Experience the raw, frozen wilderness of Ladakh on the legendary Chadar Trek. Walk the ice-sheeted Zanskar River at elevations up to 11,150 ft, guided by Ladakh's most experienced local expedition team.
The word "Chadar" (Hindi for blanket or sheet) perfectly describes this extraordinary winter phenomenon — the mighty Zanskar River, a raging torrent in summer, transforms into a vast white blanket of ice every January and February. Walking this frozen corridor is one of the most thrilling and humbling experiences in the world of adventure trekking.
The frozen Zanskar River has served for centuries as the only winter connection between the remote villages of Zanskar Valley and the outside world. Locals called it the Chadar and it was their lifeline. Today, trekkers from across India and the globe come to experience this ancient ice highway for themselves.
The ice reveals itself in a spectrum of colours — a bluish tint in the deep gorges, golden-yellow where rare winter sunlight reaches the canyon floor, and a luminous white under the full moon. The scenery, the silence, the challenge — it is a trek journey like no other on Earth.
Leh, Ladakh, India
10 Days
11,150 ft (3,400 m)
Challenging
+8°C to −25°C
January – February
1 : 10–15 Trekkers
Nerak Frozen Waterfall, Tibb Cave, Zanskar Gorge
All batches include certified guides, full camping equipment, meals, permits, and emergency support. Limited seats — book early to secure your slot.
Based in Leh for over a decade, Zanskar Kanishka Expeditions is registered with the J&K Tourism Department and an active member of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA). Over 90% of our support staff are local Ladakhi — people who have walked the Chadar all their lives.
Defined evacuation plans, certified first-aid administrators, basic first-aid kits, and portable oxygen cylinders carried on every trek.
Our guides are born and raised in Ladakh. They read altitude, ice conditions, and weather like no outsider can — keeping your trek safe and authentic.
Certified expedition tents, sub-zero sleeping bags, insulated trek mats, and portable washroom tents — comfort is non-negotiable even on a frozen river.
Our cook team provides wholesome, hot vegetarian meals on trek — calibrated for caloric demands at high altitude in sub-zero temperatures.
Personal accident insurance (₹2,500/person), ALTOA fees, wildlife fees, and all government permits are handled end-to-end by our team.
Fill in the form and our expedition team will get back to you within 24 hours with availability, pricing, and a personalised itinerary.
Changspa Road, Gangba Complex, Leh – 194101, Ladakh, India
January – February (5 Batches Available)
We'll confirm availability and send a detailed quote within 24 hours.
🔒 Your information is secure and will never be shared with third parties.
