The Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh has been deferred because the river surface has not frozen sufficiently for safe movement. The winter adventure, which attracts trekkers from across India and abroad, was scheduled to begin on 10 January but is now expected to start around 15 January, subject to a final route assessment.
Delay Due to Inadequate Ice Formation
The main reason for the postponement is incomplete ice formation on the Zanskar river. A team inspected the route and is to submit its report before the administration takes a final decision on the starting date. The trek is known for walking over a frozen river through Ladakh’s harsh winter landscape.
Safety and Rescue Preparations
The district administration has decided to deploy additional National Disaster Response Force personnel this year. The assessment team is identifying:
- campsite locations
- medical support points
- rescue facilities
- police posts along the route
These measures are intended to improve safety and emergency response for trekkers.
Repeated Operational Challenges
The Chadar trek has faced disruptions in recent years. In 2024, the route was truncated because of road construction linked to the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road project. Concerns have also grown over reduced ice formation, which is linked to warming trends and changing precipitation patterns in Ladakh. A climate study on Leh has noted a rise in temperature and a decline in seasonal precipitation in recent years.
Tourism and Climate Concerns
The delay comes at a time when Ladakh is seeking to strengthen winter tourism. However, tourism in the region has been affected by weather-related route disruptions and local unrest in recent months, denoting the vulnerability of adventure tourism in high-altitude areas.
Last Modified: April 26, 2026