Chadar trek in Zanskar

Arrive to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (KBR) at Leh in the morning. Get assistance for transfer to the hotel in Ladakh's capital city. Check-in to your room and take a rest. The day is free of plans to let your body acclimatize to the high altitude of Leh. In the evening, explore Leh bazaar, a short walk away. However, in case of unfavorable weather or health condition, you are advised to stay in the hotel. Dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Chadar Trek is kept free on any schedules. It is important to take rest and acclimatize before embarking on this adventure expedition. As the weather will be extremely cold because it's the peak of winters, therefore your body needs as much rest as possible. While rest is very important you can prepare for the trek with some light walking. Take stock of your trekking equipment, tools and accessories and if anything is missing you can acquire it in Leh. Explore the Leh town on foot, you will be getting the exercise and also get to explore some interesting nooks and corners of the Ladakh's capital city. Return to the hotel before sunset as the temperatures can get extremely low. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, Later, board the minibus to reach Tilat Sumdo. The road trip is full of beautiful views of Ladakh. Enroute you can spot the sangam of Indus and Zanskar Rivers and also the frozen Zanskar river valley till Tilat.

At Tilat, deboard the bus and start with the first day of the Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar River. Walk till Bakula Bako, a walk of 3-4 hours accompanied by porters and guide. As it is the first day of walking on ice, be careful. The ice sheets are slippery and you will be at risk of injury which is you need to be ecstatic at all times. Dinner and an overnight stay at the tented camp in Bakula Bago.

Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast. Later, proceed to trek till Dib Yokma. This part of the trail requires caution on the part of the trekkers. At several places, you will be greeted with the flowing river devoid of ice and at another place quick melting ice and some steep rocks. Proceed with caution and heed the words of your guide and enjoy the picturesque scenery enveloping you. Stop for lunch at an open rocky area without any ice cover. After a walk of 4-5 hours arrive to Dib Yokma. Stay the night at a tented camp.

Wake up to the breathtaking view of the frozen Zanskar River reflecting the golden sunshine. After breakfast, proceed to trek along the Zanskar river belt till halt at Neyrak Pullu. The landscape you are witnessing today is fascinating. The river valley narrows to a limit that is resembles a deep gorge. The ice sheet of the river is dominated by enormous mountains on both sides of the river trail. A gigantic frozen waterfall will greet you, along with other incredible sights. When the sights enchant you, the thrill of walking on an icy sheet keeps you excited and cautious.

Overnight stay at the Neyrak Pullu.

Day 6 of Chadar trek continues to walk on the frozen Zanskar River but ends with the pleasure of a warm bed under a roof. After your breakfast, proceed with your trek. It will almost 4-5hrs to arrive at the Lingshed village. The beautiful village is one of the remote locations in Ladakh. Inaccessible for almost 6 months of the year, it is a self-sufficient haven. The highlight of the town is the Lingshed Monastery, a solar school along with a hostel built by an Austrian who stayed back in this paradise. Take a break from tented camps and sleeping under the stars and enjoy staying at a family house. Experience the unique local lifestyle of the simple Ladakhi village. Overnight stay in a local home.

Day7 is the end of the first leg of the Chadar Trek. You will now begin your journey back home. In the morning after breakfast, trek back to Neyrak Pullu. Enjoy the amazing sight of the frozen river and its surroundings, till you get to your campsite in 4-5hrs. Navigate narrow passes, constricted valleys and other challenges. Natural beauty and adventure is found in abundance here.

Overnight stay at the Neyrak Pullu campsite.

Day 8, trek back to Deb Yokma. Have a hearty breakfast at the camp, after which retrace your footsteps. In about 4-5 hrs of enjoying picturesque the natural beauty you will arrive. Even though you have already been here, the landscape still fascinates you. The hillocks, frozen river, and the thrill are enhanced and no way lessened. You would still be in awe of the breathtaking landscape. This return trek will be accompanied by many locals heading towards their own villages. Interact with them and add to the cherished memories.

This is followed by an overnight stay at Dib Yokma.

Day 9 of Chadar Trek continues with following your steps back to Leh. Leave for Padar Tsomo, after a delightful breakfast at the campsite. Though the amazing sights have been covered already, but the beauty and charm is no way lessened. Enjoy the icy surroundings in greater detail. Ice-laden hillocks, frozen waterfalls and other beauties of winters greet you. Pass through narrow gorges and other challenges of the unique landscape. You might also come across curious sights like blue sheep known as "bharals" Overnight stay in camps at Padar Tsomo.

After breakfast, begin the last leg of your trek. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings, the ice covered landscape is one of the surreal beauties you have ever experienced. Take in as much as you can, this incredible landscape is sure to gift you memories of a lifetime. Click pics with the companions of the trek and also the incredibly beautiful surroundings. Arrive to Shingra Yokma by foot after which you will drive to Leh. Even the road trip to Leh is full of beautiful sights. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today is the last day of your Ladakh expedition. After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, morning and get transferred to the Leh KBR airport. Board your flight for your onward journey with memories of the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River.