Walking on a Frozen River may sound absurd to you, but walking on Forzen Zanskar River is sheer adventure. In Winters Zanskar region of Leh-Ladak becomes totally isolated and inaccessible with the other part of the state. One way to access the Zankar region is through walking on the frozen rivers. From here develops the “Frozen River Trek” or “Chadar Trek”, 11,123 ft altitude. In the months of winter, Zanskar River freezes and making it an adventure path for trek lovers. Considered as one of the most dangerous trek, it is a challenge for Trekkers. Frozen River trek begins from Padum, which is considered as the largest villages in Zanskar and ends at Chilling village where road connectivity to Leh begins. January to February ending is the best time to start trekking here. Walking 70 km on narrow margin of ice and having deep cold water running on the other, even a small mistake can be fatal for the trekker.
Duration of Trek: 15-22 Days
Location: Frozen River Trek is situated in Leh-Ladak
Altitude: 11,123 ft.
Trek Distance: 70 km
Best time to visit: January to February ending
Temperature: Can be as low as minus 35 degree Celsius
How to reach:
By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport in Leh the closest airport.
By Road: Many trained trekkers prefer going on Bikes to Leh-Ladak.
By Rail: The nearest railway station in Leh-Ladak is Jammu Tawai in Jammu, about 690 km away.
Trek Route: Frozen River trek begins from Padum, which is considered as the largest villages in Zanskar and ends at Chilling village where road connectivity to Leh begins.
Places to visit: Some of the places to visit in Ladak before starting your trek are Shey Gompa, Thiksey Gompa & Hemis National Park.
Travel Tips:
- Take proper trekking gear when you are going on this trek. Make sure you have proper ice climbing equipment and some basic training before starting the trek.
- You will have to hire a transporter, as you will be needed to carry a lot of stuff with you.
- Get proper ice trekking shoes.
