Chadar Trek From Mumbai Pune 2025 – Himalayan Adventure

• A limited bucket of hot water is available in the room as per request. ( 3/4 buckets per room as difficult to boil water in extreme cold.)
• The sequence of the day-wise itinerary may change depending upon trek departure re-schedules/restrictions or road blockage, Govt rules, heavy snowfall, and all other unforeseen natural and travel-related conditions.
• If there is any unprecedented hike in the cost of travel/stay/govt fees or any other circumstances. The additional cost incurred will be payable by the trekkers/traveler in addition to the original package cost.
• Every trekker/traveler must have done covid-19 RTPCR test from an ICMR-authorized lab not later than 72 hours of Leh’s arrival date as per your batch. Or having a valid 2 vaccination certificate.

Budget Information of Chadar Trek:

• Trek Fee: 27500/- 
• Medical / Insurance / Wildlife / ALTOA: 6600/- to 10200/-
• Travel to Leh via Air 16000/- to 20000/-
• Cloths: 6000/-  New and 2000/2500 rented but need to book advance.
• Food expenses Leh Day-1,2,3 and 8, 9th spare day: 3000/3500/-
• Leh local sightseeing and Spare day stay: 2000/- 

Total around 65,000/- to 70,000/- 

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• √ Accommodation in Leh on Days 1,2,3 and 8 (Hotel, guest house, homestay with heater) triple sharing.
• √ Accommodation in triple sharing at the campsite while on a trek on Day 4, 5, 6 & 7
• √ Vegetarian meal on trek (breakfast + quick lunch + dinner + evening hot tea/soup) Starting from Day:4 lunch to Day:8 breakfast.
• √ Transport on a trek on days 1 and 8 with the trek leader & guide.
• √ Skilled local Guide who has ample knowledge of the route.
• √ Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff.
• √ Porters/mules for carrying common equipment (like Rations/Utensils/Tents/Sleeping Bags/Equipment)
• √ Tents on triple sharing basis / Individual Sleeping bags & common sleeping mattress in a tent.
• √ Basic First Aid Kit.
• √ Common Toilet / Kitchen-Dining Tent

• × Anything not specifically mentioned under the ‘Inclusions section above’
• × Travel to Leh & return from to Mumbai / Pune / Delhi etc.
• × Local sightseeing and entry fees.
• × Transport from hotel/stay to market or medical checkup, permits. (1000max)
• × Porters to carry personalized backpacks. (Available on prior intimation on the week with 500/- per day)
• × Personal equipment like clothing, backpack, Gumboots etc.
• × Personal expenses of any kind.
• × Food in Leh Day: 1, 2, 3 bf/tea, lunch, dinner | Day:4 Bf/Tea | Day:9,10 bf/tea, lunch, dinner
• × Govt/ALTOA/Environment, Wildlife fees
• × Medical Expenses/Insurance/Emergency Evacuation 
• × Airport pickup and drops. 
• × Unforeseen expenses additional stay, meal, reticketing or rescheduling flights due to any natural calamity, broken chadar, heavy snowfall, road blockage any other circumstances beyond our control.

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The temperature in the day time will go upto -10 degrees and in the night upto-30 degrees. But it will get better in sleeping tents. Natural cold will be there during whole journey or trekking. You would be sleeping, trekking and doing everything in subzero temperature.

2. How long do we walk on frozen layer of river each day?

Average walking each day will be 10 kms and mostly it will be covered in 5-6 hrs.

3. What are the medical facilities available during trekking?

We carry a first-aid kit and oxygen cylinder, necessary medicines (regarding AMS) are available with us. Our trek leader and porters are experienced to handle any emergency. Also onward last 2 years ASC360 established fully functional medical camp with heli-rescue/evacuation if required.

4. Should I take my first-aid kit or some general medicines along with me while on the trek?

Yes, you should always carry your own personal first-aid kit with you. Will provide you a list that what to carry.

5. How many members or trekkers will be sleeping in one tent?

Up to 3 trekkers, they will be sharing one tent as it helps to keep you warm and comfortable during the night.

