The Chadar Trek, also known as the Zanskar Trek, is one of the most challenging and adventurous treks in India, taking you over the icebound Zanskar River in Ladakh. The ideal time for this trek is during the winter months of January and February, when the river is fully frozen.

This trek is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique experience, allowing trekkers to walk on a frozen river at an altitude of approximately 11,000 feet. Temperatures can plunge to between -20 and -30 degrees Celsius, with occasional dips reaching -30 to -35 degrees. There’s truly no other trek like it in the Indian Himalayas, offering an unforgettable adventure amidst stunning winter landscapes.

Chadar Trek Best Time for Trekking

Usually, mid-January to mid-February is when most groups carry out trekking in the Chadar Trek. There are plentiful reasons for a trekker to set out on this adventure. The trek is certainly all about relishing exhilaration in its natural form.   

Chadar Trek is profoundly appreciated trek worldwide and obviously one of the best and popular treks in Himalaya. Chadar Trek comes under the category of tough grade due to the freezing temperature and high altitude, every year groupsof trekkers show up in Leh to set out on this marvellous journey. The fantastic feeling of walking on a sheet of Ice, with river Zanskar flowing just some inches beneath, is an experience of lifetime. This great trekking region in Ladakh is really amazing among all the Himalayan trekking trails. Starting from Tilat Do and finishing at Nyrek, this trek offers you the experience of how the locals walk on the frozen river to maintain their affinity during stern winter season. The life at Chadar is not easy but apparently munificent and splendid.

During the winter season, the Zanskar River freezes and appears like a sheet of ice, that’s the reason why it is called “Chadar”- which means blanket. The sheet of ice appears like a blanket. This trek is considered as one of the most thrilling and unparalleledtreks a very special and an extraordinary trek on glistening ice on the bank of Tsarap River. A narrow dale filled with amazing views of ice-peaks and surprising dangling icicles that will attract your gaze for some time. Chadar is a wonderful place; nothing would be more fascinating than to be in the lap of Himalayas.The Chadar trek is a unique opportunity to walk up a frozen river in the middle of a stunning, remote landscape.It is one of the most beautiful and unique gift of God on earth. Walking on ice is unlike any other trekking experience you are likely to have had before.

People have this pre-conceived idea that Chadar Trek is all about walking on Frozen Ice. And going with that conclusion it should be a cakewalk. Chadar is not a level walk over a frozen river. Confiding upon the Chadar composing, climbing and plummeting the snow covered gorges is usual. At times the solidity of ice is weak. Walking over drifting water on ice is a usualsight.

Walking on Slippery Ice which has no snow is tricky for beginners. Trekkers are seen taking a plunge. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a cold, but hugely enjoyable trek. It is always preferable to do Chadar trek with proper preparation and professionals who organize the trek professionally. If you are really looking to pay your limits and get mesmerized at the same time ‘Chadar trek’ is for you. The overall experience leaves you with bunch of stories to come back with.

• Also Read: Things to Know Before Chadar Trek