The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge trek is a winter trail over the frozen Zanskar River, which lies in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. It is traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months. The trail has become popular with foreign adventure tourists.
Every winter, the Zanskar river freezes partially and the top layer (ranging from a few inches to a few feet) becomes a sheet of ice, also know as the “Chadar”. Chadar trek is essentially a walk on this patch of ice.
Chadar Trek Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Name | Chadar Trek (Zanskar Gorge Trek) |
| Location | Zanskar Valley |
| Region | Union Territory of Ladakh, India |
| Starting Point | Chilling Village / Shingra Koma |
| End Point | Nerak (Standard Trek) |
| Total Distance | Approximately 105 km (65 miles) |
| Duration | 8β9 Days (Standard Trek) |
| Altitude Range | 3,170 m β 3,400 m (10,400β11,150 ft) |
| Highest Point | Nerak β 3,400 m (11,150 ft) |
| Difficulty Level | Difficult |
| Trek Type | Winter Ice Trek |
| River | Zanskar River |
| Best Time to Visit | January to February |
| Temperature Range | -10Β°C to -35Β°C |
| Average Daily Trek | 12β16 km |
| Major Camps | Tilad Sumdo, Tsomo Paldar, Tibb Cave, Nerak |
| Famous Attraction | Frozen Zanskar River (Chadar) |
| Highlights | Frozen river walk, ice formations, frozen waterfalls, Zanskar Gorge, Ladakhi culture |
| Fitness Requirement | High |
| Acclimatization Required | Yes |
| Mobile Network | Limited to none on the trek |
| Accommodation | Campsites and caves during the trek |
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Suitable For | Experienced trekkers and adventure enthusiasts |
| Nearby Town | Leh |
| Nearest Airport | Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport |
| Traditional Significance | Historic winter route connecting Zanskar villages with Leh |
| Current Status | Popular winter trekking destination in Ladakh |
The Chadar Trek, also known as the Zanskar Gorge Trek, is one of the world’s most unique winter treks. Located in the rugged landscapes of Zanskar Valley, the trek follows the frozen surface of the Zanskar River during the harsh winter months.
10Β°C
- Temperature
- Rain Chance
- Wind
Key Highlights
- Trek across the frozen Zanskar River, known locally as the “Chadar” (sheet of ice).
- Located within the dramatic Zanskar Gorge, surrounded by cliffs rising up to 600 meters.
- Average trek distance: approximately 105 km (65 miles).
- Typical trekking season: January to February.
- Winter temperatures can drop to -30Β°C to -35Β°C.
- One of India’s most challenging and iconic winter adventures.
The word “Chadar” means “blanket” or “sheet” in Hindi, referring to the thick sheet of ice that forms over the Zanskar River during the harsh Ladakh winter, creating a natural pathway through the spectacular Zanskar Gorge.
Chadar Trek Route
The trek traditionally begins near Chilling Village and proceeds through:
- Shingra Koma
- Tilad Sumdo
- Tsomo Paldar
- Tibb Cave
- Nerak (famous frozen waterfall)
Most trekking itineraries return from Nerak to the starting point, while extended expeditions continue towards Lingshed or even Padum in Zanskar.
Chadar Trek Incidents & Major Events (2020β2026)
| Year | Incident / Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Mass Rescue Operation | More than 107 trekkers, guides, and porters were stranded due to hazardous ice and weather conditions on the frozen Zanskar River. The Indian Air Force conducted a major helicopter rescue operation. |
| 2021 | COVID-19 Restrictions | Trek operations remained heavily restricted due to pandemic-related travel regulations. Many departures were cancelled or operated with strict protocols. |
| 2022 | Unstable Ice Conditions | Several trekking batches faced route modifications because sections of the Zanskar River did not freeze uniformly, increasing safety concerns. |
| 2023 | Multiple Medical Evacuations | The trek reopened after the pandemic break. Authorities reported 16 trekkers rescued and evacuated due to medical emergencies and extreme weather conditions. More than 1,300 trekkers participated during the season. |
| 2024 | Shortened Trek Windows | Fluctuating winter temperatures affected ice formation, leading to tighter safety monitoring and periodic route adjustments. |
| 2025 | Weak Ice Formation | Tour operators and authorities reported increasing challenges due to warmer winters and inconsistent ice thickness on the Zanskar River. Safety inspections became more rigorous. |
| 2026 | Trek Suspended | The Ladakh Administration suspended the Chadar Trek after inspections found the Zanskar River had started unfreezing, making the route unsafe. Reports described this as one of the most serious disruptions in the trek’s history. |
Best Time to Visit Chilling Village
The Chadar Trek is best undertaken between January and February, when the Zanskar River freezes sufficiently to create a stable ice trail. Weather conditions remain extremely cold, making proper acclimatization and winter gear essential.
Changing Access to Zanskar
The ongoing construction of the NimmuβPadumβDarcha (NPD) Road aims to provide year-round road connectivity between Leh and Zanskar. Once fully operational, the road will reduce winter isolation for local communities and improve access to medical and emergency services.
