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The Ultimate Winter Adventure in Ladakh

Frozen Zanskar River Trek – 8 Nights / 9 Days

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Trip Snapshot

• Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
• Destination: Zanskar River, Ladakh, India
• Maximum Altitude: 11,150 ft (Nerak Waterfall)
• Trek Grade: Challenging
• Best Time to Go: Mid-January to Mid-February
• Group Size: Small groups (max 12) for a more personal experience

The Experience

Embark on one of the most iconic winter treks in the world—a surreal expedition over the frozen Zanskar River, known locally as the Chadar, or “sheet of ice.”

For centuries, this icy corridor has served as the only route connecting remote Zanskari villages to Leh during the winter months. Today, it remains a testament to resilience, tradition, and natural wonder.

This is not just a trek—it’s an immersion into Ladakh’s winter soul, where crystal-clear ice, frozen waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and ancient caves form your trail.

The landscape of the Chadar Trek is both stark and spectacular—a frozen river slicing through a labyrinth of towering canyon walls. Expect frozen waterfalls, thick blue ice floes, snow-blanketed ledges, and golden light filtering through rock faces.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,400 ft)
• Warm welcome at Leh Airport and transfer to your centrally heated hotel.
• Rest and acclimatization to high altitude.
• Evening briefing by trek leader.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Acclimatization & Medical Check-up
• Mandatory medical check-up at SNM Hospital.
• Optional Leh Market visit for last-minute gear.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: First Steps on the Ice (Leh – Shingra Koma – Tsomo Paldar)
• 3–4 hr drive to Shingra Koma.
• Begin trekking on the frozen river.
• Short 2–3 hr trek to Tsomo Paldar.
• Overnight: Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Into the Zanskar Gorge (Tsomo Paldar – Tibb Cave ~10,760 ft)
• Trek ~15 km (6–7 hrs) through narrow gorges.
• Marvel at frozen waterfalls and ice patterns.
• Overnight: Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Crown Jewel – Nerak Waterfall
• Trek ~12 km (6 hrs) to Nerak.
• Witness the famed frozen Nerak waterfall.
• Camp near Nerak Bridge.
• Overnight: Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Retracing the Ice (Nerak – Tibb Cave)
• Return trek (~12 km).
• Ice formations shift daily.
• Overnight: Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Final Walk on the Chadar (Tibb – Shingra Koma – Drive to Leh)
• Trek ~15 km.
• Drive back to Leh.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Buffer / Contingency Day
• Reserved in case of weather delays.
• If unused, explore Leh’s monasteries & bazaars.
• Overnight: Hotel in Leh | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Departure from Leh
• Transfer to airport.
• Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

• 3 nights in centrally heated hotel in Leh
• 5 nights alpine camping (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
• All meals (Dinner Day 1 – Breakfast Day 9)
• Professional Trek Leader & Local Guides
• All transfers in SUVs/Boleros
• Oxygen cylinders & first-aid kit
• All permits & camping equipment

Exclusions

• Flights to/from Leh
• UT Ladakh Environmental Fee (₹1,500–₹2,000)
• Travel & Adventure Insurance (mandatory)
• Personal trekking gear (boots, jackets, crampons, etc.)
• Snacks, bottled water, tips, laundry, calls
• Extra costs from weather/natural events

Essential Preparation

• Fitness: Cardio & strength training recommended 4–6 weeks before
• Temperature Readiness: Night temps drop to -25°C to -35°C
• Documents: Medical Fitness Certificate from SNM Hospital required
• Gear Checklist: Will be shared after registration

Winter Wonder Chadar Expedition

Remote Himalayan Wilderness – 8 Nights / 9 Days

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Overview

Experience the untouched grandeur of the Zanskar Valley, a remote Himalayan wonderland in Ladakh. Famous for its dramatic frozen landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and the legendary Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar River, this expedition offers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty and cultural richness of one of the most isolated regions in the world.

Travel through ancient monasteries, remote villages, and sacred sites such as Phugtal, Mune, Bardan, and Zongkul, while immersing yourself in authentic Zanskari life—a blend of spirituality, resilience, and timeless Himalayan tradition.

Short Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)
• Day 02: Leh Acclimatization, Sightseeing & Preparation
• Day 03: Drive from Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery
• Day 04: Excursion to Drang Drung Glacier & Zongkul Monastery
• Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon, Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery
• Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal & Mune Monasteries
• Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village
• Day 08: Drive from Yugar to Leh
• Day 09: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Leh Airport, transfer to hotel, rest & acclimatize. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 02: Sightseeing Shey Palace, Thiksey & Hemis Monasteries. Gear check & trek briefing. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 03: Drive Leh → Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery. Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse in Padum.

