Overview

Chadar Trek & Zanskar Valley Exploration [Premium] – TrekNomads

Overview: Explore Leh, Zanskar & the Frozen Himalayas

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with TrekNomads on the Chadar Trek & Zanskar Valley Premium Expedition. This journey takes you deep into Ladakh’s remote Zanskar region, across the frozen Zanskar river, and through snow-covered villages and ancient monasteries. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts and high-altitude trekking lovers, this premium package combines cultural immersion, Himalayan landscapes, and adrenaline-filled trekking.

About Leh – Gateway to the Himalayas

Leh, at 3,500 meters, is the capital of Ladakh and a hub for Himalayan treks. Known for its vibrant Tibetan-Buddhist culture, monasteries, and bustling markets, Leh provides the perfect acclimatization stop before venturing into the Zanskar Valley. With expert guidance from TrekNomads, you will experience Leh sightseeing, including Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery, setting the stage for your high-altitude adventure.

Zanskar Valley – Remote Himalayan Wilderness

Zanskar Valley, often called the hidden gem of Ladakh, offers dramatic landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and the unique experience of walking on the frozen Zanskar river (Chadar Trek). The route passes through Padum, Yugar, Shaday, and remote villages, providing a rare glimpse of traditional Zanskari life. Explore iconic monasteries like Phugtal Monastery and Mune Monastery, tucked into cliffs and caves, making this trek both culturally enriching and visually stunning.

What to Expect from this Premium Package

  • High-altitude trekking across the frozen Zanskar River

  • Expert guidance and full support from experienced TrekNomads guides

  • Comfortable homestays and guesthouses in remote villages

  • Cultural immersion through visits to historic monasteries

  • Scenic drives and acclimatisation in Leh to prepare for the trek

  • Adventure photography opportunities across dramatic Himalayan landscapes

This premium Chadar Trek & Zanskar Valley Exploration is ideal for trekkers seeking high-altitude adventure, authentic Himalayan culture, and unforgettable winter landscapes.

8 Nights 9 Days 27 Dec, 03 Jan, 10 Jan, and more Leh
Dates and Rates
Group Departures
date & duration availability price
Itinerary

Short Itinerary:

  • ​Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)
  • Day 02: Leh Acclimatisation, Sightseeing & Preparation Day
  • Day 03: Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery
  • Day 04: Padum to Drang Drung Glacier to Zongkul Monastery
  • Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon via Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery
  • Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal Monastery – Mune Monastery
  • Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village
  • Day 08: Yugar Village to Leh 
  • Day 09: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)

  • Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 min
    Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day resting and acclimatising to the high altitude. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the vibrant Leh market.
    Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 02: Leh Acclimatisation, Sightseeing & Preparation Day

Explore the rich culture and heritage of Leh by visiting Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. In the afternoon, attend a gear check and trek briefing with your guide.
Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 40 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 03: Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery

Drive across the frozen Zanskar Valley, stopping at the breathtaking Nerak Waterfall. Visit Karsha Monastery, the largest in Zanskar, before continuing to Padum.
Altitude: Padum – 3,550 m | Travel Distance: 210 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours | Overnight: Padum (Hotel/Guesthouse)

Day 04: Padum to Drang Drung Glacier and Zongkul Monastery

Drive to one of Ladakh’s largest glaciers, Drang Drung, and marvel at the surrounding peaks. Explore the ancient Zongkul cave monastery, historically associated with Naropa, before returning to Padum.
Altitude: Drang Drung Glacier – 3,900 m | Zongkul Monastery – 3,800 m | Travel Distance: 45 km | Travel Time: 2–3 hours | Trek Distance: 3–4 km | Trek Time: 1–2 hours | Overnight: Padum (Hotel/Guesthouse)

Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon via Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery

Drive through scenic Zanskar Valley, visiting the Shila Waterfalls and Bardan Monastery. Continue to the sacred peak Gonbo Rangjon, then reach Yugar Village for your homestay.
Altitude: Gonbo Rangjon – 4,100 m | Yugar – 3,900 m | Travel Distance: 55 km | Travel Time: 3–4 hours
| Trek Distance: 4–5 km | Trek Time: 2 hours | Overnight: Yugar Village (Homestay)

Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal Monastery – Mune Monastery

Begin the trek to the iconic Phugtal Monastery, a cliffside cave monastery. En route, visit Mune Monastery, then continue to Shaday Village, experiencing the unique remote Himalayan terrain.
Altitude: Phugtal Monastery – 3,800 m | Shaday Village – 3,900 m | Travel Distance: 5 km | Travel Time: 15–20 min
| Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Time: 5–6 hours | Overnight: Shaday Village (Homestay)

Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village

Retrace your steps along the frozen river and scenic trails back to Yugar Village. Enjoy the serene valley views and capture the beauty of Zanskar’s remote landscape.
Altitude: Yugar Village – 3,900 m | Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Overnight: Yugar Village (Homestay)

Day 08: Yugar Village to Leh 

Drive back to Leh along the Zanskar Valley, taking in the dramatic Himalayan scenery one last time.
Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 210 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours | Overnight: Leh (Hotel)

Day 09: Departure from Leh

Transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight, concluding the trek.
Altitude: 3,500 m | Travel Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 min

Risk and Liability 

We will endeavor to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstance and natural disasters such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, any types of sickness including altitude sickness.

