Frozen River Chadar Trek 2025

Thrilling, intriguing, challenging, unpredictable, the Frozen River Chadar Trek in Ladakh is a surreal winter adventure that tests endurance and rewards with breathtaking beauty. Walking on the frozen Zanskar River at -25°C, surrounded by towering cliffs, is nothing short of mesmerizing. The trail takes you through Tibb Cave, across icy terrains, past unusual campsites, and to the awe-inspiring Nerak Waterfall, frozen in time. Sledges carry essentials as trekkers navigate through this ever-changing sheet of ice. Starting from Leh, this trek in Ladakh isn’t just a journey; it’s an experience of raw nature, resilience, and the thrill of the unknown.

Trekkers begin their journey from Leh (3500 m), where they can acclimatize before driving 65 km to Tilado (3215 m), the actual base of the trek. The beautiful journey to Tilado presents breathtaking scenery of mountain peaks covered in snow along with the frozen Zanskar River. Leaving Tilado, a 4 km trek leads to Shingra Yokma (3300 m), where the first genuine experience of ice walking commences. Constant changes in ice formations along the path makes every step unpredictable. Trekkers must exercise caution when moving through slippery ice sections as the frozen terrain crunches below their feet. During this trek, camps are set up in natural caves and along the riverbank.

Moving from Shingra Yokma, the trek extends 7 km to reach Shingra Koma (3200 m). This challenging trail makes for a worthwhile journey because it passes through narrow gorges alongside impressive towering cliffs. After trekking 6 km from Shingra Koma, trekkers reach Tsomo Paldar (3300 m) which marks the final path before seeing the amazing Nerak Waterfall. The stunning views of the frozen waterfall are truly a reward for completing this difficult trek.

The return journey follows the same route, but the ever-changing ice formations ensure that no two steps are the same. The Chadar Trek is not just a test of endurance but an experience that leaves trekkers in awe of nature’s raw magnificence.

The best time for Chadar Trek in Ladakh is from January to February, when the river transforms into a solid sheet of ice, ensuring safe trekking conditions. During this period, temperatures drop to -25°C to -30°C, creating breathtaking ice formations, including the iconic Nerak Waterfall. The landscape is a winter wonderland, with snow-draped cliffs and a glacier-like frozen river offering an unforgettable experience. Trekking beyond February becomes risky as rising temperatures cause the ice to melt, compromising safety.