Image Source: Nirmal Karanpuria
About Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek begins in the capital of Ladakh, Leh. Situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet, the visitors should acclimatize at Leh before beginning the trek. The ancient town of Leh has all facilities, like markets and shops. The city is dotted with Buddhist monasteries and stupas and offers a unique cultural immersion.
The Chadar Trek is open in the winter months, and from Leh itself, you feel the temperature is dipping below -15°C. It provides an initial taste of what lies ahead.
Shingra Koma—First Steps on Ice
The actual trek begins from Shingra Koma. You reach the place after a scenic and rugged drive from Leh. Shangri Koma, located at Tilda Do, marks the start of the frozen river trail. The thick ice sheet that forms over the Zanskar from here makes trekkers feel their first experience of walking on the “Chadar.”
During the experience, the vertical cliffs and frozen waterfall give you a feeling of a dramatic journey during the trek. The section provides a quick learning ground and helps trekkers get used to the ice’s texture and challenges of navigating it.
Gyalpo—The First Campsite
Gyalpo is positioned at the bend of the river and guarded by massive rock walls shaped like fortress towers. Trekkers reached the campsite after trekking about 10-12 kilometers from Shingra Koma.
At an altitude of around 10,500 feet, Gyalpo provides a relatively sheltered campsite, ideal for setting up tents. On the first day, trekkers pitch their tent under the sky full of stars. It’s a beautiful experience of a full-night experience of camping in sub-zero conditions here.
Tibb Cave—The Midway Haven
Tibb Cave is the next major campsite that is located 14–15 km from Gyalpo. The cave provides both a rest stop and a natural shelter to the visitors. Tibb Cave is known for its natural beauty. Around you, you see frozen waterfalls, narrow gorges, and shimmering ice walls surrounding the area. This section of the trek is more demanding and challenging. It often takes around 6–8 hours, depending on the condition of the ice.
Nerak—The Turning Point
The next campsite on the Chadar trek is Nerak. Located around 12 kilometers from Tibb Cave, the site is considered the crown jewel of the trail. Nerak is the coldest and often the most challenging campsite, with night temperatures below -30°C. The frozen waterfall near the campsite is a surreal sight, often appearing like crystal curtains hanging from a cliff. Trekkers usually rest here before starting the return journey.
From here, the village of Nerak lies above the river on a steep trail. During summer it’s accessible by road, but in winter all people move to lower heights.
Return Journey: Nerak to Leh (via same route)
The return journey retraces the same route in reverse: Nerak → Tibb Cave → Gyalpo → Shingra Koma → Leh.
While the path is familiar, the condition of the chadar may have changed significantly. New cracks, thinner ice, or melted sections can make the return as challenging—sometimes even more so—than the ascent.
During the return, the path may look similar, but the conditions of the Chadar may have changed. New cracks, thinner ice, or melted sections can make the return as challenging—sometimes even more so—than the ascent.
A mix of relief and nostalgia takes over with each step back toward Leh. Trekkers often reflect on the transformation of the landscape and their own physical endurance while completing one of the world’s most unique high-altitude adventures.
Conclusion
The Chadar Trek is more than just a trail across a frozen river; it’s a journey through raw Himalayan wilderness, Ladakhi culture, and extreme adventure. Every stop—from Leh to Nerak—offers its own mix of danger, beauty, and tranquillity. Each location plays a distinct role, contributing to the overall experience that makes the Chadar Trek one of the most sought-after winter treks in the world.