Riverside camps
Four-season tents with thick sleeping mats, plus a heated dining tent and toilet tent.
All ridesWinter 2026–27
Chadar: Walking the Frozen Zanskar
Twin-share tents · Permits included · GST extra. Private and tailor-made versions on request.
Overview
A river you can walk on
For a few weeks each winter, the Zanskar river freezes enough to walk on. For generations this chadar — the 'blanket' of ice — was the only winter route between Zanskar and Leh. Today it makes an extraordinary trek through a deep, silent gorge, camping on snowy river beaches and sheltering in caves.
Conditions change daily, so we work with experienced Zanskari guides and porters, keep groups small and follow the rules set by Ladakh's authorities — including acclimatisation days in Leh and a medical check before you're allowed onto the ice.
Day by day
The itinerary
9 days, Leh → Leh. Open a day for the route, travel time, stay and meals.
LehDays 1 – 3
Acclimatisation, checks and gear.
Day 1Arrive in LehRest
Route Leh airport → hotel
Travel 15 min
Stay Leh
Meals Dinner
Altitude 3,500 m
Arrive and rest completely. Winter air is thin and dry — drink plenty of water and keep warm.
Day 2Rest & short walkGentle acclimatisation
Route Leh
Travel —
Stay Leh
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 3,500 m
An easy walk to Shanti Stupa or through the old town, and the medical check required for the trek.
Day 3Permits & briefingGear check
Route Leh
Travel —
Stay Leh
Meals Breakfast & dinner
Altitude 3,500 m
We collect your permits, check every piece of kit and brief you on walking on ice, river crossings and camp routines.
On the iceDays 4 – 8
Walking the chadar.
Day 4Leh to Shingra KomaOnto the river
Route Leh → Chilling → Shingra Koma → camp
Travel 3 hrs drive · 2 hrs walk
Stay Riverside camp
Meals All meals
Altitude 3,200 m
Drive past the Indus–Zanskar confluence to the road head, then take your first steps on the ice to a sheltered camp.
Day 5To TibbInto the gorge
Route Camp → Tibb cave
Travel 6–7 hrs walk
Stay Camp near Tibb cave
Meals All meals
Altitude 3,250 m
A long day through the narrowing gorge, past frozen waterfalls and ice shelves. Camp near the large cave at Tibb.
Day 6To NerakThe frozen waterfall
Route Tibb → Nerak
Travel 6–7 hrs walk
Stay Camp near Nerak
Meals All meals
Altitude 3,400 m
Continue to Nerak, where a great waterfall hangs frozen above the river — the turning point of the trek.
Day 7Back to TibbRetracing the river
Route Nerak → Tibb
Travel 6 hrs walk
Stay Camp near Tibb cave
Meals All meals
Altitude 3,250 m
The ice changes overnight, so the walk back is never quite the same. Your guides choose the safest line.
Day 8Tibb to LehOff the ice
Route Tibb → Shingra Koma (walk) → Leh (drive)
Travel 5 hrs walk · 3 hrs drive
Stay Leh
Meals Breakfast & lunch
Altitude 3,500 m
Walk out to the road head and drive back to Leh for a hot shower and a well-earned dinner.
ReturnDay 9
Home.
Day 9Depart LehMorning flight
Route Hotel → Leh airport
Travel 15 min
Stay —
Meals Breakfast
Altitude 3,500 m
Transfer to the airport for your flight.
Where you'll stay
Stays along the route
Chosen for warmth, cleanliness and character. Exact properties are confirmed when you book.
Cave camp
Tents pitched beside the great Tibb cave, where porters gather around the fire in the evening.
Hotel
Heated rooms for your acclimatisation days and your return.
Dates & prices
Departures and prices
Prices are per person. Private journeys can start on any date in season.
| Departure | Type | Status | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan 2027 | Small group | Few seats left | Enquire |
| 22 Jan 2027 | Small group | Open | Enquire |
| 29 Jan 2027 | Small group | Open | Enquire |
| 5 Feb 2027 | Small group | Open | Enquire |
| 12 Feb 2027 | Small group | Open | Enquire |
| Option | Indian residents | International |
|---|---|---|
| Small group, twin-share tents | ₹42,000 | USD 720 |
Twin-share tents · Permits included · GST extra. Single rooms, upgrades and extra nights on request.
What's included
- 4 nights in Leh and 4 nights camping on the trek
- All meals on the trek; breakfast and dinner in Leh
- Experienced trek leader, local guides, cooks and porters
- Four-season tents, mats and a heated dining tent
- Trek permits and environment fees
- Transfers between Leh and the road head
Not included
- Flights to and from Leh
- Personal gear (sleeping bag, boots, layers)
- Mandatory trek insurance and medical check fees
- Tips for the crew
- GST at 5%
Before you go
Good to know
Practical notes on altitude, kit, permits and connectivity for this journey.
How fit do I need to be?
Fit enough to walk six or seven hours a day on slippery, uneven ice at –15 °C or colder. Previous trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Rules and checks
Ladakh's authorities require acclimatisation days in Leh, a medical check, specific insurance and an environment fee before the trek. Rules are reviewed every season; we keep you up to date.
If the ice isn't safe
The river decides. If the chadar breaks up, guides may route along the banks, shorten the trek or wait. Their decision is final, and we'll always explain the options.
What to wear
Gumboots are the local favourite for walking on ice, worn over warm socks. Add a down jacket, insulated trousers, a sleeping bag rated to –25 °C and plenty of layers.
Journey essentialsLeh → Shingra Koma → Tibb → Nerak · Mid Jan – Feb
Route notes: getting there & permits
Along the way
Photographs from the route
A few of the places you'll pass through.
Before you book
Questions we're often asked
When is the best time for the Chadar?
Usually from mid-January to mid-February, when the ice is most reliable. Exact conditions vary each year.
How cold does it get?
Daytime temperatures are often around –10 °C and nights can drop below –25 °C in the gorge.
Is the Chadar trek allowed every year?
The trek is regulated and authorities can restrict or pause it for safety or environmental reasons. If that happens we'll offer an alternative or a refund as set out in our terms.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. On small-group departures we pair solo travellers of the same gender in twin rooms, or you can pay a supplement for a room of your own.
How do I pay?
A 25% advance confirms your booking and the balance is due 30 days before you travel. We accept bank transfer, UPI and cards.
What if I need to cancel?
Our cancellation terms are set out on the booking terms page — the earlier you let us know, the more we can refund. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and high-altitude evacuation.
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