Itinerary -
Day 01: LEH (3500m)
Arrival in Leh by the early morning flight. This is a spectacular flight with great views of the several glaciers and mountains of the Greater Himalayas. Check into your hotel and relax the whole day to acclimatize to the altitude. This is absolutely essential and even if one is feeling well, a day of complete rest is advised. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: LEH (3500m)
On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area. Overnight in a hotel in Leh. Shey palace was built in 1645 by Deldan Namgyal as a summer residence for the kings of Ladakh. It is the oldest palace in Ladakh. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.
Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. It was built in 1620 by the king-architect Singe Namgyal, a great patron of Buddhism. Hemis is the location for numerous religious festivals throughout the year.
Day 03: LEH – KARGIL
Today you will drive through some amazing mountainscape to reach Kargil. The drive takes us over the Fotu La, the pass between the Indus and the Suru Valleys. En route you will halt at Lamayuru and visit the Monastery of the Red Sect, one of the oldest in the valley. Overnight at a hotel in Kargil.
Day 04: KARGIL – RANGDOM
Today you drive from Kargil to Rangdom. En route you will get a very close look at the twin Himalayan peaks of Nun & Kun. Also we will pass through the villages of Panikar and Prakachik. Towards the evening visit the ancient gompa at Rangdom. Overnight in tents.
Day 05: RANGDOM – REMALA
A 6-hr drive will get you to Remala, the starting point of this grand journey. En route one crosses the Pensi La (14500 ft) and gets stunning views of the Zanskar range and the Durung Durung glacier (the glacier that feeds the Zanskar). Overnight in tents.
Day 06: REMALA – ZANGLA
The raft trip starts on one of the tributaries of the Zanskar (Doda) with Class II rapids. The total rafting distance today will be 30 kms and will take about 5 hrs. The lone Karsha Gompa as it looks down the gorge will be crossed today. Those interested could trek up to its distant heights in the evening to attend the incantation service. Overnight in tents.
Day 07: ZANGLA – HANUMIL
The Tsarapchu river joins the Doda at Zangla to form the Zanskar. The stretch today is about 25 km and takes one through Class II & III rapids. Today’s run will take about 4 hours. In the evening you have the option to hike up to the quaint village of Hanumil, seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Overnight in tents.
Day 08: HANUMIL – NYERAK
Today’s rafting section takes you through some great Class III rapids as the river narrows and enters the Zanskar gorges. From Hanumil we enter a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls on both sides. This is a breathtaking section of the river also you get to negotiate some exciting rapids on the way. Overnight in tents.
Day09: NYERAK – LAMAGURU
Today's 35 km stretch takes one through the heart of the Zanskar Gorge with heart pumping Class IV rapids interspersed between continuous stretches of Class III rapids. One of the highlights of the day is the pit stop for lunch at a huge waterfall at the confluence of the Zanskar and the Markha rivers. The sights and sounds of today's run on the river remains one of the highlights of this trip. Overnight in tents.
Day10: LAMAGURU (REST / TREK)
Today you give your arms a break and explore the Markha valley on foot. One can hike up to the villages of Kaya & Skiu from the campsite. Also you have the wonderful option of just lazing at the camp and soaking in the spectacular beauty of the Zanskar & Markha valleys. Overnight in tents.
Day 11: LAMAGURU – NIMO
Today you will run the river for about 40 kms taking about 3-4 hrs. En route you will negotiate the Chilling rapid. Today’s run will have Class III rapids with one Class IV rapid. It’s an interesting run as you will come out of the Zanskar gorges and meet the mighty Indus river at Nimo. You end your river trip at the confluence. We will set up camp here for the night and have a celebratory party under the stars in the evening. Overnight in tents.
Day12: NIMO – LEH (3500m)
After breakfast you will drive for about an hour to reach Leh. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the sights and markets of Leh. Overnight in a hotel
Day 13: LEH DEPARTURE
Take the morning flight for your onward destination. TRIP ENDS HERE.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
For Departure Dates just call 7350530009 / 7350540009 / 7350550009
Below is a list of essentials you would require at the camp:
Shirts / T-shirts
Trousers / Track Pants
Windproof jacket
Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap
Mittens (Woollen gloves)
Scarf
Woollen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
Comfortable shoes to wear in the evening
Floaters
Towel
Water bottle
Cap / Hat
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Sunglasses
Personal toiletries
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage.
How to Reach
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is now connected by air to Delhi with quite a few flights arriving and departing daily. Most of the flights are operated in the early morning as this is the best time to get clear weather. As the popular season for Ladakh (Jun-Sep) is short it is advised that you book your flight tickets as early as possible to get competitive fares and to avoid non-availability.
It is also possible to drive to Manali to Leh along the scenic route that crosses some high passes and where the change in landscape is noticeable from the green Himachal Pradesh side (near Manali) to the stark arid landscape once you cross the Rohtang Pass and move into Lahaul and further into Ladakh. This is a 2/3 day drive, and there are coaches available from Manali. If required, we could also arrange for a private car for you for the drive.
Expected Weather
The expected temperatures would be 12-15°C during the day and 3-4°C during the nights. Though this is the summer months in the plains, Ladakh is a high altitude desert and remains cold throughout the year. Even though it is cold, you have strong sunlight and would feel warm in the direct sun but would feel cold the moment you get under the shade. Use of a strong sun block is recommended and you should keep yourself warm at all times.
Duration: 13 Days
Season: Aug-Sep
Grade: Vigorous
Region: Ladakh
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIPS
Rafting through the high Zanskar gorges, a gorge as grand as the Grand Canyon
Remoteness of the river
Stark and spectacular landscapes of Zanskar & Ladakh
Hike into the Markha valley
Great campsites
Opportunity to look into the ancient Buddhist culture from close proximity & visit some ancient monasteries
Time in Leh to visit the local sites and the quaint markets
Description
The Zanskar valley in Ladakh is one of the most beautiful valleys in the region with ever changing landscape and close encounters with natures beauties such as snow peaks, glaciers, long unwinding cold desert, gorges, etc. Through this valley cuts the Zanskar river and its tributaries. The river in addition to being an exciting way to explore the region also provides the white water enthusiast with excellent rapids and an unforgettable rafting trip. There are rapids of all classes and beautiful camping sports to unwind after a day on the river. The drive to the beginning of the rafting trip is an experience in itself and coupled with the exciting rafting trip, this trip is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
