A niche, advanced winter expedition: the famous Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar river, or as an alternative, a Snow Leopard tracking trip in Hemis…
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A niche, advanced winter expedition: the famous Chadar Trek across the frozen Zanskar river, or as an alternative, a Snow Leopard tracking trip in Hemis National Park. Run over eight nights and offered only in January-February, it begins with three crucial acclimatisation nights in Leh before starting near Chilling and walking four nights of camps over the river ice, past frozen sections like the Nyerak waterfall, with stays in basic camps or Zanskari homestays. Trek permits, an expedition leader and Leh accommodation are included. Conditions are extreme, with sub-zero temperatures and ever-shifting ice, so this suits experienced, fit adventurers only and demands serious cold-weather gear. The Snow Leopard variant swaps river ice for patient high-altitude wildlife tracking around Hemis, equally cold and rewarding. starting at INR 25,000 per person. Covers Leh 3N, Chilling start, Chadar trek camps 4N, Leh 1N.
Fly into a wintry Leh and transfer to your accommodation. Rest fully to begin acclimatising to both the altitude and the deep cold, essential before any trekking. Keep activity minimal and hydrate well. Overnight in Leh.
A second acclimatisation day in Leh, with gentle local movement and gear checks for the sub-zero expedition. Your expedition leader briefs the group on safety, layering and the days ahead. Overnight in Leh.
A final day of acclimatisation and preparation in Leh, ensuring everyone is medically cleared and properly equipped for the frozen-river trek or snow leopard expedition. Rest well. Overnight in Leh.
Drive to the Chadar trailhead near Chilling/Tilad and begin walking on the frozen Zanskar river. A surreal, careful first day on the shifting ice between towering gorge walls. Overnight at a riverside camp. Overnight in camp.
Continue trekking along the frozen river, navigating sections of solid and thin ice with the guidance of your leader and local porters. Pass dramatic frozen formations and gorge scenery in deep cold. Overnight in camp.
Trek further up the frozen Zanskar toward the Nyerak area, famous for its frozen waterfall, a highlight of the route. Camp or stay in a basic Zanskari homestay, experiencing local winter life. Overnight in camp/homestay.
Begin retracing the frozen river back toward the trailhead, as ice conditions and weather dictate the day's progress. A final immersive day on the Chadar. Overnight in camp.
Complete the trek out from the frozen river and drive back to Leh. Warm up, rest and reflect on the extreme expedition over a comfortable night indoors. Overnight in Leh.
After breakfast, transfer to Leh airport for your onward departure, concluding the winter Chadar/Snow Leopard expedition.
Daytime -5 to -10C, nights drop to -20 to -30C. Specialised gear required - down jackets, gumboots, layered woollens.
Operators check ice daily; trek leaders walk first and test thickness. Some days walking is alongside the river when ice is thin.
Yes but increasingly affected by climate change. Some seasons it is rerouted to alternative trails.
Hemis NP, Feb-Mar, expert guide-led tracking. Sighting probability 60-70% over 6-7 days; not guaranteed.
Only experienced trekkers with previous Himalayan multi-day trek experience. Not for beginners.
Request a callback above and a FlightGPT travel expert will confirm exact dates, hotel category and final per-person price by email. We can customise the Ladakh Winter - Chadar Trek or Snow Leopard itinerary for honeymoon, family, friends or group bookings.