Ladakh – Chadar Trek- Frozen River Expedition

Tour Details

overs. The traditional name of the trek is “Chadar Trek” the frozen sheet trek, which was only way in and out for the people of Zanskar in winters when all other ways are closed due to heavy snow fall at high passes.

This is a trek into some of the most isolated yet inhabited regions in the Zanskar mountains, most notably the village of Lingshed. Trekking on ice, the frozen Zanskar River,on an average five to seven hours daily at an easy pace. But a reasonable degree of physical fitness is needed to sustain walking for nine days during winter conditions.

The trek commences from the village of Chiling located not far from the confluence of Indus and the Zanskar River. The trek follows the river gorge through a spectacular landscape, a photographer’s paradise, offering occasional sighting of wildlife. Although pleasant on clear, sunny days, the weather conditions can change abruptly with winds & temperatures falling upto minus 20 to 30 degree Celsius. Chiling and Lingshed are the only sizable villages on this trek, all the rest are names of places and caves along the route.

Key Information

1. Minimum Temperature: minus 35
2. Age Group: above 20 to 50 years
3. Trek Gradient: Simple walk on Ice (frozen River) every day four to seven hour, on any village
4. Except wild animals up to Lingshed. Strictly depend on weather condition.
5. Grading: A reasonable degree of physical fitness is needed for this trek.
6. Special interest: Excellent view for photographers, ideal place for nature lovers and best spot for adventure lovers.

Itinerary

Day 01

Delhi – Leh

Arrive at Leh airport, to be received by our representative & transferred to the hotel. Take a full day rest at the hotel as you need to acclimatize well. Overnight stay at Shanti Home/similar.

Day 02

Sightseeing of Hemis, Thiksey and Shey

After breakfast drive for a full day sightseeing with visits to Shey Palace, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Overnight at Shanti Home/Similar Leh.

Day 03

Full day sightseeing of Lamayuru, Liker and Alchi

After breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing with visits to Lamayuru, Liker and Alchi monasteries. Overnight Hotel in Leh.

Day 04

 Leh – Chiling (3200m), 5 hrs drive (Taxi / Bus)

After breakfast drive towards Nimoo where the confluence of river Zanskar & Indus is, from there take left & drive along the Zanskar River till you reach Sumdado. At Chiling after Lunch visit the White Copper artists famous for their handmade works. Overnight in a home stay.

Day 05

Chilling – Tilatdo – Shingra-gongma, 5 hrs.

After breakfast start walking towards Tilatdo (0.5hr) from where the Trek will start till you reach Shingra-gongma. Stay overnight in the tent.

Day 06

Trek Shingra-gongma – Deepyokma (3300m), 4 hrs

After breakfast start the 4hrs trek to Deepyokma where you’ll see no. of caves, Tsomo Paldar, naturally flowing spring water. Overnight at camp.

Day 07

Deepyokma to Nyrakpulu (3400m), 4-5 hrs

Start the trek to Deepyokma, after 4-5 hrs reach Nyarakpulu. Camp at irrigation field.Another 1hr walk up along with a small stream you will reach a beautiful village called Nyarak. From here Singee-La will be visible, which is a summer trek pass. Overnight at camp.

Day 08

Nyarakpulu – Lingshed (3800m), 6-7 hrs.

Walk on Chadar / Frozen sheet for 1-2hrs & then another 5hrs steep walk up to Lingshed Village. All your tiredness will vanish after spending the night at Lingshed village Home stays where local heating is available. Overnight at Homestay.

Day 09

Lingshed Full day rest

Spend the day exploring Lingshed Village, its Monastery & a school for the monks. Lingshed is connected with other parts of Ladakh only through trek routes therefore in winters hardly any tourists visits this place. Overnight at Homestay.

Day 10

Lingshed – Nyarakpulu, 5 hrs

Walk back through the same steep path for 4-5hrs & then walk on the frozen sheet for another 1-2hrs till you reach Nyarakpulu. Overnight at Camp.

Day 11

Nyarakpulu – Tsomopaldar (3300m) 4hrs

Taking the same route back from Nyarakpulu to Tsomopaldar.Overnight at camp.

Day 12

Trek Tsomopaldar – Tilatdo (3200m) 5hrs.

Trek back from Tsomopaldar to Shingra gongma & then to Tilatdo. Overnight at camp.

Day 13

Tilatdo – Chiling – Leh 5-6 hrs

Walk for half an hour from Tilatdo to Chilling. From Chiling 5hrs drive by Taxi or Bus to Leh. Reach Leh by evening. Stay overnight in hotel.

Day 14

Leh – Delhi

In the morning transfer to the airport from where you’ll board the flight to Delhi.