Chadar Trek Ladakh

Chadar Trek Ladakh

"Chadar" refers to the sheet of ice that from over the Zanskar river as it transforms itself from a rapid flowing river into a white blanket of ice during winter. It becomes a frozen spectacle of glass ice ranging from a bluish tinge to golden yellow that is seen during the few hours that sunlight reaches directly into the gorge to the milky whitish on a moonlit night - as said a trek journey like no other.
Chadar connects villages in the Zanskar valley (deep in the mountains) with Chilling (on the road to Leh) along the frozen Zanskar River. This route has been used for centuries for trade and transportation, and is most reliable in February when the ice is most stable.

  • Duration
    9 Nights and 10 Days
  • Category
    Challenging
  • Group Size
    01 Pax (Min)
  • Activity
    Adventure
  • Peak Point
    --
  • Best time
    Mid Jan till end of Feb
Cost includes:
Trekking arrangement:
Horses, horsemen, food, cook, helpers, back up Jeep, dinning tents, kitchen tents, table, stool, sleeping tents, mattresses, Back up jeep etc.
Cost doesnt include:
Sleeping bags,Personal drinks, tips, monasteries insurance if any..

Area 97,000 sq kms out of which nearly 38,000 sq. kms are under Chinese Occupation since 1962.
Population Approx. 2.40 lakh in the 2 districts of Leh & Kargil.
Ethnic Composition Ladakhi including Balti / Purgi, Shina or Dardic, Urdu / Hindi.
Languages Mongoloid / Tibetan, Dardic and assorted Indo-Aryan elements.
Altitude Leh3505m, Kargil 2750m
Temperature Summer Season
Maximum:27 degree centigrade
Minimum : 10 degree centigrade

Winter Season
Maximum5 degree centigrade
Minimum : (-20 degree centigrade)
Rain-Fall 15cm, 6" (annual average)
Clothing Heavy woolens including down-filled wind proof,inner layer and upper garments in winter.

One of the most popular trek in Ladakh, Markha valley . The trek is followed by barren start up at Zinchen which continuous and leads to Mesmerizing landscape filled with mustard fields. It will provide you beautiful landscape, people , wild life and valleys with passes.

 Trip Highlights 
  • 4 Nights at Leh and 4 Nights at Trek
  • Leh Airport pick-up &
  • Additonal nights in Leh & Ladakh sightseeing

 Leh  
  • 02 star : Shanti Home / Galwan Palace
  • 03 Star : Hotel Mahay Palace / Siala House or similar
  • 04 star : Hotel Lakrook Boutique Stay
  • 05 star : Hotel The Grand Dragon Ladakh

 Trip Activities 
  • Trekking
  • Jeep Safari
  • Monastery and Palace Visits

 Trip at a Glance 
  • 4 Nights in Hotel
  • Two Men Tents During Trek

 Along with the above list, please ensure you also carry the following documents: 
  • An identification card (like driving license, voters ID card etc), along with a photocopy.
  • A passport size photo.
  • A medical certificate Format will be sent after confirmation.
  • Disclaimer certificate. Format will be sent after confirmation.
The documents are mandatory. Without them you will not be allowed to trek.
 Short Itinerary 
1 Days
Arrival in Leh (3500 m) - Altitude 11,400 ft. Stay in Guest House
2 Days
Acclimatization Walk in Leh- Altitude 11,400 ft. Stay in Guest House
3 Days
Getting a medical check-up at SNM Hospital- Altitude 11,400 ft. Stay in Guest House
4 Days
Lower Shingra and Somo Paldar - 11,400 to 10,390 ft. - Drive 75 kms | 08 Kms Trek | Stay in tent
5 Days
Trek to Dib Cave/Tibb -10,550 - 10,760 ft. - Trek 15 KMs - Stay in tent
6 Days
Dib Cave/Tibb to Camp at Naerak - 10,760 - 11,150 ft. - Trek 12.5 KMs - Stay in tent
7 Days
Naerak to Tibb/Gaylpo- 11,150 - 10,760 ft. - Trek 14.5 KMs - Stay in tent
8 Days
Tibb to Shingra Koma & Back To Leh- 10,390 to 11,400 ft. - Drive 75 kms | 08.5 Kms Trek | Stay in Guest House
9 Days
Departure from Leh

Itinerary for Chadar Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3500 m)

