Zanskar River Latest News
The much-awaited Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation, disappointing trekkers eager to participate in the adventure sport.
About Zanskar River
- It is a major left-bank tributary of the Indus River, flowing entirely within the union territory of Ladakh in northern India.
- It drains the remote Zanskar Valley in the northwestern Himalayas.
- Course:
- The Zanskar River starts high in the Himalayas.
- The Zanskar River has two main branches; one is Doda, with main source near Pansi-La Pass, and the other branch is formed by the Kargyag River (source near Shingo La) and the Tsarap River (source near Baralacha La).
- The river meanders northwestwards and finally meets the Indus River near Nimmu of the Ladakh region at an elevation of about 3,100 meters.
- It is famous for its incredible Zanskar Gorge, which is a super deep canyon it has carved over many years.
- The entire catchment area of the Zanskar River has been formed by the action of glaciers.
- Its valley is U-shaped, and a number of hanging valleys open into it.
- The Zanskar River offers immense opportunities for expeditions to adventure lovers.
- In the summer season, tourists can embark on river rafting trips, especially in the stretches between Chilling and Nimmu.
- Winter brings a unique and thrilling experience of walking along the frozen river of Zanskar, which is often called ‘Chadar Trek’.
Source: TRI
Last updated on January, 2026
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.
→ UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC Notification 2026 Postponed for CSE & IFS which was scheduled to be released on 14 January 2026.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
Zanskar River FAQs
Q1. The Zanskar River is a tributary of which major river?+
Q2. Does the Zanskar River flow entirely within the Union Territory of Ladakh?+
Q3. Near which place does the Zanskar River meet the Indus River?+
Q4. Which deep canyon has been carved by the Zanskar River?+
Q5. What is the winter trek along the frozen Zanskar River popularly called?+
Tags: prelims pointers upsc current affairs upsc prelims current affairs



