Chadar Trek 2025 Guide – Registration, Cost, Route Map, Eligibility & Safety Tips

The Chadar Trek, also known as the Frozen Zanskar River Trek, is one of India’s most iconic and challenging winter adventures. Every year, trekking enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and global explorers visit Ladakh to walk on the frozen river — a rare and surreal experience.
With 2025 seeing an even higher demand for extreme winter expeditions, this Chadar Trek 2025 Guide covers everything you need to know: registration process, cost, safety protocols, itinerary, preparation, and trekking tips.

What Is the Chadar Trek?

The Chadar Trek takes place on the frozen surface of the Zanskar River in Ladakh, where temperatures drop as low as -30°C.
“Chadar” means “sheet”, referring to the thick layer of ice that forms over the flowing river.

Why the Chadar Trek is Famous:

  • Walk on a frozen river

  • Experience ice caves & frozen waterfalls

  • Survive extreme Himalayan winter

  • Interact with Zanskari villagers

  • Witness pristine snow landscapes

It is considered one of the toughest winter treks in the world.

Chadar Trek 2025 Dates

The trek is organized only during January–February, when the river is completely frozen.

Expected 2025 Trek Window:

  • 5 January 2025 to 25 February 2025

Weather-dependent; dates may shift based on ice formation.

Chadar Trek 2025 Eligibility & Requirements

Due to safety concerns, eligibility criteria have become stricter.

Required:

  • Age: 12 to 60 years

  • BMI: 18–35

  • Medical fitness certificate

  • Compulsory acclimatization in Leh (48–72 hours)

  • No heart/lung issues

  • No recent major surgeries

  • Good cardio endurance

Chadar Trek 2025 Registration Process

Step 1: Arrive in Leh (Mandatory First Step)

You must be physically in Leh to begin registration.

Step 2: Medical Check-Up at SNM Hospital

Includes:

  • BP test

  • Oxygen saturation test

  • Physical fitness

  • Chest screening (if needed)

Step 3: Wildlife & Trek Permit

Issued only after medical clearance.

Step 4: Insurance (Mandatory)

High-altitude trekking insurance must cover:

  • Evacuation

  • Frostbite

  • Hypothermia

  • Altitude sickness

Step 5: Environmental Fees

Paid to local authorities for river conservation.

Once all documents are approved, a trek batch is assigned.

Chadar Trek 2025 Cost Breakdown

The total cost depends on the operator, inclusions, and duration.

Average Trek Cost: ?18,000 – ?28,000 per person

What’s Included:

  • Tents and sleeping bags suitable for -20°C

  • All meals during trek

  • Guides & porters

  • Transport from Leh to trek start point

  • Permits

  • Safety equipment

Extra Costs:

  • Flight to Leh

  • Hotel stay in Leh (3–4 nights)

  • Winter gear rental

  • Medical tests (approx. ?2,500–?4,000)

  • Personal expenses

Chadar Trek 2025 Route Map

Total Trek Distance: 55–70 km

Start Point: Shingra Koma

End Point: Nerak Waterfall / Tibb Cave

Day-by-Day Route:

Day 1–3: Arrival + Acclimatization + Medical Tests
Day 4: Leh ? Shingra Koma ? Trek to Camp
Day 5: Trek to Tibb Cave
Day 6: Trek to Nerak Waterfall (Frozen)
Day 7: Return to Tibb
Day 8: Return to Shingra Koma ? Leh
Day 9: Departure

What Makes Chadar Trek Challenging?

Extreme Temperatures

-15°C to -30°C throughout the trek.

Walking on Slippery Ice

The ice sheet cracks and reforms daily.

High Altitude

Average elevation: 11,000–12,500 ft

Unpredictable Weather

Sudden snowfall or ice collapse.

Limited Facilities

Remote route with basic camps only.

This trek requires strong mental and physical endurance.

Essential Gear for Chadar Trek 2025

Clothing:

  • Heavy down jacket

  • 2–3 thermal layers

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Woolen socks

  • Balaclava

  • Fleece jackets

  • Sunglasses (snow glare protection)

Footwear:

  • Waterproof trekking boots

  • Extra socks

  • Crampons / microspikes

Gear:

  • -20°C sleeping bag

  • Trekking poles

  • Waterproof backpack

  • Headlamp

  • Power banks

  • Steel water bottle (prevents freezing)

Fitness Preparation for Chadar Trek

Start training at least 6–8 weeks before departure.

Recommended Routine:

  • Jogging 3–5 km daily

  • Stair climbing

  • Weight training (legs & core)

  • Long walks with a loaded backpack

  • Breathing exercises

Safety Tips for Chadar Trek 2025

1. Follow Your Guide at All Times

Ice conditions change hour by hour.

2. Avoid Alcohol Entirely

Increases risk of hypothermia.

3. Stay Hydrated

Cold weather reduces thirst but dehydration is common.

4. Wear Proper Footwear

Helps avoid slipping on ice.

5. Don’t Walk on Thin Ice Areas

Guides will mark safe zones — follow instructions.

6. Layer Up Correctly

Improper layering causes both sweating and freezing.

7. Keep Electronics Warm

Extreme cold drains battery power quickly.

8. Listen to Your Body

Any sign of breathlessness, dizziness, or frostbite must be reported immediately.

Who Should Avoid Chadar Trek?

  • People with asthma or heart disease

  • Those prone to altitude sickness

  • Travelers with recent surgeries

  • Anyone not used to cold climates

Final Thoughts

The Chadar Trek 2025 promises to be one of the most unforgettable adventures of your life. Walking on a frozen river surrounded by towering canyon walls and snow-covered mountains is surreal and deeply humbling.
But this trek demands preparation, fitness, and strong willpower. With safety precautions, the right gear, and a certified operator, your Chadar experience will be safe, exciting, and life-changing.