The Chadar Trek: The Ultimate Frozen River Expedition

Designed for extreme adventure seekers, this globally renowned winter expedition involves walking across the frozen surface of the Zanskar River. Yasmin Trek & Tours provides premium extreme-weather gear, highly experienced local ice guides, and uncompromising safety standards for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge.

Day 1 & 2: Winter Acclimatization & Medical Clearance Arriving in Leh during the deep winter is an adventure in itself, with temperatures often dropping below -15°C. The first 48 hours are strictly dedicated to high-altitude acclimatization in your heated hotel room. On Day 2, our team will assist you in completing the mandatory government medical check-up to ensure you are physically cleared for the extreme conditions of the Chadar Trek.

Day 3: Stepping Onto the Glass Drive past the magnetic hill and Sangam to reach Shingra Koma, the drop-off point where the motorable road ends. Here, you will take your first thrilling steps onto the “Chadar” (blanket of ice). Guided by our expert Ladakhi porters, you will learn the “penguin walk” required to safely navigate the slippery surface, trekking a short distance to the first campsite at Tsomo Paldar.

Day 4: The Gorges of Tibb Cave The trek intensifies as the Zanskar gorge narrows, blocking out the sun and dropping the temperature further. You will walk past stunning, frozen waterfalls and surreal ice formations reflecting a mesmerizing blue hue. The day concludes at Tibb Cave, where ancient overhangs have sheltered local Changpa traders for centuries. Yasmin Trek & Tours sets up premium, extreme-weather sleeping tents and dining tents to keep you warm.

Day 5: The Frozen Waterfall of Naerak This is the pinnacle of the Chadar expedition. The trek to Naerak is long and challenging, but the reward is unparalleled: a magnificent, 50-foot frozen waterfall cascading down the gorge walls. It is a world-class photographic spectacle. Just beyond the waterfall lies the remote village of Naerak, connected to the outside world only by this frozen river.

Day 6 & 7: The Shifting Return Journey The Chadar is a living, breathing entity; the ice shifts, breaks, and freezes differently every day. The return journey to Tibb Cave and eventually back to Shingra Koma feels like an entirely new trek. Upon reaching the drop-off point on Day 7, our vehicles will be waiting to transport you back to the warmth and comfort of Leh for a well-deserved celebration dinner.