Zanskar River Trek (Frozen River Trek): A Journey Through Ladakh’s Winter Wonderland
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About the Tour
The Zanskar River Trek, also known as the Frozen River Trek, is one of the most unique and thrilling winter treks in India. Located in the remote Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, this trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk on a frozen river, surrounded by towering cliffs, frozen waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. The trek spans approximately 105 kilometers and takes trekkers through icy landscapes, deep gorges, and villages that are otherwise inaccessible during the harsh winter months. It’s an extraordinary experience that combines adventure, nature, and a sense of solitude.
Tour Details
- Region: Ladakh
- Altitude: 3,500 meters (11,500 feet)
- Duration: 9-10 Days
- Trek Distance: 105 km
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
- Best Time to Visit: January to February (for Frozen River Trek)
- Temperature: Day: -10°C to -5°C | Night: -20°C to -30°C
- Start & End Point: Leh to Leh
Tour Challenges
- Extreme cold temperatures, with nighttime temperatures dropping below -20°C.
- Trekking on frozen rivers, which requires careful navigation on ice.
- High-altitude trekking with some steep ascents and descents.
- Physical endurance is required for long trekking hours in harsh conditions.
Tour Facilities
- Professional guides and support staff to ensure safety on the frozen river.
- Camping gear with high-quality tents and sleeping bags to handle extreme temperatures.
- All meals (vegetarian) provided during the trek.
- Medical kits, oxygen support, and emergency evacuation in case of any issues.
Food
- Meals are carefully prepared by expert chefs and are vegetarian.
- Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, toast, tea/coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, dal, vegetables, chapati.
- Dinner: Soup, rice, vegetables, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- This trek is best suited for individuals with good physical fitness and prior trekking experience.
- Age limit: 18 years and above.
- Ideal for adventure seekers looking for an offbeat and challenging experience.
- Not suitable for individuals with heart or respiratory issues due to extreme temperatures and altitude.
How to Reach Leh?
Meeting Point: Leh
Nearest Airport:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh (connected by flights from Delhi, Srinagar, and other cities).
Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station is Jammu, around 700 km from Leh.
By Road:
Leh is accessible by road from Manali and Srinagar, both offering spectacular scenic routes.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Leh (from the airport or bus station).
- Drop-Off Point: Leh (airport or bus station).
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 33.3333° N
- Longitude: 77.2500° E
Key Highlights
- Walk on the frozen Zanskar River, one of the world’s most unique treks.
- Marvel at the frozen waterfalls and icy landscapes of the Zanskar Valley.
- Experience the coldest trekking environment and high-altitude terrain.
- Discover the isolated villages of Zanskar that remain untouched by modernity.
- Enjoy the thrill of a winter trek through one of the most remote regions of Ladakh.
Join the Zanskar River Trek for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Ladakh’s frozen wonderland!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Altitude: Lamayuru: 3,510 meters / 11,515 feet
Altitude: Wanla: 3,250 meters / 10,663 feet
Pass: Prinkti La: 3,750 meters / 12,303 feet
Trek Distance: 9.1 km
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Detailed Plan
- Begin your trek from Lamayuru, known for its ancient monastery.
- Ascend to Prinkti La Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Descend towards Wanla, passing through the quaint village of Shilla.
- Overnight stay in Wanla, with homestay options available.
Overview
Altitude: Hanupatta: 3,600 meters / 11,811 feet
Trek Distance: 17.5 km
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Detailed Plan
- Follow the trail along the river, traversing through lush barley fields and traditional whitewashed farmhouses.
- Navigate a narrow gorge via Phenjila before reaching the serene village of Hanupatta.
- Overnight stay in Hanupatta, with homestay options available.
Overview
Pass: Sir Sir La: 4,850 meters / 15,912 feet
Altitude: Photoksar: 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet
Trek Distance: 16.6 km
Trek Time: 7-8 hours
Detailed Plan
- Cross the river and embark on a challenging ascent to Sir Sir La Pass.
- From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the Zanskar mountain range.
- Descend to the picturesque village of Photoksar.
- Overnight stay in Photoksar, with homestay options available.
Overview
Pass: Bumiktse La: 4,200 meters / 13,780 feet
Altitude: Singge La Base Camp: 4,500 meters / 14,764 feet
Trek Distance: 11.5 km
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Detailed Plan
- Cross Bumiktse La Pass and enter the expansive valley of Photang, where locals graze their yaks and horses.
- Proceed to Singge La Base Camp, preparing for the next day's ascent.
- Overnight stay at the base camp.
Overview
Passes: Singge La: 5,009 meters / 16,434 feet
Passes: Kyukpa La: 4,300 meters / 14,108 feet
Passes: Margum La: 4,410 meters / 14,468 feet
Altitude: Lingshed: 3,800 meters / 12,467 feet
Trek Distance: 20.5 km
Trek Time: 8-9 hours
Detailed Plan
- Ascend to Singge La Pass, one of the highest points on the trek, offering panoramic vistas.
- Continue over Kyukpa La and Margum La passes before descending to the remote village of Lingshed.
- Visit Lingshed Monastery, home to over 60 monks, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Overnight stay in Lingshed, with homestay options available.
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal season is June to September when the weather is stable and passes are accessible.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult – Suitable for experienced trekkers due to high-altitude passes and long trekking days.
- Weather Conditions: Days range from 10°C to 20°C, while nights can drop to -5°C at higher altitudes.
- Permits: Inner Line Permit is required for foreign nationals, which can be obtained in Leh.
- Network Connectivity: Limited network after Lamayuru; no connectivity in most trekking areas.
- Essential Gear: Trekking boots, warm layers, rain protection, sunscreen, and high-energy snacks.
- Acclimatization: It is highly recommended to spend at least 2 days in Leh before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Eco-Friendly Trek: Follow Leave No Trace principles – avoid littering and respect local customs.