6. What are the general things or equipment’s we need to carry?

Please refer Thigs to carry list.

7. What are the Sanitary Facilities? and Water available ?

Sanitary facilities will be provided to you as basic toilet tents which will be moving with camp and at some place portable toilets available. No water not available at any place as due to extremes cold need to carry toilet paper along with you. You might also have to go behind the rocks at some places in case of very urgency. 

8. How many members will be there in a group?

We would be maximum of 15 members in the group.

9. What if we fall in the freezing river?

We ensure that the layer or chadar of the river will be thick enough to walk but still falling in freezing water or river can be dangerous or risky. You just need to be careful and follow the footsteps of our local guide & trek leader who ensure that chadar is thick enough to walk or hold the pressure of a person. Our Tour guides and porters are experienced enough to handle such situations.

10. Can we intake alcohol during the trek?

No, it is not advisable to intake alcohol during trek as having any drug or alcohol will make you unwell and develop symptoms of AMS. In any such case, the trekker needs to get back to Leh (down to lower altitude) immediately. So say no to alcohol or drugs while trekking or on heights. ALTOA/WildLife staff always patrolling around campsite-to-campsite if caught he/she/Group solely responsible for consequences. 

11. What are the edibles need to carry along with us?

You might like to carry cookies, chocolates, dry fruits crushed, dates, nuts or energy bar as they all consist of high calories which give you energy. Rest, fresh food will be provided to you during the trekking.

12. Can Chadar be my first trek?

Yes, Chadar can be your first trek. You need to get mentally and physically fit. Besides, consult with doctor regarding your fitness & health. Also daily walking of 7/8 hrs in 10km endurance required.

13. What would be the survival level of the phones and cameras or batteries?

Cameras and electronics etc. generally do well at high altitude, but the batteries tend to die out very quickly in the subzero temperatures. So carry the extra batteries when on the trek and keep them warm. Put them in woolen socks or gloves or in the inner pockets of your jackets close to your body temperature. While sleeping in the sleeping bags, you can keep them probably in the socks you would wear. The frozen batteries also revive when you warm them up. 

14. Can I start the tour early for acclimatization?

Yes, you can start the tour before the dates for better acclimatization and to enjoy the trek. There shall be extra cost of stay, to be borne by you. Inform our representative for extra day booking, if required advance 20/25 days prior.

15. Who will bear the cost if in case any trekker gets unwell and need to be taken back to the camps or Leh?

In case any trekker is unwell and unable to continue with the trek, he/she will have to bear the additional cost. The additional cost is of transport, meal & extra medical facilities to travel back to Leh. But yes, our first priority will be to get the trekker back safely. 

16. What is the mode of Payment?

You can transfer via Cash/NEFT/UPI to our Bank accounts, shared with the document. You can also pay directly by Credit card/Debit Card/Net Banking through website booking.

17. Is flight cost included?

No, flight cost is not included in the given price of the tour. However, we can assist you with the flight bookings at the best possible cost.

18. Is Airport Transfers provided?

No, Airport transfers provided.

19. How much money we need to take along with us to Leh?

We do not advise carrying too much money or precious things on trek, as all the stuff will be given to you which includes tents, meals, porters which will be required during the trek. Only amount you will spend in Leh, food (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) and whatever you shop at the local market. ATM also available at main market.

20. What type of shoes should I buy?

We are not recommend you for branded shoes as it is available only at ankle size at some places knee deep water need to cross. You can buy gumboots from Leh market, they cost around INR 350.

21. Where should we keep our phones or cameras during trek, is it safe?

Usually electronics and cameras are safe at high altitudes, but still refer the specifications of the product. You would be using multi-layer clothing on the trek. Try keeping your batteries inside one of the pockets of inner jacket to keep them warm.

22. What is the availability of hot & safe water during trekking?

Stoves will be carried by porter. Zanskar river water will be used as drinking water after full boiling. Do carry your insulated water bottle which can be refile and drink.