Fitness Criteria 

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete a 5K run in under 35 minutes. Once you do register, please share the run details with our Trek Captain. 

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and along with streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

Do’s and Don’ts:

  • We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
  • Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparels as much as possible.
  • A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
  • Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
  • If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
  • Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
  • Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
  • If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
  • Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
  • To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
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Highlights
Highlights of the Trek
  • Trek to India's most sought after trail - Chadar in the Zanskar region
  • 5 days of lifetime experience trekking on a frozen river 
  • 4 Nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast at a premium hotel in Leh
  • 4 nights premium camping experience with all meals during the trek
  • See the confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers
  • Airport pickup and drop 
  • Personalised dri-fit tshirts and goodies
  • End-to-end experience. You don't have to worry about anything once you meet us in Leh :) 
Inclusions
Inclusions & Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off 
  • 03 nights accommodation at a premium 3-star Hotel in Leh with centrally heated room and attached washroom on a double/triple sharing basis with dinner and breakfast 
  • 05 nights of homestay on a double/triple sharing basis during the trek
  • Dinner on Day 1, (BF/Dinner) meals on Day 2 & 3, (BF/Lunch/Dinner) meals from Day 4 to Day 8 and BF on Day 9
  • Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek 
  • Hot drinking water facility during the trekking days
  • Hot water will be provided for hot packs to keep you warm inside your sleeping bag.
  • Transportation as per the itinerary 
  • 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
  • Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
  • The facility of keeping extra luggage at Leh when leaving for the trek
  • All government, local taxes and service charges
  • 15% discount coupon on Gokyo Trek Apparel and Gear
  • 10% discount coupon on Fast&Up products
  • 20% discount coupon on BMore products
  • Personalised Dri-Fit T-shirt 
  • TrekNomads goodies

What is NOT included in the tour

  • The cost to reach Leh and back
  • Medical checkup and insurance fees
  • Personal accident and travel insurance
  • Medical, Emergency Rescue and Evacuation costs, hospitalization charges, etc.
  • Any additional charges by Govt and Forest Dept / LAHDC/ ALTOA / Adventure Insurance Premium / Any other authority
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide, porter, etc
  • Food (Lunch) during your stay at Leh
  • Local sightseeing and monastery entrance fee, camera fee, etc
  • Transportation is not on a disposal basis. It is strictly as per the program, any extra running will be charged extra. 
  • Any other expenses incurred apart from the inclusions
  • All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides and evacuation
  • Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)
  • Expenses incurred for accommodation, travel, food, etc due to the closure of the trek route by government officials, defence personnel and tourism department based on weather conditions, security concerns, etc
  • Deluxe Package does not include meals at Leh, porter for extra luggage and airport pick up and drop
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks
Trek Gradient
Difficult
Treknical Details

Altitude Map:

  • Leh: 11,400 ft (3,500 m)
  • Tsomo Paldar: 10,400 ft (3,200 m)
  • Tibb Cave: 10,800 ft (3,300 m)
  • Nerak: 11,100 ft (3,400 m)
  • Best Months to trek: January, First week of February

Other Details:

  • Trek Gradient: Difficult
  • Trek Distance: 60+ Km
  • Assembling Point: Leh
  • Trek Duration: 25+ hours
  • Average Temperature: -5 to -15 degrees (during the day) and -15 to -25 degrees (during the night)
  • Season: Early January - Early February
  • Nearest Airport: : Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
  • Nearest ATM: Leh Airport and Market
FAQ's

Chadar Trek FAQs

How cold does it get on the Chadar Trek? What is the Chadar trek temperature usually like?

On an extremely cold day, the Chadar trek temperature can drop to -30 deg C. Average daytime temperatures are about -18 to -5 deg C on the Chadar Frozen River Trek. 

 

What are the facilities in a Deluxe Hotel? How different are they from Homestays/Hostels?

Deluxe Hotels usually comes with a cozy warm room with private heater and private wash room. These rooms would be on twin sharing basis only. Do get in touch with us for the Chadar trek cost with Deluxe Hotels inclusive in our Premium Package. 

 

What are the facilities in a Homestay? How different are they from Hostels?

Homestays usually have a few extra room for trekkers on the Chadar Trek in Ladakh. Lingshed, Zangla, and Karsha have excellent homestays with heaters in the living room that warm up the entire room in minutes. Do get in touch with us for the Chadar trek cost with Homestay inclusive in our Standard Package. 

 

What kind of footwear do I need to wear on Chadar frozen river trek?

Most local porters wear gumboots on the Chadar trek to Leh Ladakh, easily available in Leh. This appears to be the most practical and cost-effective option for walking on the frozen Zanskar river. We will guide you on buying or renting these gum boots at Leh.

 

Will I need to wear crampons on the Chadar frozen river trek?

