When you think of trekking in India, you might picture green hills or mountain passes—but the Chadar Trek, a winter trek on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh, where temperatures drop below -30°C and the only path is a sheet of ice. Also known as the Ice River Trek, it’s one of the most extreme and unforgettable walking experiences in the Himalayas. Unlike regular trails, you’re not hiking up a slope—you’re walking on a river that froze solid over months, surrounded by cliffs that look like they were carved by giants.
This isn’t a trek for casual hikers. It demands serious preparation. You need the right gear: thermal layers, insulated boots, and a sleeping bag rated for -40°C. You’ll sleep in tents on ice, eat simple meals cooked over stoves, and walk 8-10 hours a day in near-total silence, broken only by the crack of the ice beneath you. The route connects Zanskar Valley to Leh, covering about 60-70 km, and takes 7-10 days. You’ll pass frozen waterfalls, ancient cave monasteries, and villages cut off from the world for months. It’s not just a hike—it’s a journey into isolation, resilience, and raw nature.
The Chadar Trek isn’t just about endurance. It’s deeply tied to the culture of Ladakh. Locals rely on this frozen path every winter to move goods and visit family when roads are buried under snow. Trekking here means walking in the footsteps of people who’ve used this route for centuries. You’ll meet guides who know the ice like their own hands—people who can tell you where it’s safe to step and where hidden currents might still be flowing underneath. This isn’t something you book online and show up for. You need a local operator who knows the weather, the route changes, and how to handle emergencies in extreme cold.
There’s no cell service. No cafes. No warm showers. And that’s exactly why people come back. It strips everything away—comfort, distraction, routine—and leaves you with just the landscape, your breath, and the sound of ice shifting underfoot. If you’ve read about the Great Himalayan Trail or wondered what trekking in India really means beyond the usual tourist spots, the Chadar Trek answers that question in the most dramatic way possible.
Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from people who’ve done it. Whether you’re wondering if you’re ready, what gear to pack, or how to avoid frostbite, the posts here give you the unfiltered truth—not the Instagram version. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you step onto the ice.
