9 Days Premium Chadar Trek, Ladakh

🚗Transport Included      🍲Meals Included      🚶🏼‍♂️Guide Included

🏩Stays Included       🤝LiwanaCares

The Chadar Trek is unique because it takes place on the surface of a frozen river. Other treks in India go through hills and mountains, through passes and caves, through ancient forts and valleys. This trek meanders along the Zanskar River. Walking over ice sheets and frozen rivers bordered by towering rusty hills seems very much like a scene straight out of a luxury travel magazine. During the winter months, the captivating Zanskar River turns into a frozen river as if wearing a ‘chadar’ of ice and the waterfall turns into a "frozen waterfall".

 

The sheer beauty of this trek has its twists and turns, the trail takes you through steep canyons, and understanding the ice pattern will take time but the overwhelming feeling of conquering this trek will be worth every second. Fortunately for us, Chadar Trek is no dream; it is as real as it gets and very much within your reach. 

 

Chadar Trek Quick Facts:

➔ Chadar River Trek Duration: 9D/8N

➔ Chadar Trek Distance:  62 km

➔ Maximum Altitude: 11,123ft

➔ Difficulty Level: Difficult 

➔ Chadar Trek Temperature: -5 to -15 degrees (during the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (during the night)

➔ Chadar Trek Best Time: Early January - Early February.

➔ Start and End Point of the Trek: Leh Airport

➔ Nearest Airport: Leh airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)

➔ Last ATM: Leh Market and Airport.

➔ Group Size: 15 Trekkers

➔ Staff Size: Cook x 2, Porters x 17, Guide x 2, Helper x 4

Chadar Trek Package 2022 Inclusions:

➔ Airport Pickup on day 1st & Drop on day 9th

➔ Stay in Leh (Deluxe Hotels - Double sharing with running hot water all 3 days, without heater & Last Day with centralized heater), 

➔ Hotels provided (Hotel Rasika/Sia La/Mountain Retreat/Similar)

➔ Meals in Leh (MAP)

➔ Stay during the trek (Hygienic Camps on Double sharing)

➔ Meals during the trek (Healthy Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee & Snacks)

➔ Qualified & experienced trek Leader, guide, and support staff to help trekkers.

➔ Double layered & hygienic sleeping bag (up to -30 Degree temperature range )

➔ Double layered foam mattress

➔ Trekking Stick and gumboots for the trek

➔ Camps (Quechua - Arpenaz 3XL)

➔ Kitchen Tents with proper dining arrangements, so you can eat in peace.

➔ Toilet Tents pitched at the campsite with proper hygiene

➔ Medical facilities like first aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinder

➔ Certificate of completion of Chadar trek

➔ Get a chance to visit an ice hockey match on day 1 (Depending on the matchday/match calendar)

➔ Ice skating on day 2 (Additional charges to be paid for gear)

➔ Visit & climb to Ice Stupa on day 2 (Siang/Sankar gompa village with transportation from the hotel, with crampons and ropes 500-700 meter height)

➔ Ladakhi Meal on last day (Dinner)

➔ Ladakhi Cultural program (4-5 performances with traditional outfits)

 

Liwana Exclusive:

Option to change the tour plan till DAY 3, If you feel that you can’t do Chadar river trek or the govt. bodies declare you unfit for the trek, don’t get disheartened as the first 5 trekkers from the group can opt for an alternate package “Flavour of Ladakh” at no additional cost. (To know more, hit the Send Enquiry button and get in touch with the destination expert)

 

How to Reach Leh:

The easiest way to travel to Leh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) located in Leh. This airport is connected with many international airports in India like Delhi. It also receives flights from Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other common destinations in India.

Day 1 - Fly to Leh | The Journey to the Top of the World

Description:

Altitude 11,400 ft.