Leh, which lies at an altitude of more than 3500 metres above sea level, is the second largest district in the country. In winters, as most passes leading to Leh are closed, you will be flown to the Leh airport which has the distinction of being the highest airport in the world.
As soon you land at the airport, you will be greeted by dry and cold air, but what will take all your attention is the lofty, snow-capped mountains all around; a sight that will remain with you forever. After completing the arrival formalities and picking up your bags from the baggage counter, take a taxi and proceed towards the pre-arranged hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 02: Acclimatization Walk in Leh

Get up early in the morning and begin the process of acclimatization at high altitude. Proceed to walk towards Shanti Stupa, a sacred Buddhist stupa, from where you will get an opportunity to witness a beautiful view of the sunrise and a panoramic sight of the town of Leh.
Stay hydrated as you spend your first day of the trek in Leh.

Day 03: Getting a medical check-up at SNM Hospital

Due to the challenging nature of this particular trek, government has made it mandatory for participants to acquire medical certification before they undertake Chadar trek. A clearance certificate upon a medical check-up will be issued by the Sonam Narbu Hospital. One will get a certificate only when adequately fit and acclimatized for the trek.

Day 04: Shingra Koma and Somo Paldar

Enjoy tea and breakfast in the morning and start your journey by driving to Shingra Koma. This ride is not for the faint-hearted as bumpy roads and hairpin bends are quite common on this route. The sight of the surrounding high mountains will give you a sense of awe. After a point, you will have to deboard from the vehicle and trek towards Somo Paldar campsite.
Your Chadar trek expedition starts here.

Day 05: Trek to Dib Cave/Tibb

Today, you will set out to trek to Dib Cave/Tibb. During the day, you will behold the breathtaking beauty of the region including ravines and gorges. You might not see sunshine properly as the steep cliffs in this area obstruct them. Once you reach Dib, you will see a large cave. This is the place where you will halt for the night and rest. Butter tea would be offered and we recommend you to try it. Enjoy overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 06: Dib Cave/Tibb to Camp at Naerak

Today, you will trek the most scenic part of the region and get a chance to witness the largest frozen waterfall and prayer flags. The bridge built next to the site of the waterfall is used in summers to reach Zanskar from Leh. Thereafter, you can proceed towards the village of Naerak to mingle with the locals and understand their way of living. Stay overnight at the village camp comfortably.

Day 07: Naerak to Tibb

On this particular day, start your return trip and proceed towards Tibb. The return trail would not be easy and the river quickly reacts to any change in the temperature. By now the frozen river might have taken an entirely new form. On the way back, admire the beauty of the region, click pictures and meet locals, who can be seen wearing traditional woolen Gonchas (robes). Upon Dib Cave, relax and stay overnight at the campsite.

Day 08: Tibb to Shingra Koma & Back To Leh

In the morning, get ready to leave Tibb and proceed towards Shingra Koma, crossing Gyalpo. The trail today will give you a chance to witness high mountains and pugmarks of wild animals like snow leopards, ibex and foxes. If lucky, you just might spot a leopard; even if you do not, then at least be sure, you would be watched by them.
In the evening, drive back to Leh and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Departure from Leh

Today, the mesmeric journey to one of the finest scenic destinations of India will ultimately come to an end. The entire experience, we are sure, would give you an unmatchable feeling of achievement and satisfaction. In the morning, check-out from the guesthouse and depart from the Leh airport.

Send Enquiry

SHAM TREK


Start Date End Date Cost Duration Status
01-Apr-2014 30-Oct-2014 INR ---- 4 Days Available

Supplementary / Other Charges net:
  • Cultural Program Rs. 9800 per program.
  • River Rafting INR 1800 Per Person (Phey Nimoo (Indus) / tsoks-sti Nimoo (Zangskar) 2 Hrs Approx.
  • River Rafting INR 2400 Per Person Chilling Nimoo (Zangskar River)
  • Professional Tourist Guide Rs. 1800/- Per Day.
  • Two Hump Camel Ride at Nubra Valley at Sand Dunes: INR 500 (30 Mins)
  • 1 Litre Packaged Water Bottle: INR 40 Per Bottle.

What's Included?
  • Accommodation. (Camping) and Leh at Hotel (Day 1,2,3, 8 according to Itinerary)
  • Meals while on trek (Veg.)
  • Trek equipments.
  • First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
  • Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff to help trekkers.
  • Transport from Leh to Road head and return.
  • Transportation from Base Camp Leh to Leh is included in the package as per the itinerary.

