Think you had a tough time giving birth? This mother had to trek for nine days in -35C just to get to hospital... then carry her baby all the way back along a frozen river

Family in Northern India forced to walk 45 miles to the nearest hospital in -35C

They had to repeat the nine day journey when the baby was born, carrying him home

Trekked on foot down river Chadar, at an altitude of 11,123ft, for eight hours a day.

Many are fortunate enough enough to experience the birth of a child in the comfort of a hospital but for this family from Ladakh, Northern Indian, the situation was quite different, as they were forced to travel on foot for 45 miles to get to the nearest hospital.The frozen river Chadar is at an altitude of 11,123 ft,and the family walked for eight hours-a-day over the frozen river often up to their knees in bitingly cold water.

The family were forced to carry both provisions and children, and camped in mountains caves at night as they trekked back home.

The photos were captured by Tim Vollmer from Iceland who trekking up the chadar with his friends when he spotted the weather-beaten Family.

Tim said:'One day we met then this family with their little son and newborn, I was amazed what it is normal for someone to go through to get a child!

'For me its just incredible, how easy and how much help we get in the western world to give birth in comparison - When you saw this little child and baby, how cold they have been , what they have to do.'

'The Zanskar River is big and fast flowing. For most if its length between Chillimg and Zanskar Valley the river is confined within a steep canyon.

'Walking over the frozen river and very cold rushing water just a few inches below your feet is terrifying.

'traveling from Leh, the capital of Ladakh to Lingshed takes four to five days under the best conditions and long winter snow closes the roads and passes entirely for six months annually.

'The local people use the river to carry goods for their livelihood and sometimes people doe during the dangerous trip.'

Family members brought larger sleds to be able to provide some relief for the mother as she recovers from giving birth

Incredible story.