River Rafting in Ladakh

• Leh Ladakh

River Rafting in Ladakh

Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days.

Destinations covered: Delhi – Leh – Nimmo – Alchi – Lamayuru – Leh – The Khardung La Pass – Leh – Delhi.

About the Destination: Ladakh, the land of high mountain passes, brings back home some memorable moments of one’s 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. Flashing back to the history of river rafting in Ladakh, it was an early mode of transportation to carry passengers and goods from one place to another. In the late 20th century, rafting was introduced as one of the adventure water sports in India and thereafter it started to develop along with the advancement of Ladakh tourism. The Indus and Zanskar River, which are the two major rivers in the Ladakh region, are popular for river rafting in Ladakh from the month of June to late August. The rivers have rapids mostly ranging from grade I to III and few ranging from grade IV to V. The stretch from Phey to Nimmo that passes through astoundingly beautiful mountains mostly consists of rapids ranging from grade I to II. Nimmo is the point of confluence of the River Indus and Zanskar. Stretches from Phey to Saspol and Kharu to Spituk, which are the shortest routes, are ideal for beginners and amateurs as these stretches mostly consists of rapids ranging from grade I and II. Further, the stretch from Upshi to Kharu is also recommended for beginners but the stretch also consist few grade III rapids. Nonetheless, the stretch from Saspol to Khaltsey is ideal for experienced rafters as the route consist of rapids ranging from grade III to IV. Another stretch that is from Chilling to Nimmo on the Zanskar River is perfect for experts to combat against rapids ranging up to grade IV. Further, river rafting in Ladakh coursing down the Indus and Zanskar River allows one to camp at villages like Nimmo and Phey. On the other hand, the Zanskar River Rafting Expedition swirls down from Rangdum to Lamaguru, which is approximately 180 kilometers and passes through Remala, Karsha, Pidmo and Nyerak cutting through the extremely desolate, remote and sheer Zanskar gorge. While on a river rafting tour in Ladakh, one can also visit ancient monasteries like the Alchi Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Shey Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and Stok Palace and Museum. Further, one can also enjoy the spectacular scenery, with massive cliffs opening up to the lush green valleys, waterfalls streaming directly out of the canyon walls and glimpses of hulking high peaks in the backdrop while drifting down the river. River Rafting in Ladakh being one of the adventurous water sports involves some amount of risk and thus certain measures has to be taken before one goes for it. The basic training is given by the guides who are experienced rafters. Further, following the rafting rulebook properly one can also combat easily on certain situations, especially if the raft overturns and one falls overboard. If one is an amateur it is recommended to take an experienced rafter or a guide along and also to follow the signals given by the guide while rafting down the course.

River Rafting & Mountain Biking in Ladakh: Mountain Biking and River Rafting are the kind of activities any adventure freak would like to try his hand at. And the best place for doing enjoying these activities is Ladakh. Wrapped in the white canvas of snow, Ladakh is nothing short of a paradise for adventure lovers. On one hand the high altitude and rugged terrains test one’s stamina and physical prowess while on the other hand the rowdy rapids of Zanskar River test one’s acumen and ability to overcome fear. The routes for mountain biking are open from the end of March till the first week of December, as the summer months are comparatively dry in Ladakh. The biking expedition sees the participation of many enthusiastic bikers trying to prove their mettle. As far as rafting on the Zanskar River is concerned, the best time is July to September. The Zanskar River is called the Grand Canyon of Asia and thus, one needs to have the stomach for facing its rapids.