What's Not Included?
  • Food / Meal in Leh. Available in Leh Hotel/Guest House @ Rs.250/- Per Meal
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Insurance
  • Local Fees Environmental Fee, Wildlife Fee, ALTOA, LAHDC etc ranges between Rs.300/- to Rs.2500/-* which can vary
  • Porter to carry personal luggage. The same be arranged @ Rs.3750/- Per Day(5 Days) up to 10Kg baggage
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Additional Information:
  • Additional Night at Hotel in Leh @ Rs.1500 Per Person/Night on Twin Sharing Basis without meals.
  • Sightseeing/Taxi can be arranged from our travel desk at the Base Camp Leh on actual as per the rate of Leh Transport & Taxi Union.
  • Oxygen cylinders and first aid will be there during the trek. Rescue and medical team will be available on call in case of any exigencies from Chilling or Naerak DTPT point.
  • Tented accommodation will be provided on twin/triple/Quad sharing basis while on the trek.

Cancellation Policy:
  • All the booking cancelled before 15-December 2018 are eligible for 50% refund.
  • There will not be any refund applicable for new bookings and existing bookings after 15th-December 2018

Suggestive Things for Carry Chadar Trek 2021
  • Carry 2 pair of synthetic track pants. Track pants are light and when things get cold you can wear one over the other.
  • Carry 2 Full sleeve tees with collar.
  • Fleece jacket - sweaters are highly discouraged.
  • A full sleeve thick jacket.
  • Carry 4 pairs of undergarments.
  • Get 2 pairs of thermal inners.
  • Carry 2 pairs of sports socks. 2 pairs of woolen socks.
  • Woolen monkey cap/balaclava that cover the ear.
  • Woolen hand gloves + synthetic glove (water proof). If you dont have synthetic gloves, get two pairs of woolen gloves and a surgical glove.
  • Hot water bottle/Bag - available at any medical store.
  • Sun glasses, branded company with 100% UV protection. Curved ones will cover your eyes well. Sunglasses prevent snow blindness. Sunglasses are mandatory for this trek.
  • Gumboot, if not purchased from Leh.
  • Backpack (55 - 65 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame. Daypack (20 L) is required only if you wish to offload your backpack to our support team. If you don't want to carry your backpack you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and charges would be Rs. 700/- extra per day per bag. Please also do inform us about this at least 15 days in advance.
  • Trekking shoes: Good standard trekking shoes are sufficient for the trek. On Chadar, which is solid ice or a slight cover of snow on slippery ice, trekkers have found to their amazement that a simple gumboot finally is the best for Chadar. Most of the outside agencies in order to impress tell about crampons. In my years of experience in Ladakh and on Chadar too, I can absolutely say that crampons are quite dicey - quite a few trekkers have injured themselves or worse broken their ankle while a crampon get stuck on the fine cracks in the ice. Gumboot is available in Leh hardware shop and can be purchased here itself. If your shoe size is 9-10, getting a pair might be tough..so start searching as soon as you land in Leh. Sports shoes are not allowed. You need traction on snow and sport shoes with their PVC soles are hardly the choice. Ensure the shoes are well broken in before the trek. Trekkers will soon learn and modify their trek to the "penguin walk" style on seeing from the porters and guide! It is a kind of dragging your foot and not lifting much.
  • People who wear spectacles, choose one of these: i. Use contact lenses. ii. Photochromatic glasses. ii. If either of the above is not possible, wear your spectacles and carry a big sunglass that can be worn over your spectacles.
  • A woolen head-scarf or muffler.
  • Trekking pole is mandatory.
  • Light towel (should be thin, quick drying kind).
  • Chapstick or lip balm.
  • Cold cream and sun screen lotion (SPF 40+). While sun screen help prevent sun burns, a better option is to stay covered.
  • 2 Water bottles (1 L each). The insulated water bottles are good but even normal water bottles will suffice.
  • Personal medicine kit containing:Crocin - 6 tablets/Avomine - 4 tablets/Avil 25mg - 4 tablets/Combiflam -5 tablets/Disprin - 10 tablets/Norflox - 10 tablets/Crepe bandage - 3 to 5 meters/Band aid - 10 strips/Digene - 10 tablets/Gauze cloth - 1 small role/Leukoplast - 1 small roll/Cotton - 1 small roll/ORS - 5 packets/Betadine or any antiseptic cream/Volini or Moov or Relispray/Diamox - 10 tablets (to be taken only if required and but not as preventive medicine/Any other medicine that you take.
  • Personal toilet kit (minimal) and toilet paper.
  • LED Torch with extra set of cells (head lamps are much more preferable).
  • Small repair kit consisting of safety pins, needle, thread and string (mandatory).
  • Camera, memory-cards, batteries etc (carry enough spare batteries. Electricity is not available)
  • While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes

