Traverse the stunning frozen Zanskar River on the iconic Chadar Trek.
Overview & Highlights
Experience one of the world’s most thrilling winter adventures on this 13 days Ladakh Frozen Chadar Trek, designed for high altitude trekking and unforgettable Himalayan landscapes. Explore Leh and trek across the frozen Zanskar River through the remote Zanskar Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and snow covered mountains. Visit ancient monasteries including Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery while experiencing the unique culture and extreme beauty of Ladakh in winter. With guided trekking support and carefully planned acclimatization, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, endurance, and Himalayan wilderness. Book now or customize this tour for an incredible holiday!
Experience snow covered landscapes and ancient Himalayan monasteries.
Experience local life in remote Himalayan villages like Lingshed.
Discover Ladakh’s winter beauty with frozen rivers and rugged mountain scenery.
Itinerary
Catch an early morning flight from New Delhi to Leh and prepare for the winter season in Ladakh, where the cold greets you at 11,500 ft above sea level. Upon arrival at Leh airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Start your day early with a cup of tea or coffee, then head to the Thiksey Monastery, built in 1430 AD. Experience the enchanting Morning Prayers session, where the sound of hundreds of lamas chanting in unison creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a delightful Ladakhi breakfast at a local restaurant. Continue your journey to the Hemis Monastery, re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal, and on the way back to Leh, visit Shey Gompa. Overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for an adventure as you embark on a day trip to Chilling, the starting point of the Chadar Trek—a unique winter trail over the frozen Zanskar River. This trek has long been the only way to travel in the region during the harsh winters. Upon arrival in Chilling, check in at a guesthouse. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Chilling guesthouse.
After breakfast, we begin our Chadar trek, walking on the frozen Zanskar River from Chilling to Zaribago. The trek takes about 5 hours. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp in Zaribago.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then gear up for an adventurous trek on the frozen Zanskar River as we make our way to Deepyokma. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Deepyokma camp.
After breakfast at the guest house, trek for about an hour to reach Lingshed. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Lingshed guest house.
After breakfast at the guest house, embark on a 1-hour walk to Lingshed. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Lingshed guest house.
Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes of the Frozen River Chadar Trek in Lingshed. Visit the ancient Lingshed Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, and discover the village that has been inhabited for nearly 1,000 years. Interact with the locals to learn about their culture, daily activities, and lifestyle. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Lingshed guest house.
Today, trek to Nerak Pulu. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Nerak Pulu guest house.
Trek for approximately 5 hours from Nyarakpulu to the campsite at Tso Mopoaldar. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.
After breakfast, set out on a trek to Tilatdo. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the camp in Tilatdo.
Early in the morning, begin your trek back to Chilling. From there, drive back to your hotel in Leh for dinner and an overnight stay.
It's time to say farewell to the Ladakh Frozen Chadar Trek. Leave on time for Leh airport for onward journey to New Delhi.
Personalize Your Itinerary
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What is Included in This Tour
- 12 nights accommodation at hotels/camps on double or twin sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast & dinner at the hotels/camps.
- An English speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
- Airport pick-up / drop-off, All sightseeing and transfers by private comfortable non-a/c vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- Ladakh Environment Fee, Wild life charges, Red Cross Fee & Inner line permit.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any VISA fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee.
- Any kind of tips, activity, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Heater charges/Oxygen cylinder.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, who is directly payable on the spot)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
Yes. Leh sits at 3,524 metres and travelers arriving by flight experience an immediate altitude change. A full rest day in Leh on arrival is built into every Alkof Holidays Ladakh itinerary before any sightseeing or travel to higher areas begins. Light activity, no alcohol, and adequate hydration during the first 24 significantly reduce the risk. Travelers with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
Foreign nationals require an Permit to visit several areas including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Hanle, and Turtuk. At Alkof Holidays, we provide Ladakh tours with all required permits including Ladakh Environment Fee, Wild life charges, Red Cross Fee, and Inner line permit.
Yes. Alkof Holidays accepts all major international credit and debit cards. In India, cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Carrying some Indian Rupee cash is advisable for local markets, rickshaws, and smaller establishments.
Your dedicated tour manager is reachable by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip. Your private driver and local guide are with you on the ground at each destination for immediate support, backed by our Delhi team for quick assistance.
Yes. All airport transfers are included at every destination on this tour. A driver will meet you at the arrival gate and transfer you directly to your hotel. Departure pickups follow the same arrangement.
Know Before Your Go
Important Information
- If rooms are unavailable at the mentioned hotels—or if accommodations are closed during the off-season (October to April)—suitable alternatives of a similar category will be arranged, with advance notice where possible. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- To minimize the risk of high-altitude sickness, Diamox tablets can be taken before arrival in Leh—please consult your doctor beforehand. It's also advisable to wear a jacket upon landing to reduce discomfort.
- Only postpaid SIM cards from BSNL, Airtel, and Jio work in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Prepaid SIM cards from other parts of India do not function in this region. You may purchase a local SIM card in Srinagar or Ladakh.
- Electricity in regions such as Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Jispa, Keylong, and Tsomoriri is limited to generator power, typically available between 7 PM and 11 PM for charging devices like mobile phones, cameras, and power banks. Hot water may also be accessible only during specific time slots in the morning and evening due to infrastructure limitations in Ladakh.
- From October to April, many camps and guest houses in Ladakh remain closed due to weather conditions. In such cases, suitable alternatives will be arranged.
- Vegetarian meals are exclusively provided at Nubra, Pangong, Sarchu, Jispa, Keylong, and Tsomoriri.
- Transport services are provided strictly as per the itinerary and are not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis. Air conditioning is generally unnecessary due to low temperatures in hill regions. If requested, additional charges apply—₹7 per km for SUVs and ₹10 per km for Tempo Travelers, payable directly to the driver.
- Eco-Friendly Travel: To support sustainability, bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Travelers with passports issued by, or showing a birthplace in, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, or Afghanistan are not permitted to travel beyond Leh in Ladakh. Foreign nationals holding diplomatic, official, or United Nations passports must obtain their permits through the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, or credit/debit card.
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, a 10% cancellation fee will apply to the total cost of the tour, plus any fees incurred for the cancellation of flights. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
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Why book this tour with Alkof Holidays?
We create thoughtfully planned journeys with carefully selected hotels, trusted transport partners, experienced guides, and dedicated support so you can travel with confidence from arrival to departure.