Ladakh's iconic Chadar Trek, a major draw for winter tourism, has been temporarily suspended due to the Zanskar River's failure to freeze adequately. Authorities made the decision after a reconnaissance team reported unsafe and hazardous conditions, citing the river's largely unfrozen state. The suspension is in effect until January 20, 2026, after which the situation will be reassessed.

The Chadar Trek, traditionally held on the frozen Zanskar River, is a challenging winter trail attracting adventure enthusiasts from India and abroad. The 105-kilometer trek takes place at an altitude of 11,000 feet, where temperatures can plummet to -25 degrees Celsius. The trek's unique landscape and the physical demands it places on participants have made it a sought-after experience.

Ghulam Mohammad, Chief Executive Officer of the District Disaster Management Authority, Leh, issued a public notice stating the decision was taken in the interest of public safety. The notice prohibits all trekking and allied adventure activities on the Chadar route during the suspension. Tour operators and local stakeholders have been directed not to organize, promote, or facilitate any trekking activity during this period, and tourists and trekkers have been advised to strictly comply with the order.

The postponement of the trek highlights the impact of warmer weather conditions on the region. The Zanskar River, which typically freezes to a thickness of more than a foot, is thawing, raising concerns about the stability of the ice. This disruption in the usual freezing cycle has created an unsafe trekking route.

This is not the first time the Chadar Trek has faced disruptions. In 2020, 41 trekkers were trapped between the Tibb and Neyraks camps due to the unfreezing of the river, requiring a helicopter rescue operation.

The suspension raises concerns about the future of winter trekking in Ladakh as climate change potentially leads to warmer winters and unstable ice conditions on the Zanskar River. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working with experts and tourism professionals to determine if future trekking activities can be carried out safely. More stringent safety protocols are expected to be implemented in the coming years to mitigate risks.