A high-stakes pedestrian traverse over the frozen Zanskar river in deep winter.
Chadar Trek
The Challenge
A grueling, awe-inspiring traverse through the high altitude desert of Ladakh. We ride through three of the highest motorable passes in the world, sleeping under the Milky Way and waking to ice in our canteens.
This is not a vacation. This is a pilgrimage.
The Route — Topography
Arrival in the Deep Freeze
Temperatures immediately hit -20°C. Heavy gear check and medical clearance.
First Steps on Ice
Learning the "penguin shuffle". The reality of walking on a frozen river sets in.
The Frozen Waterfall
The most stunning visual of the trek. A 50-foot solid wall of blue ice.
The Long Walk Back
The ice shifts. Routes change daily. Following the river back to civilization.
Thaw out
Hot showers and hot food after 9 days on the ice. A completely reset perspective on comfort.
Your Lead Guide
Namgyal
Lead Ice Guide · Native Zanskari
Expedition Details
What's Included
- + Sub-zero sleeping bags & tents
- + Gumboots & Ice-cleats
- + UIAGM Certified Ice Guide
- + Porter support for heavy gear
- + High-calorie mountain meals
Applications reviewed within 48h.