Chadar Lingshed – Chilling Trek: Experience Walking on a Frozen River of Zanskar

Embark on the ultimate adventure of walking on the frozen river of Zanskar, a traditional trade route for Zanskari people for centuries, and now a famous winter trekking route for adventure lovers. The Chadar Lingshed – Chilling Trek takes you through some of the most isolated yet inhabited regions in the Zanskar mountains, including the village of Lingshed.

The trek, which lasts for 11 days, is easy to moderate in grade and requires a minimum of 6 people. With our trained local Zanskari potters and experienced guide and staff, we offer three different options for this winter trek.

Starting from the village of Chiling, which is located near the confluence of Indus and the Zanskar River, we follow the river gorge through a spectacular landscape, offering occasional sightings of wildlife. The trek averages five to seven hours of walking daily at an easy pace, but a reasonable degree of physical fitness is necessary to sustain walking for nine days in winter conditions.

While the coldest temperatures may shudder your bodies in the mornings, you will be up by 8AM and start walking around 9:30AM. The days are typically sunny with blue skies, although cold and truly fresh. As the sun climbs higher, temperatures become not only tolerable but pleasant, and you'll no longer be preoccupied with weather, enjoying the surroundings with zest.

Although pleasant on clear, sunny days, weather conditions can change abruptly, with wind temperatures known to plummet to minus 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Chiling and Lingshed are the only sizeable villages on this trek, and all the rest are names of places and caves along the route.

Join us on this adventure and experience the thrill of walking on a frozen river in one of the most stunning locations in the world. Book now and explore the beauty of the Zanskar mountains with us!

Day 01:
Embark on an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, and transfer to your hotel to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Day 02:
Spend the morning sightseeing at the magnificent Shanti Stupa and the historic Sangkar Gompa. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel and rest in the afternoon.

Day 03:
Take care of any necessary medical check-ups or other preparations.

Day 04:
Begin your Chadar trek by driving 70 km to Bakula and trekking 2-3 hours to Shingra Koma, which is situated at an altitude of 10,550 ft.

Day 05:
Trek 14 km from Shingra Koma to Tibb, located at an altitude of 10,760 ft, and experience the beauty of the frozen Zanskar River.

Day 06:
Trek 12 km from Tibb to Nerak, situated at an altitude of 11,150 ft, and marvel at the stunning landscapes along the way.

Day 07:
Embark on a 5-hour trek from Nyarakpulu to Lingshed, with an hour-long walk on the frozen river of Chadar. Afterward, trek steeply uphill for 5 hours to reach the charming Lingshed village. Stay in a private house and enjoy the warmth of a heated room.

Day 08:
Take a full day to rest in Lingshed, one of the most remote and picturesque villages in Ladakh. Visit the monastery and the school for monks and take a stroll around the village.

Day 09:
Trek 5 hours from Lingshed back to Nyarakpulu.

Day 10:
Trek 12 km from Nerak to Tibb and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

Day 11:
Complete your trek by trekking 12.5 km from Tibb to Bakula and driving back to Leh. Return home with unforgettable memories of one of the best treks in India.

Please note that participating in the Ladakh tours mentioned below involves traveling to altitudes above 4,500 meters/14,000 feet. It is important that you are aware of the prevention, recognition, and treatment of altitude illness. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, restlessness, sleeplessness, and headaches are common at high altitude and there may be other health risks associated with trekking at these heights.

To learn more about altitude illness and how to prepare for your trek, you can contact us at +91 9419178747 or info@lifeontheplanetladakh.com.

Please be aware that for some treks, we require proof of your medical fitness and certification from your doctor that you have no general medical issues that could potentially result in serious medical consequences while on a trek.

Trekking at high altitude is challenging, requiring excellent cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. You will be trekking for up to eight hours a day over steep, rocky terrain and snow. To ensure that you can endure and enjoy your trek, you should undertake regular aerobic exercise or training such as jogging, cycling or swimming, 3-5 times per week for at least six months prior to your trip.

We want to make sure that your trekking experience in Ladakh is unforgettable, and taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.