Rafting on Zanskar River – 12 days
Day 01.
Embark on an incredible journey to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Greater Himalayas and K2 ranges. Begin your adventure by taking a one-hour flight from New Delhi to Leh, which will take you over the majestic Himalayan mountain range.
Day 02.
As you arrive in Leh, prepare yourself for the high altitude of 11,000 feet. To help you acclimate, you will have the opportunity to visit the Hemis monasteries and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region by visiting the Ecological center and its surrounding areas. For those looking for souvenirs, the Tibetan market is a must-visit destination. Spend the day taking in the awe-inspiring sights of Leh and its natural wonders.
Day 03.
The next morning, take a breathtaking drive to Kargil, located at 14,000 feet above the Fotu La Pass. Along the way, stop at the Lamayuru Monastery, which belongs to the "Red Hat Sect." Don't miss the chance to see the stunning stone statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya, at Mulbek. Spend the night at one of the Kargil hotels and rest up for the next day's adventure.
Day 04.
Take your time to enjoy the beauty of the region as you travel to Rangdum from Kargil. Witness the stunning twin peaks of Nun and Kun, located at an altitude of 7000 meters, while passing through Panikar and Parkachik with lush meadows and hanging glaciers.
Day 05.
On the final day of driving before beginning the Zanskar River Expedition, experience the stunning views of Drung Durung glaciers by traveling past the Zanskar Valley at the Pensi La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet. Once you reach Ramela, you can start your journey on the Doda River, a tributary of Zanskar. Spend the night at one of the camps and rest up before embarking on the much-anticipated river adventure.
Day 06:
The Zanskar River Expedition starts with a comprehensive briefing on safety procedures and instructions from professional and experienced river guides. The journey begins at Grade 3, which is an excellent way to get started and work up those muscles. It is also ideal for first-timers who are new to rafting.
You can set up camp at the confluence of the Doda and Tsarap chu rivers. After four hours of rafting, take a break for lunch alongside the river. You can also opt to rest and enjoy a hike or camp to the Karsha monastery. For those seeking more adventure, an overnight stay at the camp is a great option.
Day 07:
For photography enthusiasts, the best time to capture beautiful pictures is at sunrise. After leaving the monastery early, head out to Honia by the river. You can enjoy practicing Grade 3 rapids by practicing paddling and entering the Zanskar Canyon.
As the valley starts tapering down, enjoy the sights of the Himalayas and The Zanskara range. Spend the night at the camp and enjoy the stunning views.
Day 08:
To reach Nyerak Canyon, you will need to travel 25 km on the river. This Grade 3 section serves as warm-ups for rafting that will follow in the coming days. The last village, Honimul, that you enter has beautiful canyons.
The banks of the rivers now offer a way to the mountain ranges that stand thousands of feet above. After having lunch, perform a few great torrents at this place. You can do more rafting before setting up camp below the village of Nyerak. This village site is perfect for camping and is one of the few canyon sites for a day of exploration of the surrounding region.
Day 09:
This day is assigned for rest, or you can go on hikes to the village of Nyerak to mingle with the local villagers and explore their homes and culture. Alternatively, take a rest break and have fun with nature under the weeping willows and splashes in the river to get ready for the next day's adventure. Overnight stay is at the camp.
Day 10:
A journey of 35 km will take you to the center of the Zanskar Canyon, where the confluence of Lamayuru with Markha river is located. Here, you can experience the strikes of rapid 4 on this extend. After that, take a break for lunch alongside the waterfall from the walls of the canyon. You can paddle the raft a little further to the amazing red canyon and then camp for the night.
The next day, be prepared to go through the most surprising colors and sights courtesy of nutrient stay. Overnight stay is at the camp.
Day 11: Zanskar River Expedition for Thrilling Grade Four Rafting
On Day 11 of your Zanskar River Expedition, get ready for some adrenaline-pumping adventure as you raft through the thrilling grade four rapids. The journey will take you through the beautiful white waters where the Zanskar River meets the Indus at Nimu. The village of Nimu is the end point of your rafting journey, and you will be left with memories that will last a lifetime.
The experience of rafting through grade four rapids will be an unforgettable one, and you will feel the rush of excitement as you navigate through the challenging rapids. The expert river guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your safety while also making sure you have a great time.
As you make your way through the rapids, take in the breathtaking scenery around you. The majestic mountains, crystal-clear waters, and the sound of the rapids crashing against the rocks will make you feel at one with nature.
Day 12: Return to Leh and Last Minute Shopping
On Day 12, after your exhilarating rafting experience, it's time to head back to Leh. The ride back will be a great opportunity to reflect on your journey and relive the exciting moments from the past few days.
Once you reach Leh, you can freshen up with a shower or take a quick nap before you head out for some last-minute shopping. Leh is a vibrant town that offers a variety of shopping options, from traditional handicrafts to modern souvenirs. You can also explore the town and take in the local culture, cuisine, and architecture.
The final stay of your Zanskar River Expedition will be at the hotel, and you can enjoy a peaceful night's rest after your thrilling adventure. The memories of your journey will stay with you forever, and you will leave Leh with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of the Zanskar region.