Ladakh Frozen River Trek

Frozen River trek in Ladakh is a lifetime memorable trip itself. The River is totally frozen in the winters and local people called it Chadar. "Chadar" means blanket or veil of ice that covers the Zanskar river over the winters. This voyage style challenging trek takes one to the isolated Zanskar valley which can only be penetrated in the extensive cruel winter months by walking on the frozen Zanskar River through the unbelievable Zanskar canyon with its dramatic panorama and landscape. The rocks beneath the freezing blue green water and ice and snow above make it look like artist's work. The dazzling blue skies high above stand out against the brown hues of the narrow Zanskar gorge.

This trip is truly one of the world's greatest adventures' as you trek along the conventional Zanskari winter route meeting the locals and children going to School in Leh. You also get to visit the villages and stay in homes thus getting an approaching into the lives of the simple Zanskari folk during the aggressive winter period. The harsh climatic conditions (minus 30 degree) make this trip even harder as you shuffle along the frozen river and sometime have to even wade through the icy waters or scramble over cliffs. This trip promises to be a "Lifetime's adventure trip" and a must for those who yearn to do a unique challenging expedition style adventure.

You may also be interested in :

• Ladakh Frozen River Trek
• Land of Snow Leopard
• Winter break Exploration in Bhutan
• Winter Trek in Garhwal Himalaya

Area : Zanskar (Ladakh)
Altitude : 3850 mts/12628 ft
Grade : Moderate to tough
Duration : 23 days
Season : Mid Jan to End Feb

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi meet Himalayan Adventure Executive and transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi – Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)

Early in the morning transfer to airport and from here catch a flight for Leh. On arrival at Leh meet our local executive and transfer to pre booked hotel. The day is for rest and acclimatisation (this is necessary to familiar with Leh Altitude). By evening you can walk to nearby market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Leh – Shey – Thiksey - Hemis

Today we will take you for a guided sightseeing tour of Ladakh’s Old Age Monastery like Shey, Thiksey, Hemis etc….

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 04: Leh (local Sightseeing)

In the morning day trip Phyang, Shankar Gompa & Leh Palace. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Leh – Chilling (5 hrs drive)

In the morning drive to chilling along with our porters from Pishu village of Zanskar, visit coppersmith workshops. Dinner and overnight stay at guest house.

Day 06: Chilling – Zaribago (5 hrs)

In the morning set out for a walk on ice of the frozen Zanskar river, Chadar. Feel the thrill of adventure. Dinner and overnight stay at cave.

Day 07: Zaribago - Deepyokma (4 hrs)

Today we will trek up to Deepyokma. Dinner and overnight stay at cave.

Day 08: Deepyokma to Nyrakpulu (4-5 hrs)

Trek up to Nyrakpulu. Today we will camp below Nyarak village, ten minutes up along a small stream. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 09: Nyrakpulu – Lingshed

Today we will trek an hrs walk on frozen river (Chadar), after that 5 hrs steeply up to Lingshed village. In this day we will stay in private house, relax in a heated room. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Lingshed

The day is for relax. This is one of the most remote villages in Ladakh, visit Lingshed monastery, school for monks, explore the village. Dinner and overnight stay at village houses.

Day 11: Lingshed - Deepkongma (4-5 hrs)

Today we will trek up to Deepkongma. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 12: Deepkongma – Warsangdo (5 hrs)

Trek up to Warsangdo. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 13: Warsangdo – Pishu

In the morning we will trek up to Pishu. Dinner and overnight stay in cave.

Day 14: Pishu – Karsha

In the morning trek to Karsha. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 15: Karsha

The rest day at Karsha. After breakfast visit Karsha Gompa. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.

Day 16: Karsha – Zangla

Today we will trek up to Zangla. Upon arrival at Zangla visit the Zangla Gompa. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 17: Zangla – Sarakdo

Trek up to Sarakdo. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 18: Sarakdo – Nyrakpulu

Today we will trek up to Nyrakpulu. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 19: Nyrakpulu – Tsomopaldar

Trek up to Tsomopaldar. Dinner and overnight stay in cave.

Day 20: Tsomopaldar - Tilatdo.

Today we will trek up to Tilatdo. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 21: Tilatdo – Chilling

The last day of our trek. Today we will trek up to chilling and from here return back to Leh by Toyota Qualis/jeep. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Day 22: Leh

Full day of rest in Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 23: Leh – Delhi

Early in the morning transfer to airport and from here catch a flight for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to international airport to catch a flight for onward destination.

Trip & Services Ends Here

The Above cost Includes

• Accommodation : In Delhi/Leh, hotel with bed and breakfast basis. While on trek accommodation will be provided on Dome/Alpine Tent, carry mat, kitchen tent, camping stool etc will be provided.
• Transport : Arrival, departure transfer at Delhi/Leh by Toyota Qualis/Tata Sumo. Also all sightseeing in Leh. Drop & pick up for trek.
• Meals : Delhi/Leh: Only breakfast will serve. While on trek all meals will be provided. Meal will freshly prepare and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental & Ladakhi.
• Porters : Experienced porter for carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional local trekking guide & cook who know the area very well would accompany the group
• Trekking & camping permit

The above cost do not include

• Air fare
• Enroute Meal,
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Entrée fee if any
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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