The Big NO
  • No denim or jeans – not suited for this trek.
  • Snacks, colas, alcohol and personal food – No need to overburden yourself with food. Do not carry any disposable plastic bottles like (Bisleri, Aquafina), plastic wrapped/packaged items. Do not bring any non bio degradable material.
  • After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in the range of 8-10 kg – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential.
  • Carry light and what is essential. As an example, toothpaste should be bought in small size (that can last you 10 days).
  • Some general advice about clothing: To protect yourself from cold, dressing in layers is the mantra. Two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T-shirt that is thick. 3 T-shirts worn one over the other is as good as a full sweater. This is just a guideline. If you are prone to cold carry extra warm clothing.

Terms   Conditions:
  • Prices valid from 01st April 2014 to 31st October 2014.
  • Prices valid for minimum 02, 04 & 06 pax traveling together in one vehicle.
  • 100% payment to be deposited before the trip starts.
  • Final Confirmation will be provided on full payment.
  • April & October Month, Pangong Lake Journey will be done in one-day excursion.
  • For Cancellation please refer to our Terms and Conditions available at our booking office.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Available dates for Chadar Trek
Plus 5% GST will be applicable on both the variants
2. Booking and Cancellation
All the booking cancelled before 15-December'20189are eligible for 50% refund. There will not be any refund applicable for new bookings and existing bookings after 15th-December'2019.
3.What if someone booked the tour but the trek didn't happen? (Refunds and operations)
In case the Chadar is not formed we will offer the alternate trek for same duration otherwise 50% refund is applicable on the bookings.
4. What if some natural calamities happen in between the treks?
We take utmost care to ensure safety of its members during the trekking expeditions. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, we will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trekking and expeditions.
5. If any kind of permission required entering in some certain areas?
Any other charge that the local authority (LAHDC, ALTOA or any other) may charge development fee during the trek (which may range anywhere between 500- 3000 INR per head). All of these kind of charges are to be paid by trekkers in advance before starting the trek and not included in the package. Currently the Fee is Rs.2,800 for Indians and Rs.3,800 for Foreigners.
6. To and Fro transportation details?
Transportation from Base Camp Leh to Leh is included in the package as per the itinerary. Airport transfers pick up or drop may be arranged at an additional cost of Rs.500/- Per Person
7.Stay during the trip?
Stay will be in Hotels and guest houses while in Leh City. Tented accommodation will be provided on twin/triple sharing basis while on the trek.
8. Food: What and how will it be provided?
Meals will be provided while on trek. Our cooks will be serving the simple vegetarian nutritious veg hot meals for breakfast and dinner during the camping. Pack lunch will be provided during the trek. (Rice pulao, potato, dal, local dishes, hot soups, eggs, breads, poha, sweet, tea, milk, high energy bars, dry fruits, juices etc. is the regular menu) 9. Medication
Oxygen cylinders and first aid will be there during the trek. Rescue and medical team will be available on call in case of any exigencies.
Location Luxury Super Deluxe Deluxe Superior Standard
Leh The Grand Dragon Druk | Ladakh Residency | Grand Himalaya Lotus | Lha Ri Sa Resort | Spic N Span Holiday Ladakh | Hotel Nalanda Ladakh | Ladakh Retreat Silk route Inn | Three Roses | Ladakh Retreat
 Duration : 08 Nights and 09 Days
 Category : Moderate
 Group Size : 01 Pax (Min)
 Peak Point : Hemis Shukpachen - Mebtak La (3750m)
 Best time to Plan : Mid June till end of September
 Activity : Adenture
Places Details
Ladakh ,Hemis Shukpachen - Mebtak La (3750m)

Category Minimum no of Pax Cost per pax in INR With Extra Porter personal porter
02 star Budget 10 Pax Rs. 22312/- Rs. 29812/-
03 star ( STD ) 10 Pax Rs. 24312/- Rs. 31812/-
04 Star ( Deluxe) 10 Pax Rs. 31812/- Rs. 38312/- per person
04 Star ( Deluxe) 10 Pax Rs. 46812/- Rs. 54312/- per person