The famous Chadar Trek in Ladakh has been postponed this winter after the Zanskar River did not freeze enough to make the route safe for trekkers. Authorities took the call following on-ground inspections that showed large stretches of the river still had thin and fragile ice, posing serious safety risks.
The trek, which involves walking on the frozen river through the dramatic Zanskar gorge, usually begins by mid-January. This year, however, fluctuating temperatures have delayed the formation of a solid ice sheet, forcing officials to halt the activity until conditions improve.
Safety Concerns Prompt Decision
Teams monitoring the river found that the ice was uneven, with several patches vulnerable to cracking. Officials said allowing trekkers under such conditions could lead to accidents, even for experienced guides and well-prepared groups.
“The ice has not set properly this season. Safety cannot be compromised,” an official involved in the inspection said, adding that the decision was taken purely in the interest of trekkers’ lives.
Review Expected Later
The postponement does not mean the trek has been cancelled for the season. Authorities are expected to review river conditions again later this month. If temperatures remain consistently low and the ice thickens, the trek may be opened in a limited and closely monitored manner.
Until then, no trekking batches will be allowed on the route.
Impact on Local Communities
The delay has come as a blow to residents in the Zanskar region, many of whom depend on the Chadar Trek for their winter income. Guides, porters, homestay owners and small businesses earn a large part of their annual livelihood during the short trekking season.
Tour operators have started informing trekkers about rescheduling plans, while advising them to stay updated with official announcements.
Changing Winters Raise Questions
The delayed freezing of the Zanskar River has once again drawn attention to changing winter patterns in the Himalayas. Locals say winters are no longer as predictably cold as they once were, affecting traditional ice routes that were once considered reliable.
Experts warn that such disruptions may become more frequent, making it necessary to rethink how winter tourism is managed in fragile mountain regions.
Also Read: Update Your Bucket List With Zanskar Chadar Trek in 2026
Advice for Travellers
Travellers planning the Chadar Trek are advised to wait for official clearance before finalising their plans. Authorities have urged visitors not to rely on rumours or unofficial updates and to remain flexible with winter travel schedules.
For now, the Zanskar River remains unsafe to walk on — a reminder that in Ladakh’s harsh winters, nature sets the pace.