Crampons are not required because walking with crampons all day is exhausting. It's also difficult to walk on the uneven terrain of the frozen Zanskar river with crampons. The crampons will break the ice on the river and may cause injuries.

 

Does drinking water freeze in Chadar? How can we counter that?

To prevent freezing, drinking water should be kept warm. You are usually given hot water in your water bottles in the mornings. Keep this inside your day bag instead of the side pocket to avoid freezing. The best practice is to keep water in insulated water bottles so you can drink it throughout the day.

 

What kind of sleeping bags would work on the Chadar Trek?

You'll need sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Such sleeping bags are only used by mountaineers climbing Himalayan peaks above 6000m or on winter expeditions. We will provide sleeping bags of similar quality that will keep you warm. If you must bring your own, please choose a higher-quality sleeping bag. Do get in touch with us for more information on the sleeping bag brand, model and other details.

 

Are walking sticks essential in the Chadar trek?

Trekking on the frozen Zanskar river is very tricky. A pair of walking poles are essential. Walking Sticks are essential on the Chadar Trek. They help in balancing on ice and prevent a trekker from falling.

 

What kind of cameras would work/not work in that weather?

Any camera would work; it is the batteries which might not work. When the temperatures are low, the batteries discharge faster. Make sure you keep the cameras' batteries warm by putting them in your sleeping bag or inside your jacket so that they do not discharge. You should keep the new set of batteries wrapped in warm clothing like socks so that they don't discharge that easily.

 

Is there any provision for charging mobile phones and cameras?

Carry a power bank and use your mobile sparingly on the Chadar trek to Leh. Put your mobile on aeroplane mode whenever a signal is not available. Check for power banks that are compatible with charging camera batteries. You also need to ensure that your power banks do not get discharged. You can keep them warm by putting them in your sleeping bag or jacket or socks so they do not discharge.

 

What are the common injuries on Chadar Trek?

One of the major injuries on the Chadar trek to Ladakh is almost always the result of slipping and falling on ice. Be extremely cautious when walking on glassy ice surfaces, which are extremely slippery!

 

What are the medical facilities available during trekking?

We carry a first-aid kit available with us. Also, Insurance Co. and Leh Association have a Small Medical Checkup Center – Near Tilat Sumdo Camp Site.

 

Should I take my first-aid kit or general medicines while on the trek?

Yes, you should always carry your first-aid kit with you. Check with your doctor and carry all essential medicines. We will also provide you with a list of what to carry. We will also carry a basic first-aid kit with us.

 

What are the edibles we need to carry along with us?

During the trek, you will be given freshly cooked delicious food which is included in our package. You can carry energy drinks, cookies, chocolates, dry fruits, and nuts with you because they are high in calories and give you energy.

 

Should I train for physical fitness before I go on the Chadar trek? What are the challenges that we may face there?

Yes, being physically fit for any Himalayan Trek is highly recommended. It is advisable to begin some cardiovascular exercises at least a month before coming on the trek. Running, swimming, cycling, and yoga are all good options to start with. You can get in touch with us for a detailed exercise plan and guidance to get fit for a Himalayan Trek.

Here are some tips on how to get fit for a Himalayan trek.

What kind of clothing should I bring during the Chadar trek?

You should carry along proper winter wear, such as thermal clothes, fleece jackets, woolen jackets, and woollen socks, Beanie, scarf, etc. We will be providing you with a detailed list of things to pack along with you.

Will there be an A.T.M. on the Chadar trek route?

The last available A.T.M. will be at Leh city/Leh airport.

What is the Nearest airport for Chadar Trek?

Leh airport is the nearest airport where you have to go for the Chadar trek.

Which is the nearest big city? How to reach from here?

The nearest and only big city is Leh. From Leh, we will take care of transport to and fro to the trekking route and it is included in the trekking cost. You will start your journey towards Shingra Yokma on a bus. After the bus journey and arrival at Shingra Yokma, you start trekking towards the Sumo campsite, which will be your first campsite during the trek.

What types of stays/accommodations will be available on the Chadar trek?

You will be staying either in a homestay or a hotel in Leh based on the package you choose, and premium camping tents/camps during the trek.

Is a proper cellular network available on the Chadar trek route?

After Leh, you may not get a proper cellular network on the trek.

Will there be toilets/restrooms on the trail?

The Ladakh government sets up dry toilets at the campsites. They are made up of metal and fibre and are found to be quite sturdy. They also have secure doors. These toilets will be available at Shingra Koma, Tibb caves, and Nerak. We will also be setting up dry toilets near our campsite. 

What is the total Chadar trek distance?

The total Chadar trek distance is around 60kms.

What is the Chadar trek height?

The highest point of the Chadar trek height is 11,100 ft (3,400 m) at Nerak. At Nerak, you will get to witness the beautiful frozen waterfall chadar trek- the famous Nerak waterfall.

What is the best time for Chadar frozen river trek?

Chadar trek's best time is supposed to be from early January to early February.

What is the Chadar trek price with TrekNomads?

Chadar trek cost with TrekNomads is ₹23,799 per person. To get more details about our Chadar trek package, you can reach out to us at info@treknomads.com.