• Overnight stay at the deluxe hotel in the beautiful Leh city.
• Keep your woollen cap and gloves handy.
• You will be flying over long stretches of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, which will make it evident why it’s impossible to reach Ladakh on road in the winters. The moment you land in Leh, cold and crisp air will greet you, and you will experience a drastic change in the temperature. Leh has just begun to wake up from its sleep with only a few shops open.
• The chill in the air will serve only as a preview of the temperatures during the Chadar river trek. Be sure to take enough rest to acclimatize to the weather here and remember to drink enough water and keep yourself hydrated
• Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

 

 

Day 2 - Acclimatization Day | Explore the Most Instagrammable Place of India

Description:

• Keeping in mind the health problems that trekkers are facing (Acute Mountain Sickness), as per the new regulations applied by Ladakh Government Authorities, anyone doing the Zanskar river trek should be at least spending two days in Leh to get your body fully acclimatized to the weather conditions here.
• It is irrevocable and it is important that it is strictly followed by every trekker. You can spend the day shopping at the Leh market.
• Also, we are providing an exclusive opportunity to our clients to visit the Glacier in siang/sankar gompa village. And experience the glacier climb with crampons and ropes up to 1000 meters height.
• It is very important that you get used to the cold temperature in Leh because the temperature will only tend to fall as you start walking on the frozen Zanskar river, where the temperatures reach way below zero even in the daytime. It is advisable that you avoid visiting places that are at a higher altitude.
• It is also advised that you check and crosscheck all the essentials before going to bed.
• Overnight stay in Hotel

 

 

Day 3 - Medical Check up | Day of Wild Card Exits

Description:

• As per the Government guidelines in Jammu and Kashmir, the trekkers will need to go through a medical check-up.
• Only after you get cleared by the officer will you be allowed to get a green signal for Chadar the Frozen River Trek. Also, the trekkers will be issued their wildlife permits, insurance, and other important documents.
• Before the morning of the 4th day, if you feel that you want to opt-out, or have been deemed unfit by the government bodies, you can take a physical wild card and opt for a 'Flavor of winter Ladakh' tour, without any extra cost.
• Overnight stay in a hotel

 

 

Day 4 - Leh to Shingra Koma via Chilling and Tilad do and Trek to Gyalpo | Start the Chilling, yet Alluring Journey

Description:

11,480 to 10,500ft

Drive 3-4 hrs, trek 5 hrs/11 km

• On this day, you will be heading to the starting point of the trek, which is Shingra Koma.
• One of the most scenic drives in the entire region of Ladakh, you will get to see many top spots like Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus. a drive of about 90 minutes along the Zanskar River will bring you to Chilling.
• The car will drop you where the road end and this is where you start walking on Zanskar. Walking with your gumboots on will definitely be a challenge in the initial stage. Getting the hang of patterns of ice formation will take some time.
• You will have to judge the fragile surfaces from the strong ones as there are a number of different kinds of surfaces on the Chadar trek, but once you start walking you will know more about it.
• Planting your foot will be important in most cases, you can check for the ice for its steadiness with your walking stick before stepping on it.
• Make sure your backpack is light and small so you can manage and use the weight on your own effectively.
• The trek for the day will take you to the first campsite of the journey, Gyalpo, situated at the river bend, covered by High peaks and amazing rock faces.
• This will be your first experience of camping under sub-zero temperatures.
• Overnight at Gyalpo

 

 

Day 5 - Gyalpo to Tibb Cave | From Frozen Waterfalls to Caves

Description:

10,500ft to 10,800 ft

Trek 12 km/ 5 to 6 hours

• Chadar is not a trek where altitude keeps on the rise at a fast pace. As you trek for 5 to 6 hours, you will only gain an altitude of 300ft from Gyalpo to Tibb Cave. Wake up from a chilling night and enjoy a warm breakfast.
• As you head to the next campsite at Tibb Cave, you will come across some of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls. These waterfalls have a mystery revolving around their origin or source but are nonetheless breathtaking.
• With the Zanskar flowing right beside you with its emerald green waters, you will stop midway to Tibb Cave for Lunch.
• As you move ahead, you will come across various rock patterns which will shine distinctively as the rays of the sun fall on them.
• The campsite for the day will be near Tibb Cave which is surrounded by dry sand.
• Overnight stay in camps

