Chadar Trek

Know the trail before you step on it - difficulty, permits, weather, guide need and route clarity in one place.

Difficult Winter
Explore Summit & Peak

Trek safety, weather & access status

Travel with caution Off-season - likely closed Jan–Feb

Advisory

Permit + medical mandatory. The Chadar (frozen Zanskar) trek requires registration with the Leh administration, a medical-fitness certificate, acclimatisation days in Leh, and a registered guide - solo trekking is not allowed. Ice conditions change daily; only attempt within the official Jan–Feb window.

Live weather

-5°C Overcast
  • Feels -9°C
  • 0 km/h wind
  • 75% humidity

Mountain weather changes quickly. Treat this as a planning signal, not a final safety clearance - confirm locally before you set out.

Emergency & official

112 National emergency 1363 Tourist helpline
Difficulty Difficult
Max altitude 3,390 m
Distance 62 km
Duration 8–9 days
Best time mid-January to February
Fitness High - extreme cold; for the prepared
Start point Chilling
End point Nerak & back
No permit needed

DIY Trek Readiness: can you go self-planned?

Beginners Some experience helps
Guide Recommended
Permit Not needed
Fitness High - extreme cold; for the prepared
Trail clarity Moderate
Network on trail None
Max altitude 3,390 m
Best season mid-Jan to Feb
Languages Ladakhi, Hindi, English
How is this score calculated?

This is a DIY-readiness gauge - how do-able it is to plan and travel yourself. Destinations show it as a 0-5 DIY Score; treks & routes as a 0-10 Score (a wider scale for the extra variables they carry). Both are built from these factors:

  • SafetyLocal safety, terrain and current advisory conditions along the route.
  • Transport accessHow easily you can reach the place and move around without your own vehicle.
  • NetworkMobile signal and data coverage you can expect on the way.
  • Season reliabilityHow dependable the weather and season window is for travel.
  • Budget clarityHow predictable day-to-day costs are, with few surprises.
  • Trail / route clarityHow well-marked and easy to follow the route or trail is.
  • Stay availabilityThe choice and reliability of places to stay along the way.
  • First-timer friendlinessHow forgiving it is for a first-time independent traveller.
  • Solo / women comfortHow comfortable and safe it is for solo and women travellers.
  • Local supportAvailability of guides, hosts and on-the-ground help if you need it.
Read the full method →

Readiness verdict

  • Best forExperienced, fit trekkers comfortable at altitude
  • Not ideal forFirst-time trekkers going without any support
  • Go DIY only ifYou can manage long walking days, low or no network, basic navigation and changing mountain weather.
Guide: Recommended Permit: Not needed Network: None on trail
Plan it yourself

The DIY deep-dive

Chadar Trek is at its best in mid-January to February. It covers about 62 km, runs over 8–9 days, tops out near 3,390 m.

DIY route options

The classic route Start from Chilling and follow the standard 7-day line - the most reliable, well-trodden way to do it.
Time it by season Plan around mid-January to February for the best weather, views and open access.

What most travellers miss

  • Download offline maps and share your plan first - the mobile network here is patchy to none.
  • Do not rush past Shingra Koma - most people treat it as a quick stop, but it is worth a slower evening.
  • Time it for mid-January to February. Outside that window, snow, weather or road closures can cut access.
  • Use the acclimatisation day in full - fast itineraries are what catch people out at altitude here.

Where to base yourself

Leh Trailhead base - last shops, network and gear before you set off.
Shingra Koma A key stop on the route - where the trek halts for the night.
Tibb A key stop on the route - where the trek halts for the night.

DIY is the main way - this is the upgrade

Need expert help planning this trek?

Prefer not to manage permits, guide coordination, stays and route pacing yourself? We can help you turn this trek into a private, supported experience for your dates, group size and comfort level.

  • Permit and guide coordination
  • Private group support
  • Route pacing and halt planning
  • Stay, meals and local logistics
Enquire for pricing Enquire on WhatsApp

About this trek

The Chadar Trek is one of the most extreme and surreal treks on earth – a walk along the frozen surface (the “chadar”, or sheet) of the Zanskar river through a deep gorge, at temperatures that plunge well below −20°C. For centuries it was the only winter link for the people of Zanskar.

Trekkers camp in caves along the river, the ice constantly shifting and cracking underfoot. It runs only in the deep winter of January and February and demands serious cold-weather preparation.

Essential packing list

  • Trekking shoes with grip
  • Warm base layer + fleece
  • Down jacket / warm jacket
  • Rain shell / poncho
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Water bottle / hydration bladder
  • Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen
  • Personal medicines
  • Power bank
  • Offline maps
  • Cash and ID copies
  • Permit documents, if applicable

Map

Nearby route landmarks & places to know

Tap “Get directions” to open any spot straight in Google Maps.

Sumda Chemno Gonpa

Sumda Chemno Gonpa, new path, Sumda Chenmo -, Ladakh, India

Get directions

Nyerak Waterfall

Nyerak Waterfall, Neraks Yulchung Path, Yulchung -, Ladakh, India

Get directions

Stay & food planning around the trailhead

Base and stock up at the trailhead before you start; on the trail expect basic halts and simple meals - tea stops and packed snacks, with no cafe-style reliability once you set off.

Nothing sits right at Chadar Trek - the closest of these is about 14.3 km away. Distances are straight-line, so road time is longer in the hills.

Stay

Cha-Tsering Homestay

Cha-Tsering Homestay, Chilling, Leh district, India

14.3 km away Open in Maps

Frequently asked questions about Chadar Trek

What is the best time to do the Chadar Trek?

The best time for the Chadar Trek is mid-January to February.

How difficult is the Chadar Trek?

The Chadar Trek tops out near 3,390 m.

How long is the Chadar Trek?

It covers about 62 km and takes around 8–9 days.

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