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Frozen River Chadar Trekking

Frozen River Chadar Trek 2024

Frozen River Trek Ladakh

Walking on Frozen river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience for adventure lover. The traditional name of the trek is "Chadar trek" the frozen sheet, which was only way in and out for Zanskaris in winter when all other ways are closed due to heavy snow fall at high passes. Therefore, it had been trade route for centuries for Zanskari People. Now the route is also famous as winter trekking among adventure lovers. For last several years, we have been organizing this winter trek in three different options with trained local Zanskari potters and our well-experienced guide and staff.

The most isolated and made inaccessible for nearly eight months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in closure of all the access passes, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its some ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity. This Chadar trek allows you to penetrate this isolation and to examine some of the villages along the Zanskar River in the midst of winter and thus catch a glimpse of the lifecycle during this unique time of the year. A visit to the ancient monastic establishments of Karsha and Zangla promises to heighten your insight into the mysteries of this Shangri-la, a land and culture frozen in time behind the ramparts of the Zanskar mountains. Chilling and Lingshed are the only sizeable villages on this trek until Hanamur and Pidmo before Pishu and Zangla in Zanskar, all the rest are names of places and caves along the route.

Area: Zanskar (Ladakh)

Duration: 13 Days

Altitude: 3850 mts/12628 ft 

Grade: Moderate to tough

Season: Mid Jan to Mid Mar

ITINERARY

Frozen River Trek in Ladakh Day 1   Delhi - Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)
Take the morning flight for Leh. Check into the guest house and relax the whole day. This is necessary for getting acclimatised. Overnight at the guesthouse.

Day 2  Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis
On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 3   Leh - Chilling (5 hrs drive)
In the morning drive to chilling along with our porters from Pishu village of Zanskar, visit coppersmith workshops. Dinner and overnight stay at guest house.

Day 4  Chilling - Zaribago
We begin our Chadar trek by walking on the frozen Zanskar river from Chilling to Zaribago. The trek is of about 5 hours. Overnight at Camp.

Day 5   Zaribago - Deepyokma
Walk on the frozen Zanskar river for about 4 hours from Zaribago to Deepyokma. Overnight at Camp.

Day 6  Deepyokma - Nyrakpulu
Walk for almost 4 to 5 hours from Deepyokma to reach Nyarakpulu below the Nyarak village. Over night at Camp.

Day 7   Nyarakpulu - Lingshed
Frozen River (Chadar) Trek Leaving Nyarakpulu it's a one hour walk to the small village of Lingshed. Enjoy the comfort and cozy atmosphere of a private house with central heating.

Day 8  Lingshed (Exploratory Day)
Spend rest of the day in the warmth of a private home in Lingshed. Explore the nearby monasteries, meet the monks and hospitable people of the village. Overnight stay at the private home.

Day 9   Lingshed - Nyarakpulu
Lingshed to Nyarakpulu - a walk of about five hours to the campsite.

Day 10  Nyarakpulu - Tso Mopoaldar
Nyarakpulu to Tso Mopoaldar a four hour walk to the campsite.

Day 11   Tso Mopoaldar - Tilatdo
Frozen River (Chadar) Trek Mopoaldar to Tilatdo - another day of walking about 5 hours.

Day 12  Tilatdo - Chilling - Leh
From Tilatdo walk up to Chilling village from where a Jeep will take you back to the hotel in Leh by evening. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 13   Leh - Delhi
Early in the morning transfer to airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi. Trip and services ends here.

Cost Include:
• Accommodation: In Leh, guest house with bed and breakfast basis. While on trek accommodation will be provided on Dome/Alpine Tent, carry mat, kitchen tent, camping stool etc will be provided.
• Transport: Arrival, departure transfer at Leh by Toyota Qualis/Tata Sumo. Also all sightseeing in Leh. Drop & pick up for trek.
• Meals: Leh: Only breakfast will serve. While on trek all meals will be provided. Meal will freshly prepare and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental & Ladakhi.
• Porters: Experienced porter for carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional local trekking guide & cook who know the area very well would accompany the group
• Trekking & camping permit


Cost does not include
• Air fare
• Enroute Meal
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Entry fee if any
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above

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Frozen River Chadar Trek 2024
  • Duration:12 Night/13Days