Day 04: Visit Drang Drung Glacier & Zongkul Monastery. Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse in Padum.

Day 05: Padum → Yugar via Shila Waterfalls, Bardan Monastery & Gonbo Rangjon. Overnight: Homestay in Yugar Village.

Day 06: Trek to Shaday via Phugtal & Mune Monasteries. Overnight: Homestay in Shaday Village.

Day 07: Return trek Shaday → Yugar. Overnight: Homestay in Yugar Village.

Day 08: Drive Yugar → Leh with scenic stops. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 09: Transfer to Leh Airport for departure.

Inclusions

• 3 nights in 3 Star hotel in Leh (twin-sharing)
• 4 nights in traditional Ladakhi homestays
• Meals: Dinner Day 1 to Breakfast Day 8 (vegetarian)
• Private SUV/Bolero for all transfers and sightseeing
• Experienced local guide, driver, and wildlife spotter
• Permits & entry fees
• Binoculars, oxygen bottle, and first aid kits

Exclusions

• Airfare to/from Leh
• Personal travel insurance
• Monastery & monument entry fees
• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, snacks, calls)
• Personal winter clothing & trekking gear
• Extra costs from weather disruptions or illness

Essential Preparation & Weather

• Acclimatization: 1–2 days at ~3,500 m recommended
• Day Temperature: -5°C to 5°C | Night: -15°C to -25°C
• Packing: Down jacket, thermals, waterproof outerwear, woollen hat, gloves, insulated boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, water bottle

Responsible Tourism

• Ethical wildlife viewing (no baiting/chasing)
• Support community-based tourism & sustainable livelihoods
• Minimal environmental impact & waste management

Winter Wonder Chadar Expedition

Remote Himalayan Wilderness – 8 Nights / 9 Days

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Overview

Experience the untouched grandeur of the Zanskar Valley, a remote Himalayan wonderland in Ladakh. Famous for its dramatic frozen landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and the legendary Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar River, this expedition offers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty and cultural richness of one of the most isolated regions in the world.

Travel through ancient monasteries, remote villages, and sacred sites such as Phugtal, Mune, Bardan, and Zongkul, while immersing yourself in authentic Zanskari life—a blend of spirituality, resilience, and timeless Himalayan tradition.

Short Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m)
• Day 02: Leh Acclimatization, Sightseeing & Preparation
• Day 03: Drive from Leh to Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery
• Day 04: Excursion to Drang Drung Glacier & Zongkul Monastery
• Day 05: Padum to Yugar Village via Gonbo Rangjon, Shila Waterfalls & Bardan Monastery
• Day 06: Yugar to Shaday Village via Phugtal & Mune Monasteries
• Day 07: Shaday to Yugar Village
• Day 08: Drive from Yugar to Leh
• Day 09: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Leh Airport, transfer to hotel, rest & acclimatize. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 02: Sightseeing Shey Palace, Thiksey & Hemis Monasteries. Gear check & trek briefing. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 03: Drive Leh → Padum via Nerak Waterfall & Karsha Monastery. Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse in Padum.

Day 04: Visit Drang Drung Glacier & Zongkul Monastery. Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse in Padum.

Day 05: Padum → Yugar via Shila Waterfalls, Bardan Monastery & Gonbo Rangjon. Overnight: Homestay in Yugar Village.

Day 06: Trek to Shaday via Phugtal & Mune Monasteries. Overnight: Homestay in Shaday Village.

Day 07: Return trek Shaday → Yugar. Overnight: Homestay in Yugar Village.

Day 08: Drive Yugar → Leh with scenic stops. Overnight: Hotel in Leh.

Day 09: Transfer to Leh Airport for departure.

Inclusions

• 3 nights in 3 Star hotel in Leh (twin-sharing)
• 4 nights in traditional Ladakhi homestays
• Meals: Dinner Day 1 to Breakfast Day 8 (vegetarian)
• Private SUV/Bolero for all transfers and sightseeing
• Experienced local guide, driver, and wildlife spotter
• Permits & entry fees
• Binoculars, oxygen bottle, and first aid kits

Exclusions

• Airfare to/from Leh
• Personal travel insurance
• Monastery & monument entry fees
• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, snacks, calls)
• Personal winter clothing & trekking gear
• Extra costs from weather disruptions or illness

Essential Preparation & Weather

• Acclimatization: 1–2 days at ~3,500 m recommended
• Day Temperature: -5°C to 5°C | Night: -15°C to -25°C
• Packing: Down jacket, thermals, waterproof outerwear, woollen hat, gloves, insulated boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, headlamp, water bottle

Responsible Tourism

• Ethical wildlife viewing (no baiting/chasing)
• Support community-based tourism & sustainable livelihoods
• Minimal environmental impact & waste management