Frozen River Trek -Ancestral Route

🗻Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
📈 Altitude Gain: 2800 m / 9,186 ft.

After an early transfer to the domestic airport, guests board a scenic flight to Leh. Upon landing, they are escorted to a cozy hotel to begin acclimatization. Nestled in the high Himalayas, Leh pulses with vibrant summer tourism and cultural festivities before retreating into its serene winter rhythm.

🗻Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.

As Leh sits at a high-altitude desert plateau, acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Guests spend the day visiting key cultural sites, including the town’s monastery, the iconic Shanti Stupa, and the historic Leh Fort. The evening is reserved for rest and an overnight stay at the hotel.

🗻 Altitude: 3,380 m / 11,090 ft. (Leh)

📈 Altitude Gain: 650 m / 2,132 ft.

🚗 Driving Time : 3 hrs

A 3-hour drive west of Leh brings you to Chilling, the gateway to the frozen river. Here, porters prepare the gear and we begin a 2–3 hour trek along the icy Zanskar River to our first campsite. Walking on the frozen surface is a novel experience requiring patience and balance. You’ll also learn how to stay warm and adapt to the cold. Tonight’s rest is in a natural cave — a rare and unforgettable wilderness shelter.

🗻Altitude: 3,170 meters / 10,400 feet

📈 Altitude Gain:350 m / 1,148 ft.

⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 7 hours

After an early breakfast, gear is packed and the trek to Gyalpo Camp begins. Today’s walk demands full attention to the guide’s instructions as navigating the frozen river can be tricky. Though tempting, climbing the rocks to avoid wet patches is often unsafe. Extra pairs of warm socks are a must as wet feet are a common challenge. The ever-shifting ice formations and towering cliffs mark your entry into the heart of the Zanskar Gorge.

🗻Altitude: 3,225 meters / 10,580 feet

📈 Altitude Gain: 50 m / 164 ft.

⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Today’s route ascends gradually along a curving sheet of ice, testing balance and rhythm as you follow the river’s natural contours. Along the way, a magnificent frozen waterfall marks one of the trek’s most surreal sights. The day ends with dinner and another memorable overnight stay in a cave — a raw, immersive Himalayan experience.

🗻Altitude: 3,390 meters / 11,122 feet

📈 Altitude Gain: 100 m / 328 ft.

⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

This is a milestone day as you officially enter the mystical Zanskar region. The approach to Nerak is filled with excitement, echoed by the jubilant calls of the porters. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife — and with a stroke of luck, perhaps a snow leopard’s elusive footprint. Camp is set up just outside the quaint Nerak village, under a brilliant Himalayan sky.

🗻Altitude: 3,400 meters / 11,154 feet
📉 Altitude Loss: 500 m / 1,640 ft.
⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

The trail begins with an early morning start and leads into a steep, icy ascent that tests both footing and resolve. This challenging section rewards with stunning frozen landscapes and a deepening appreciation of the route’s ancestral significance. The day ends at Dib Gongma, a serene spot surrounded by stark winter wilderness.

🗻Altitude: 3,500 meters / 11,482 feet
📈 Altitude Gain: 350 m / 1,148 ft.
⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 8 hours

Today marks the final leg of your icy journey as you trek across the frozen river and gradually emerge from the dramatic Zanskar Gorge. The transition from remote wilderness to human warmth is palpable as you reach Hanumil village. Here, you’ll be welcomed by locals and spend the night indoors in a traditional room — a comforting shift after nights in the cold wild.

🗻Altitude: Approx. 3,470 meters / 11,385 feet
📉 Altitude Loss: 30 m
⏰Trekking Time: Approx. 6 hours (may vary with snow conditions)

The trail from Hanumil to Pishu winds along a dry, snow-dusted path beside the frozen Zanskar, offering a striking contrast to previous ice-laden days. Depending on snow cover, trekking conditions may vary. You’ll arrive at the welcoming village of Pishu, where a warm family home provides shelter and stories from the valley.

⏰Trekking Time: Varies daily (6–8 hours)
🗻Altitude: Descending gradually from 3,500 meters / 11,482 feet to 3,200 meters / 10,498 feet

Over the next four days, the group retraces the iconic Chadar route in reverse. Each section offers a fresh perspective of the icy terrain, frozen waterfalls, and towering cliffs seen earlier. The descent through the gorge is steady, with familiar camps providing rest and warmth. These return days allow for reflection, better footing, and deeper appreciation of the landscape’s raw magnificence.

This additional buffer day is built into the itinerary to accommodate any unforeseen delays due to weather or trail conditions during the trek. It ensures a stress-free transition for your flight from Leh to Delhi, without risking missed connections. Use this time to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore more of Leh at your own pace.

Guests are transferred to Leh’s domestic airport for the flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your hotel for an overnight stay. The afternoon is free for personal leisure — whether it’s resting, sightseeing, or indulging in a final city stroll.

🏔️ Altitude of Delhi: 216 meters /709 feet

Spend your final morning in India exploring Delhi’s highlights. Visit architectural marvels like the Bahai (Lotus) Temple and Qutub Minar, followed by a relaxed evening stroll through the vibrant Connaught Circus. Later, you’ll be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey, bringing this extraordinary Himalayan expedition to a close.