A mystical paradise is how I would portray the Zanskar Valley. Sights which would fascinate you, sounds which would surprise you and the local people who would extend the warmest possible hospitality are some of the marvelous experiences you would come upon on this trip. A classic amongst all other rafting expeditions, it would take you to a lost horizon of our dwindling planet. Mother Nature has bestowed a astoundingly inimitable landscape to the Zanskar Valley. The only word which comes to my mind to describe it is magical. The Zanskar Valley is enclosed on three sides by the Great Himalayan Range, The Zanskar Range and The Pir Panjal Range. Tall barren mountains changing colors according to the slant of the sun, sapphire blue sky, a surreal landscape are some of the amazing sights that you would encounter in the remote Zanskar Valley. The Zanskar River is a astounding feat of nature, it has formed a deep gorge in the Zanskar Range over the last many centuries by cutting against the mighty mountains. During the rafting expedition you would encounter deep gorges with sheer cliffs rising for thousands of feet on both sides. During the expedition you would raft for about 155 Km on the vintage Zanskar River which finally culminates in the mighty Indus.

What to Expect

Ladakh is a unique kaleidoscope of multi lingual people, rugged landscape, grand mountains towering infinitely and incredible scenic beauty. You will find primeval villages made of stone and mud nestled in the lap of mountains, impressive monasteries perched on hill tops and local people full of hospitality. The journey would start with a flight from Delhi over the Himalayas into the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh which is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. From their it would be 2 day drive west of Leh crossing Kargil and onto the Zanskar Valley. Our multi day expedition would start from Remala on the Stod River which is a tributary of the Zanskar River and culminate at the confluence of the Zanskar River with the mighty Indus. The rafting on this multi day expedition would be full of excitement with a number of grade II and grade III rapids waiting you. This would be a scintillating white water rafting experience sure to be remembered for a long time to come. This trip would also give you an inside view of the Ladakhi heritage and culture.

Itinerary

Day 1
Day 1 would see you catch a flight from Delhi till Leh. From the airport a company representative would over see your transfer to a hotel. We will provide you the flexibility of choice, if you have a particular place where you are interested to stay, it is fine with us. If you want we will make the arrangements as per your requirements. It is recommended to rest and get acclimatized to the high altitude on your first day in Leh. We would strongly recommend you to buy your air tickets in advance as the flights are full during peak season.

Day 2
Day 2 would see you on top of the highest motor able road in the world. A visit to Khardung La (5604 Mt) is highly recommended. You will find some remarkable scenic views en route to the pass. You have to be a little aware of the climatic conditions as they might change any time. Khardung La is home to the highest temple in the world and also a army check post which serves piping hot tea to visitors. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight and the night halt would be in Leh. In the evening you can discover the charms of Leh town by taking a stroll in its streets.

Day 3
Day 3 would see us drive from Leh till Kargil.-Mulbek. Kargil is the place where the last unofficial Indo-Pak war was fought. It is a beautiful valley which is surrounded by mountains. The travel time would be approximately 9-10 Hrs to cover a distance of 240 Km. It is a beautiful drive which takes us over the Fotu La to exit the Indus Valley and into the Sur Valley. A visit to the Lamayuru Monastery of the “Red Sect” is not to be missed. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the valley and would provide a perfect photo op. Overnight stay would be in Mulbek.

Day 4
On day 4 we would be driving from Mulbek tll Rangdum which is at a height of 12,000 Ft. A very scenic drive which takes us through Panikar and Prakachik which are located amongst some amazing natural beauty. Along the drive you get some outstanding views of the twin peaks of Nun and Kun. The length of the drive you would get to see some amazing meadows and hanging glaciers. Our night halt would be at the Rangdum Gompa from where we would start our onward journey.

Day 5
This day’s drive would be from Rangdum till Remala which would take approximately 6-7hrs to complete. Remala would be the starting point of our multi day rafting expedition. We would put our rafts in the water at the Stod River which is a tributary of the Zanskar River. To reach Remala we would be crossing Peni La at a height of 14500 Ft. From Peni La you get some spectacular views of the Zanskar Mountain Range and the Drung Durung Glacier which feeds the Zanskar River. Over night stay would be in tented lodging at Remala.

Day 6
Enough of traveling by road. The D-Day has come and the real fun will begin now. On day 6 we start our rafting expedition on the Stod River which is a tributary of the Zanskar River. The total rafting stretch is 30 Km from Remala till Zangla. This would be a day of induction for the first timers as well as the pros towards the vagaries of the river. The group would enjoy some class II rapids and some smooth stretch of white water rafting. It would take about 4-5 hrs to complete the rafting section with a lunch break thrown in. We would also cross the Karsha Gonpa en-route to Zangla. The night halt would be in Zangla. In the evening you can visit the Karsha Gonpa to attend the incantation service.

Day 7
On day 7 we would be rafting from Zangla till Hanumil which is a stretch of 25 Km of scintillating rafting. The Stod tributary would be joined by the Tsarapchu River to form the Zanskar River. You would be tackling some tough grade II and grade III rapids on this section of the river. Over night halt would be at the charming village of Hanumil.

Day 8
A very interesting day to say the least. The rafting today would test the endurance and skill of the group to its limit. We would be rafting from Neraks till Lamaguru which is a 35 Km section of incredible rafting. We would be rafting through the heart of the Zanskar Gorge (also know as the Grand Canyon of India) and experiencing some amazing grade IV and continuous series of grade III rapids. En route lunch would be served at a giant falls which is at the convergence of the Markha and Zanskar River. This day would be a thrill for any avid white water rafting fan.

Day 9
This would be a rest day where as rafting is concerned. After exploring The Zanskar Valley on river, we would be exploring the exotic terrain by going on a inland trek. A visit to the nearby villages of Kaya and Skiu would be a amazing experience to look up and close the culture and the lifestyle of these hardy and hospitable people.

Day 10
After the rest day this would be fun filled day with some exciting white water rafting awaiting you. We would be rafting from Lamaguru till Nimu which is about 40 Km of scintillating white water rafting. A continuous series of grade III and grade IV rapids would be awaiting you. During this stretch the Zanskar River would be plummeting out of the narrow Zanskar gorge to convene with the Indus at Nimu. Night halt would be at Nimu.

Day 11
This would be a classic experience of white water rafting on the river Indus. You would be negotiating some class III and class IV rapids till Alchi. After rafting in the Zanskar gorge for a number of days it would be a different experience to raft on the expansive Indus River. After completing the days rafting it would be time to head back to Leh. It would be a 1 hr drive till Leh where the day’s night halt would be scheduled. You can enjoy the bazaars of Leh and shop for mementos and souvenirs.

Day 12
The guests would be arranged a transfer to the Leh airport for the return flight back to Delhi.