23. Is there any need for preparation for physical fitness and what are the challenges that we may face there?

Yes, you should be fit physically. It is advisable to start some workout (cardio possibly) a month before you start the trek. Running, swimming or yoga are some good options to start with. If you are a regular office going person with long sitting hours, the underlying task is to let the heart and the lungs get used to working out so that the trek for 5-6 hours on Chadar is not a sudden variation for your body.

24. What kind of clothing I need to carry or bring from our end during trek?

We will give you a list to refer while packing your bags. All the queries shall be addressed on call or whatsapp group.

25. Do we need a walking stick during Chadar trek?

Yes, it makes you feel comfortable while trekking or walking on the Chadar. It helps you grip on slippery layer and to check whether the river is frozen or not in case fresh snow begins.

26. What about accommodations during Chadar trek?

During chadar trek season, most of the hotels will be closed at Leh. Accommodations will be provided in standard & comfortable hotels. Rest the whole tour is about trekking. During trekking, portable tents will be provided to you.

27. Do you provide any non-veg meal during chadar trek?

No We veg meal during the trek.

28. I am a solo traveler. Can I join Chadar trek?

Yes, you can join the Chadar trek as solo traveler.

29. What if Chadar trek ends midway due to worse condition of weather or any other external reason? How much refund can I expect?

After the start of the trek, if trek gets cancelled due to bad weather/ Broken chadar / army interference or for any other unforeseen circumstances then no refund is possible.

30. Is Chadar trek risky?

Any high altitude trek in Himalaya has a risk, but it’s not impossible you just need to be physical fit and need not panic. Timely update your health status if feeling unwell to trek coordinator and guides.

31. How many guides will be there in the group?

There is one trek leader and 2 guide for every 15/20 trekkers.

When is the best time to go to Chadar Trek?

One of the most unique and magnificent treks of the world, Chadar Trek is huge popular now. Chadar or cover, signifies the frozen sheet of ice that is formed on the raging River Zanskar due to extreme coldness as well as due to the less amount of direct sunlight as the river flows through a narrow gorge. Solid ice is best around the time the Chadar trek takes place, from 2nd week of January to 2nd week of February – the time when the coldness is at it maximum during the winte rmonths, hence this time frame is the best time for this Zanskar River trek.

Chadar Trek is the only route available to the villagers in the Padum and Lingshed region to go to Leh and back. Regular up-downs are done by the locals to earn their wages. The trek itself is the quintessential example of the resourcefulness and the indomitable spirit of the Ladakhi people. Though, the trek will soon cease to be the sole mode of access between Leh and Padum in winters. A road is being constructed by blasting off the rock-face above the river. It will be a much safer and convenient route for the locals, but surely mark the end of an ancient local custom.

What is the level of difficulty of Chadar trek?

If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! As such any one with good average fitness can do this trek and any kind of exercise which gets you fitter before this trip is advisable, as it will enable you to enjoy the region more. Overall chadar trek is a moderate trek but temperature wise it is cold, though after the first couple of nights on the Chadar, trekkers are much more adjusted to the bitter cold!

How cold does it really get on the Chadar trek?

During the day time temperature will be -5 to -10 degrees and during the night time -20 to -25 degrees. While on the trek, the activity itself gives the body some warmth.

What kind of attire do I wear to endure the extreme Chadar Trek winter cold?

Wearing clothes in layers is much effective is combating the bitter cold, particularly at night.
Layer 1 – Starting with inner as base layer and thermals above it
Layer 2 – full sleeves t-shirt and thermal shirt and pants; Woolen Socks (One double woven woolen socks with one warm nylon or normal woolen socks inside). Carry enough spare socks and other undergarments.
Layer 3 – Fleece Jacket. Good thick Woolen Monkey Cap or Balaclava with woolen Muffler
Layer 4 – Wind Proof / Water Proof Jacket and Track pant
Layer 5 – If required A jacket or another layer of inner thermals. 

Wearing in layers also helps to remove one or two layers as you feel warm due to the activity of trekking; similarly while going off to sleep in the sleeping bag, a few layers can be removed if feeling uncomfortable. Avoid cotton T shirts.

