Zanskar River Expedition
Ladakh is geographically and culturally part of Tibet yet politically it is part of India. Its a high altitude desert plateau, with wild mountains, occasional oasis villages and some great Buddhist monasteries - its often called Little Tibet.
Our expedition drives through most of western Ladakh and its monasteries, palaces, villages, hikes as we travel to one of the most surreal places on the planet. The trip begins with a flight over the Himalayas into the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. We spend a couple of days in Leh town acclimatising at 11,000 feet above sea level and visiting the ancient monasteries, palaces and villages around Leh. We then drive west of Leh past the town of Kargil and travel south into the valley of Zanskar. Starting the trip on the Stod River, we begin our self contained multi-day river rafting adventure down the spectacular and scenic Zanskar River gorge. The trip takes you down the remote Zanskar gorge with walls rising a few thousand feet out of the river bed, culminating on the mighty Indus river, (which incidentally lends India its name). Undoubtedly a classic, this journey to the last truly lost horizon of our shrinking planet - Zanskar, the "land of white copper” is a trip of a lifetime.
The journey from Leh to the beginning of our river follows one of the world’s highest roads. Because of high elevations and a harsh climate, the road is open to motorized transport for only three months a year to the North tower the peaks of the Zanskar range. After crossing several passes including the Fotu La the jeep road begins its descent down into the Doda River Valley, a tributary of the Zanskar.
A short way downstream the Doda River joins the Tsarap River and the two become the Zanskar. The canyon is predominately class III+ with one section of class 4. Though not technically difficult, the river is 100% committing, with immense canyon walls towering high above the river. The Zanskar River in the Grand Canyon of Asia is a world class trip with stunning scenery. This 6 day white water expedition, 110 mile river journey is aimed at people wishing to white water raft or kayak in Ladahk on the Zanskar River.
ITINERARY
Day 1- Fly Delhi – Leh (3466m ; 11,370ft). Transfer to hotel. Rest, hydrate and acclimatise. Overnight Leh hotel.
Day 2 - Leh. Acclimatise and sightseeing. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Or choose to relax and walk into Leh town and go around the tradtional markets and dine in the outdoor restaurants. Overnight Leh hotel.
Day 3 - Drive Leh – Kargil (3201m ; 10500 ft ; 9-10 hrs). We drive from Leh to Mulbek - Kargil, through a spectacular moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La (14,000ft), a high mountain pass and exit the Indus valley. Enroute, we do a photo stop above the Lamayuru monastery belonging to the 'Red Hat' sect. Overnight Kargil hotel.
Day 4 - Drive Kargil - Rangdum (3964m ; 13,000ft ; 8-9 hrs). A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the 7000 metre plus Nun and Kun massive, hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive till Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft). Overnight tented camp.
Day 5 - Drive Rangdum – Remala (3635m ; 11,925ft ; 6 hrs). We drive to Remala, which is the starting point for the rafting trip on the Stod River, a tributary of the Zanskar River. We drive over the Pensi La (14,500 ft), which enables grand views of the Zanskar peaks at the bottom of which is the Drung Durung glacier that feeds the Zanskar River, 40km below, into which we flow to the next day. Overnight tented camp.
Day 6 - Our river rafting expedition begins at Remala. Raft till near Karsha Gompa, near Padum. (3496m ; 11,466ft ; 4 hrs) We raft 30 km in 4-5 hrs which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 6000 metre high peaks. River section today includes a Class II section, a good introduction for first timers as well as to the river in general. Settle into camp by afternoon, we can take an optional hike around Camp. For the energetic, a long walk to Karsha Gompa, is possible.
Day 7- After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha up to Honyo / Pidmo (3361m; 11,025 ft ; 3 hrs). This stretch is approximately 25 km with Class II and III rapids. Another easy day to get used to the river, the altitude and hone our paddling skills.
Day 8 - After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m ; 10,780ft ; 3 hrs) a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river - this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.
Day 9- Rest day at Nyerak. Take a hike to Nyerak village or relax under the cool shade of the willows at our Campsite. Wash up at the campsite stream and enjoy the day off.
Day 10- Todays 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m ;10,465ft ; 6 hrs) through the core of the Zanskar A classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapid where the river squeezes between a gap of about 18ft. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall and continue to camp at the confluence of Markha river with the Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Camp.
Day 11- We raft 40 kms of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu (3154m;10,345 ft ; 3-4 hrs) today. We raft past the village of Chilling and exciting rapids as the Zanskar plunges out of the canyon to meet with the Indus at Nimu. We end our trip at the confluence of the Zanskar with the Indus. Drive an hour back to Leh. Last minute retail therapy and a hot shower! Overnight hotel.
Day 12- Transfer to Leh airport. Fly Leh - Delhi. Trip ends.
Travel Information and Kit List
Expedition cost: £1600.00 pp Plus Airfare Delhi - Leh - Delhi (based on time of booking)
Cost Includes
All in country travel by road
All accommodation on a twin share basis in tents, rest houses and hotels
All meals are included from arrival to Leh to departure from Leh
All guides and staff in country
An experienced UK guide
All rafting and safety equipment
Cost Excludes
International flights
Personal spending money
Guide gratuities
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Transfers in Delhi and any expenses or meals and accommodation whilst in transit
Indian tourist visa
Kayak hire is available at additional cost
Personal insurance is not included but can be provided on request at an additional charge
You will also need to get an Indian Toursit Visa, this can be applied for online, click on the link below:
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