LADAKH…. Rafting expedition within river zanskar

BEST SEASON: JULY TO SEPTEMBER

CATEGORY: RIVER RAFTING

REGION: LADAKH

PARENT RANGE: HIMALAYAS

BASE VILLAGE: ZANSKAR

GRADE: MODERATE

MAX ALTITUDE: 14000 – 4267 M

FIXED DEPARTURED: AVAILABLE

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE : -30 DEGREES

TREKKING DAYS : 6

LADAKH…. Rafting expedition within river zanskar

Overview

Ladakh, the land of high mountain passes, brings back home some memorable moments of ones lifetime, which are filled with thrilling mountain activities, bounteous scenic beauty and indigenous culture of the Indo-Tibetans. Further, it draws the mind of travellers who are seeking for some adventure while on their tour to Ladakh. River Rafting in Ladakh is one such adventurous activity that swings the mood of rafters while coursing down the untamed rivers, which are having rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 4. Running down the valley, cutting through gorges and combating several obstacles makes river rafting in Ladakh one of the challenging water sports in India. The undulated terrain of the Ladakh region is crisscrossed by many rivers, namely the Indus River, Zanskar River, Nubra River, Shyok River, Suru River, Doda River, Tsarap River and Markha River. Out of these, river rafting in Ladakh is popular in the Indus and Zanskar River. Along with the river rafting expedition one can even experience camping in Ladakh and also go for short hikes to the remote villages and ancient monasteries. The Indus River, locally known as the Singhe Khababs (out of Lions mouth), flows across the north west to the south east, passing through Ladakh and flows into Pakistan where it joined Shayok and Suru to become major historical Indus River. The Indus, originates near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake in Western Tibet. Water levels remain high during the month June to late August, which is the best season for fascinating rafting expeditions. The travel agent offers white water The rafting on Indus provides spectacular view of the landscapes Ladakh and Zanskar ranges which housed Buddhist monasteries on high cliff.River rafting on Indus for one to five days. Rafting on Indus-The white water Indus has rapids generally of I and II grades and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids. The popular rafting points are from Phey to Nimo and also from Upshi to Kharu or from Upshi to Nimo. The other points run from Phey to Saspol or Phey to the Indus - Zanskar confluence at Nimo and from Nimo to the historical monastic enclave of Alchi, about 75 Kms west of Leh. Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khaltsey, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. Easier runs include the run between Hemis (40km south of Leh) situated along a road crossing the Indus and Choglamsar, which is a three-hour trip that goes through quiet, calm waters, and passes through the riverside villages of Stakna, Shey and Thiksey (25km south-east of Leh), before ending at Choglamsar, just short of Leh city. Zanskar River originates from the high altitude plateau of Sarchu on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir . Originally known as the Tsarap the river gorges a path out of the rocky mountains of western Himalayas , dropping in a continuous torrent of class V rapids. The river then eases into the forbidden Kingdom of Zanskar and slowly flows past the capital at Padum. Here it joins with the Stod river which flows down from the Pensi La pass on the road from Kargil to Padum.

Brief Itinerary
Day 01- Arrival at Leh

The flight from Delhi/Srinagar to Leh is anything but bothersome and breathtaking. 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.

Day 02- Sightseeing around Leh

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. We spend the night at Leh to drive the next morning to Kargil.

Day 03- Drive to Kargil

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.

Day 04- Drive from Kargil to Rangdum

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.

Day 05- Raft from Rangdum to Remala

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 nights sleep at the camp here as one anticipates the first day on the river.

Day 06- Raft from Remala Karsha

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. Once settled one can choose to rest and enjoy the camp or hike up to the Karsh Monastery. Camp overnight.

Day 07- Raft from Karsha-Honia

It is advisable to get up exceptionally early today to catch the first rays of sunlight on the Karsha Monastry. It makes for some picture perfect moments. 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 Himalyan ranges. We finally find an appropriate beach spot to camp overnight.

Day 08- Raft from Honia-Nyerak

We set moving down the river for almost 25 Km to enter through the canyon to reach Nyerak via a couple of grade III rapids. At Honimul, which is the last village in this stretch we enter a magnificent Canyon. The river banks which were until then sandy beaches now turn into great mountain walls, hundreds of feet above you. After running a few more rapids we stop over lunch on the river, continue to raft some more before finally calling it a day and setting up a camp below the Nyerak village. This campsite is one of the few sites in the canyon where one can camp and is perfect for a Layover day to explore the area.

Day 09- Rest day

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.

Day 10- Raft from Nyerak-Lamaguru

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. Youll be surprised to see that at this high altitude the sky is nothing less the bejeweled sheet. So sleep with some great sight over ahead and the lull of the rushing river nearby.

Day 11- Raft from Lamaguru-Nimu and drive back to Leh

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. You can spend the day getting over your fatigue or finish some of that last minute shopping. Overnight stay at Leh hotel.

Day 12 - Departure from Leh

After breakfast, airport drop at Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Aiport for onward journey.

You shall be advised of the current situation, weather and other conditions of the tour before departure. *In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled or change of dates might happen, and in such cases the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will be provided for the same.

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Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy & Refund Terms It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organizing your trip at least three months in advance. Please contact us for more information. Payment for booking your experience: The fee can be paid by Online Bank Transfer(NEFT)/Cheque deposit/ Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your booking confirmation details via email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can secure your reservation efficiently and make further arrangements to logistics. In the event of cancellation of your booking due to any avoidable / unavoidable circumstances at your end, we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive the advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -

  • Cancellation Policy:
  • Up to 24 Days:-90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Between 14-24 Day:-70% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Between 14-10 Days:-50% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
  • Less than 10 Days:-No refund.
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