is different. You’ll notice chadar is always changing it breaks and forms on its own. You’ll feel a difference on the same trek because of the changes in condition and texture. On your way back you’ll see many locals wearing traditional woolen Gonchas and trekking towards their village of Lingshed, Naerak, and Padum. You can hear the legend about Zanskar while exchanging pleasantries. You’ll be amazed by seeing a smile on their faces despite the hardship they face. You’ll stay in the camp overnight.
Day 07: return trekking
You’ll start returning from Tibb to Shingra Koma
Day 08: return trek
Start trekking from Shingra Koma to Tila Do and after that to Leh by drive.
Day 09: Departure
Drop to the airport for catching an early morning flight.
Included
- Accommodation based on twin sharing in Non-AC rooms.
- Transfer service from the airport
- Activity point transfer
- Camping gear
- Cooking staff
- Porters for carrying extra luggage during the trek
- Sleeping bags
- Accommodation in the tents
- Campsite fee
- Trekking point transfer
- All meals on the trek
- Trekking point transfer
- Service charge
- Guide
Excluded
- All the beverages included bottled water
- All insurance
- Internet usage
- Camera fees
- Flight tickets
- Emergency transport cost
- Personnel trekking gear
- All permits
- Personnel expenses
- All not mentioned in the included section
Good to Know
- Food
You’ll get meals three times a day during this trek. You’ll start your day with morning tea and light breakfast. Cooks will be with you with their kitchen equipment and prepare fresh meals. You may carry some light packaged food for the trek. - Accommodation
You’ll stay the first day in the hotel for acclimatization on the high altitude. After that, during the camp, you’ll stay in a camp, tent, or cave. Comfortable and cozy accommodation is available on twin sharing basis. In the hotel, you’ll get non-AC rooms. - Important Note
Cancellation charges: you’ll get 100% of tour cost return if you cancel in 30+days. If you cancel within 30 days, 75% of the total amount will return. In between 29 to 16 days you’ll get 50% and in 15 to 8 days 25% of the total cost. However, if you cancel between 7 to 0 days you’ll not get any refund.