This is a river adventure like none other. A two week expedition would give you an opportunity to discover little seen parts of western Ladakh through thrilling white water rafting.
This is a river adventure like none other. A two week expedition gives you an opportunity to discover little seen parts of western Ladakh through thrilling white water rafting in one of the most spectacular canyons on earth.
The Zanskar River Rafting Expedition is a 12-day journey through one of the most remote and spectacular river systems in the world. Starting from the ancient city of Leh, you'll traverse through pristine Ladakh wilderness, negotiate challenging grade IV-V rapids, and experience authentic Himalayan camping in the heart of the Zanskar Canyon.
Approximately 150-180 km of pristine river rafting through the Zanskar Canyon
From 3,500m in Leh to 3,200m in the canyon with stunning Himalayan panoramas
Small groups of 6-10 participants for personalized attention and safety
Just an hour long, the flight from Delhi to Leh is anything but bothersome. Enroute you get to pass over some breathtaking Himalayan ranges. Take a peek below as you pass over K2, one of the highest peaks in India. Once in Leh you need to get acclimatized to the altitude of 11,000 ft! Therefore the first night we simply transfer to a hotel and prepare for the coming days.
Take this day to just hang around Leh. You can also walk around Leh and get a feel of the culture. A visit to the Thikse and Hemis monasteries will be organised, or visit the Ecological Centre or walk around Leh and get a feel of the culture intact which is perfect for taking a souvenir back home or just take in the sight of the magnificent white peaks against the brown arid land.
The drive to Kargil over the Fotu La Pass at 14,000 ft. is spectacular. One will stop at the Lamayuru Monastery that belongs to the 'Red Hat' sect. Also, we will stop at the stone statue of the Maitreya and future Buddha at Mulbek. Overnight stay at Kargil Hotel.
Spend most of the day driving from Kargil to Rangdum. As we go through Panikar and Parkachik, we take in awesome sights of the twin peaks Nun and Kun, both above 7000mt, numerous hanging glaciers and lush meadows. Camp overnight.
The days of 'no river' come to an end as this is the last day that we drive around. We travel over the Pensi La pass at 14,000ft to enter the Zanskar valley and get some amazing views of the Drung Durung glacier and the Zanskar range. The starting point for the expedition is on the Doda River, a tributary of Zanskar, at Remala. Get a good night's sleep at the camp here as one anticipates the first day on the river.
After a talk on safety procedures and basic instructions for paddling by our experienced and competent river guides you are ready to start your expedition. The river begins with a grade III section, a great way to get your body accommodated for the heavy oaring ahead. It also works as a good introduction to river rafting for the first timers. Raft for about 4 hours with a lunch break on the river. Set up camp at the confluence of the Doda & the Tsarap Chu rivers.
It is advisable to get up exceptionally early today to catch the first rays of sunlight on the Karsha Monastery. After this we get on to the river and head out to Honia. Paddling through some Grade III rapids we enter the Zanskar Canyon. The Valley narrows down as you pass through some Higher Himalayan ranges. We finally find an appropriate beach spot to camp overnight.
We set moving down the river for almost 25 Km to enter through the canyon to reach Nyerak at the confluence with Markha River. Break for lunch at a beautiful site by a waterfall from the canyon wall. Further along paddle through the stunning Red canyon and camp for the night. You'll be surprised to see that at this high altitude the sky is nothing less the bejeweled sheet.
This is a day earmarked for rest. You could choose to hike to the Nyerak village, mingle with the locals and visit their homes, or relax and enjoy a break under the Weeping Willows, splash about in the camp stream and get ready for another exciting day on the river. Camp overnight.
A 35 km river journey marked with grade IV rapids takes us through the core of the Zanskar canyon and brings us to Lamaguru at the confluence with Markha River. Break for lunch at a beautiful site by a waterfall from the canyon wall. Further along paddle through the stunning Red canyon and camp for the night.
This is another section with grade IV rapids and is also unfortunately our last day on the river. We begin this Journey from Lamaguru and stop only when we reach Nimu. This stretch has its own thrills and as soon as we pass the Chilling village we are greeted by some exciting white water as the Zanskar gets ready to meet with the River Indus below at Nimu. From here we drive back to Leh where we get back to civilization and shirk of the wilderness with a much needed hot shower.
The flight back to Delhi will take you over the Great Himalayas and allow you to bid farewell to the mythical land of Ladakh, until next time! We know you'll be back!
The Zanskar River Rafting Expedition is not just a tripβit's a transformative journey through one of India's most spectacular and remote river systems. Join us for an unforgettable 12-day odyssey through the Zanskar Canyon that will stay with you forever.
12 Days Expedition
Ultimate Challenge
Extreme Adventure
Professional Guides
βΉ45,000
Per Person
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