Lakes that ice over and rivers that freeze enough to walk on — every entry is a January-February-only experience. The list excludes places where ice is occasional or partial; only locked-in freezes make the cut.
All require thermal gear rated for -25°C. Pangong, Tso Moriri and the Chadar trek run different protocols — the trek demands fitness and a guide; the lakes are roadside-accessible day-trips from Leh.
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