 

 

Day 6 - Tibb Cave to Naerak Camp | Witness the Most Scenic Landmark - The Frozen Waterfall

Description:

10,800 to 11,100 ft

Trek 13 km/ 6 to 7 hours

• The campsite for the day is the most awaited one, as you will be going to Naerak today, after breakfast. The 13 km long trail will bring you the chance of seeing the most scenic landmark of the Chadar river trek, which is the frozen waterfall. This frozen waterfall is a natural masterpiece in itself and attracts trekkers and adventurers from across the globe.
• Hot lunch will be served on your way to Naerak.
• Naerak will be the coldest of all the campsites on the trek where the temperature goes down to as low as -30 degrees during the night. It will be important that you wear proper clothing and in layers to stay safe from the biting cold.
• Reaching the waterfall on time would mean that you will have plenty of time to pay the village of Naerak a visit as well.
• You will be camping at a distance of 15-20 minutes from the frozen waterfall.
• Overnight at Naerak camp.

 

 

Day 7 - Naerak to Tibb Cave | Get Ready for the Best Part of the Trek

Description:

11,100 to 10,800 ft

Trek 13 km/ 5 to 6 hours

• After breakfast today, you will start the return journey and go back to the Tibb cave.
• If you have the notion that going back is the easier part of the journey, the Chadar will force your mind to think again. The Zanskar River reacts to the slightest change of temperature, and constantly keeps repackaging itself. The Chadar would have assumed a completely new form, and will it will almost be impossible to say whether you have been here before.
• On your way back to Tibb cave, you will be seeing a lot of locals negotiating the Chadar wearing the traditional woollen Gonchas, where some of them are monks coming back to Leh from the monastery at Lingshed, while others are young students going back to schools in Leh after their vacations, accompanied by their parents. To see this sight is warming enough. You will be in awe of the way these people have adapted to the temperatures below zero and still smile
• Overnight at camps in Tibb cave.

 

 

Day 8 - Tibb Cave to Shingra Yokma via Gyalpo and Drive back to Leh | Indulge in the Culture and Food of Ladakh

Description:

10,800ft to 10,300 ft and drive to 11,400 ft.

Trek 18 km/ 7 to 8 hours

• Starting from Tibb, go up to Gyalpo, and then trek on to reach Shingra Yokma today.
• The high walls of mountains rising from the sides of the river almost look like castle walls.
• You will be noticing a lot of fresh trails and footprints all along the Chadar river trek, belonging to Foxes, Ibex, or Snow leopards.
• Although you would be lucky to spot a Snow Leopard; but you can almost be sure that you are being watched by one all the time.
• Retracing the steps we took, this will be the last chance to look at the majestic and mesmerizing Chadar, which you will miss for sure. Trekkers along the way, who are about to start their trek will for sure ask you the experience. It will be amazing to play a guide to these people and to talk to someone about the experience while it is still fresh in your head.
• You will reach Leh approximately by 6:30 in the evening. It is recommended that you book your return flight on the 9th day instead of the 8th day.
• Tonight you get to sleep in a warm guest-house.
• Overnight in Leh.

 

 

Day 9 - Departure | Wave Goodbye to the Thrills with Unforgettable Memories

Description:

• Return from Leh
• After breakfast, you will be checking out of the guesthouse and will get a transfer to the airport.
• Continue with your return journey on the flight.
• The Chadar trek package ends here.

