The Chadar Trek, Ladakh

 

The Chadar Trek or the Frozen River Expedition is one of the most unique and challenging treks in India. The 6-day Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh takes place in the second half of January to the end of February or sometimes even in the first week of March, depending on the weather.

The locals, or Zanskaris as they are popularly known, usually take a road from the Zanskar to Nerak and beyond to work, which in summer usually consists of trading goods. In winter, the road is blocked and dangerous to travel, so locals walk along the Zanskar River, which is frozen over at that time. The thick ice cover formed by the Zanskar River resembles a white blanket called "chadar" in the local language. Hence, the trek along the frozen Zanskar River is also known as the Chadar trek.Although the trek seems to be challenging, it is not the most difficult as it is basically a flat trek along the Chadar with only a few metres of elevation gain. If you can walk for a few hours without much effort, you are well equipped.

Other destinations to travel at Ladakh & Near Ladakh