Introduction

The Chadar Trek is not just a trek—it’s an experience carved in ice, where you walk on the frozen Zanskar River, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. With temperatures plummeting to –30°C at night, it’s one of the coldest and most extreme treks in India.

If you’re planning this once-in-a-lifetime expedition, your gear isn’t just about looking good—it’s about survival. Layering intelligently, picking the right winter wear, and balancing style with insulation are key.

In this guide, we walk you through what to wear for the Chadar Trek, highlighting the thermal wear for Chadar trek, insulated jackets for Chadar trek, best base layers for Chadar trek, and even stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek that don’t compromise on function.

What’s the need for winter essentials on the Chadar trek?

Unlike your regular ice getaway, the Chadar Trek tests your tools like no other. When walking on ice, you need garments that:

• Insulate without being bulky

• Wick sweat even as staying breathable

• Protect from biting winds and sudden snowstorms

• Allow motion for lengthy hiking hours

• Let’s break down the winter essentials for Chadar the trek, one layer at a time.

1. Base Layer

The best base layers for Chadar trek truly act as your second skin. The reason why it's important to invest in the right base layers is that these layers keep you warm while wicking away any moisture and sweat. On top of that, they offer you a snug and structured fit.

Cold weather dressing tips with Kosha thermals.

Kosha recommends investing in merino wool and bamboo blend thermals as they combine mobility with style. Also, don’t opt for cotton-based thermals as they trap in moisture, making you feel rather colder and smelly. 

For the Chadar Trek, go for:

• A full-sleeve thermal top

• Thermal leggings that are fleece-lined for added insulation 

Choosing the right thermals truly helps you to create stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek. 

2. Mid-Layer

Once you are done with finding the right foundation, the next step is to find the perfect mid-layer to create functional yet stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek. These layers keep your body naturally insulated while offering you the liberty to style well.

Add cozy sophistication to your winter wardrobe with Kosha’s Merino wool cardigan.

For the Chadar Trek, go for:

• A sweater pullover

• A fleece-lined pullover

• A sweatshirt

3. The outer armour

You need to find the best insulated jackets for Chadar trek to create functional yet stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek. Make sure that your pick of insulated jackets for Chadar trek has all these features:

• Waterproof

• Water-resistant

• Insulated

• Breathable

Style up your snow adventures—the trench coat is a sleek pick from Kosha gear for winter vacations in cities or slopes.

Check Kosha’s collection of Packable Puffer Jacket for Men and Winter jackets for women, which are perfect for the Chadar Trek.

4. Bottoms

Combine your thermal wear for Chadar trek (as base layer) with:

• Trekking pants with fleece lining

• Waterproof ski pants

• Snow pants

5. Small Things - Big Difference

Accessories truly make a big difference. Accessories not only elevate your style but they keep offer you additional warmth. Keep these accessories to create stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek:

Socks:

Socks should be doubled up, ideally with thicker woolen outer socks and Merino wool inner socks.

Gloves:

Layering also applies to gloves. For optimal warmth and dexterity, wear thin liner gloves underneath waterproof insulated gloves.

Smart layering begins with the right gear—these touch-enabled gloves are part of Kosha gear for winter vacations done right.

Headgear:

More quickly than any other part of your body, your head loses heat.

• Put on a tight-fitting beanie or thermal cap.

• During snowstorms, keep a balaclava on hand to protect your face.

Mufflers and scarves:

Mufflers for women from Kosha provide a warm and stylish layer that shields your chest and neck from the chilly wind.

Sunglasses: 

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses because the sun's rays can cause snow blindness.

6. Happy Feet

Your feet are going to be in constant contact with ice and snow, so the right footwear is critical:

• Waterproof, insulated trekking boots with ankle support

• Anti-slip soles for icy terrain

• Gaiters to prevent snow from entering your boots
  
  

Pro Tip: Break in your boots before the trek to avoid blisters during the hike.

7. Nightwear

With lows of -25°C or lower, Zanskar's nights can be harsh. Your body needs all the warmth it can get once you're comfortable in your sleeping bag.

Pack:

• A brand-new pair of sleeping thermals

• Woolen stockings

• A sweatshirt or hoodie lined with fleece

Never sleep in the same clothes you wore during the day because they will become damp from perspiration and lose body heat.

8. Look good, feel better

With Kosha’s carefully designed pieces, you can build stylish winter outfits for Chadar trek that look just as good as they feel.

• For entertaining photo-ready moments, combine earthy hues with vibrant accents.

• Choose simple silhouettes that envelop the body while permitting mobility.

• To add personality, use accessories like beanies and mufflers.

Chadar Trek Checklist

Here’s a quick chadar checklist for you to save time:

1. The top two or three best base layers for Chadar trek

2. Two insulated mid-layers (a sweater made of down or fleece)

3. One or two outer-layer insulated jackets for the Chadar trek

4. Two or three trekking pants and thermal leggings

5. Three to four pairs of wool socks

6. Gaiters and trekking boots

7. Gloves, both inner and outer

8. Balaclavas, caps, scarves, and mufflers

9. Thermals for nightwear

10. Sunglasses with UV protection

Stay warm. Travel light.

Unsure what winter wear to pack for your next cold-weather destination? Wondering if you’ll stay warm enough throughout your trip?

Our Winter Layering Expert at Kosha can help you with a light‑but‑mighty winter wear travel kit for your next trip.

We guide you with the layers to carry, based on your chosen destination, the temperature, weather conditions, and the activities on your itinerary. Then, we’ll help you understand exactly what to wear and exactly what to pack - for anything from +15 °C beach breezes to −30 °C Arctic blasts. With light-as-air Merino-Bamboo base layers and jackets, you carry just enough winter gear - yet feel infinitely warmer.

For frequent travellers, who would rather buy and keep thoughtfully made winter wear for the years to come. Seldom or first-time travellers, we’ve got you covered with rental winter wear that you can hire just for your travel dates and return, hassle-free.

Book a 1-on-1 video consult call with Kosha’s Winter Layering Expert now.

Chat with a Winter Layering Expert

Ashwina Kakria

A girl who'll forever believe that novels are such mysterious and amorphous and tender things!