• Live the ICE AGE dream as you witness the grand waterfall that is completely frozen over from top to bottom – The Nerak Waterfall.
• Walk on glossy ice sheets, while you admire Ladakh's rust-coloured mountains with peculiar rock faces, and the vast open clear blue sky which will accompany you throughout your trek
• Inclusive of your meals, transport, accommodation and highly experienced trekking experts, guides & camping equipments
• Get a chance to climb the man-made Ice Stupas holding up to 8.3 Million litres of frozen winter water
• Get a unique experience of witnessing Ice-Hockey match which is one of its kind and cheer for your side
• Taste the flavours of traditional Ladakhi cuisine while witnessing the culture of Ladakh through beautiful cultural performances

• Liwana reserves the right to rearrange or change the itinerary for any reasons that are beyond control like Natural calamity, weather conditions, road block, vvip interference, political manifestation etc.
• Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc or any other item not specifically mentioned above as ‘INCLUDED’ is to be considered an exclusion of the deal.
•  Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellation of flights/trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, etc. will not be accommodated in the cost.
•  No bill will be reimbursed against any missed service/facility.
•  Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during trek.
• ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking, and also upon arrival. PAN card will not be considered as a valid address proof.
• Any breakage or damage of any items will be charged at actuals.
• In case the customer misses out on a scheduled pickup/drop due to delay from their end, the charges involved to get a different means of transport may not be refunded.
• All hotels rooms will be standard by default unless the customer specifies to receive a different category of rooms before booking.
• Foreign nationals should obtain the required permit from the immigration authorities soon after landing on the island at Airport/Harbour
• The execution of the  trip is solely the responsibility of the tour operator assigned.
• If in case any traveller wants to or decides to leave the trip in the middle, all the expenses from that point onwards will be borne by the traveller. Neither the operator nor  Liwana will be held responsible for such decisions or for any refund.
• It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes a kind of shoes for the tour. 
• The advisable baggage weight is 60 liters as you might have to carry the luggage to the backup vehicle, the accommodation, etc.
• Rates may fluctuate with any change in services/hotels. The difference in the cost shall be borne by the client in case of any amendment in the package due to an increase in the number of guests, hotel change, etc., before the beginning of the trip.
• GST is applicable to the package cost.
• Carry enough cash as the number of ATMs in high-altitude regions is comparatively less and there are long queues at times.
• Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of mask recommended.
• Trekking during the nights is extremely dangerous and might lead to unwanted circumstances.
• It is the responsibility of every trekker to maintain the serenity of the surroundings. Thus, one should not litter anywhere and spoil the magnificence.
• Try not to interrupt or disturb the locals during the trek or other times.
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, expenses incurred on account of sickness etc.
• If the trek doesn't take place due to any reason beyond the control of the operator, you will be offered an alternate experience to substantiate your trek in Leh.
• A medical certificate is a pre-requisite document for Chadar Frozen River trek and without which you will not be allowed on the trek.
• For safety purposes, Chadar trek activity is not recommended for women who are more than 3 months pregnant, anyone that has had major surgery, or has a broken leg/arm, has chronic back or neck pains, etc.
• Local authority (LAHDC, ALTOA) charge fee for environment and Wildlife for the trek which totals to 8500 INR per head (The fee may be revised) will have to be paid by trekkers before starting the trek in Leh, So keep some cash handy.
• Medical check up may happen either at SNM Hospital or as advised by ALTOA association.

Warm clothes

Caps

Toilet paper & wipes

Back pack (50-60l)

Water bottle

Fleece jackets and thermals

Hiking shoes

Walking shoes

Woollen cap, socks, mittens & scarf

100.0% of total tour cost will have to be paid 7 days prior to date of travel.

• As soon as you pay, you will receive a confirmation email from Liwana.
• The remaining amount needs to be paid before the date of travel.

• If cancellation are made 30 days before the date of travel then 25.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

• If cancellation are made 15 days to 30 days before the date of travel then 50.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

• If cancellation are made 0 days to 15 days before the date of travel then 100.0% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.