Pack similar things such as clothes or toleteries or others in separate polythene bags so they are easier to find and pull out. Trekking pole is absolutely desirable as it greatly helps during the Chadar trek.

How long do we walk each day?

A day on a trek begins with breakfast at 7 am by which time; you are expected to vacate your tent so packing can begin. We aim to usually be on the trail by 8:30 am and reach our camp for the day by 2-3pm, if not earlier. Long days on the trail may mean an earlier start and 8-10 hour walking day. Lunch is usually had on the walk, and you’d get into the kitchen tent for a welcome cup of tea.

Who will lead and who all will go along with us?

Our entire crew will consist of very experienced Zanskari guide and cooking staff (along with Zanskari porters), which would prepare the meals for the days and nights that we are camping out. The entire crew moves together in a totally self-contained manner like a tight knit unit. Some of the porters will go ahead forward and set up the camps and the kitchen tent, before the trekkers reach the designated camping area for that day.

Benefits of employing Zanskaris and local Ladakhis?

Employ Guides with intimate knowledge of the areas you want to visit. This is especially important for trekking off-the-beaten-track and winter trekking on the Zanskar River.
The direct employment of Zanskaris and Ladakhis will benefit the local economy.
A greater chance of experiencing and understanding Zanskar’s traditions, cultural heritage and contemporary issues. Your visit to Zanskar becomes more than just a walk or trek.

How big are the groups?

Groups range from 15 to 20 people in one batch and includes both males and female.

I am the only girl in trek, is it safe?

Absolutely. Normally all trek groups have both males and females. Solo tent accommodation not recommended hence you have to share the tent with at-least other 1 or 2 female participant.

I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?

Yes, But you should intimate in 20/15 days in advance, so that we will arrange porter accordingly.

Which type of shoes should I have?

On Chadar, which is solid ice or a slight cover of snow on slippery ice, trekkers have found to their amazement that a simple gumboot finally is the best for Chadar. Most of the outside agencies in order to impress tell about crampons. In my years of experience in Ladakh and on Chadar too, I can absolutely say that crampons are quite dicey – quite a few trekkers have injured themselves or worse broken their ankle while a crampon get stuck on the fine cracks in the ice. Gumboot is available in Leh hardware shop and can be purchased here itself. If your shoe size is 9-10, getting a pair might be tough..so start searching as soon as you land in Leh.

Trekkers will soon learn and modify their trek to the “penguin walk” style on seeing from the porters and guide! It is a kind of dragging your foot and not lifting much.

How many trekkers will be in one tent?

Three trekkers in one tent.

What type of food is served during a trek?

We always serve Indian vegetarian food.

How to get safe drinking water on the trek?

Himalayan water is consider as a clean and mineral water but for safe side we use boil water and chlorine tablet in our camps, during the trek ask once to trek leader or guide from where to fill water bottles. It is important to keep sipping on water through the trek. as one can get dehydratd and still not feel it due to the cold.

Do you think I should bring some medicines with me?

Yes, absolutely . It will help for you all to carry some easy to access medicine on the trip, for headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and some rehydration powders like Electoral etc. It’s also a good idea to have a roll of toilet paper accessible should you need to go.

Travel to any part of the Indian Himalayas and more so in Ladakh deserves a little more respect than many other high altitude destinations because the most of the regions lie over 3500 meters (11000+ ft). People in good health should not get alarmed by this but if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, you must take the advice of a doctor who has experience with the effects of altitude. The Medical Certificate and the Release of Liability forms, is mandatory for the trek participants. If you are not able to get the medical certificate, you would have to sign a self-declaration risk declaration i.e., basically a form that states that the participant is going on his/her own risk. The risk declaration form will be available in Leh. .

Change of the itinerary during trek?

Depending on the prevailing situation, however the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your trek leader will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

What if trek got cancelled after reached out leh due to any circumstances ?

Normally trek not get cancelled until only in two conditions. Weather emergency like heavy snow fall or broken chadar. In such case we will arrange the best possible local sightseeing and easy graded trek. In such case no refund provided.