Zanskar River Expedition ( Rafting Expedition in Ladakh)

Fly in to Srinagar / Leh and transfer to Houseboat / Hotel. Rest, Hydrate and Acclimatize.

An early wake up call to enable an early departure to Kargil (approx. 8 to 10 hrs). Stay in Guest House.

A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the Nun and Kun massifs (7000 metres), hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive all the way past the Suru valley uptill Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft) and stop for a lunch break and then continue with our journey to Phey. 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, 40 km below, into which we take a float trip on the first day of the expedition. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Hill Stations & Valleys

Drive through the Pensi La at 14000 ft to enter into the Zanskar Valley. Stay at Remala. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Hill Stations & Valleys

After an early wake-up call and breakfast, we pack up and load our expedition gear on to the rafts. We start our rafting expedition. We raft 30 km in about 3 to 4 hours which includes a small break as we pass by the Karsha Gompa complex. Throughout the day we are surrounded by 6000 metre high peaks. The River today is a Class II - III section, a good introduction for first timers as well as to the river in general. We negotiate a braided river which at times often splits in to as many as 10 channels with only one or two good enough for the rafts to cross. Settle into camp at Karsha. Easy day to get used to the river, the altitude and better our paddling skills. We hike to the Karsha Gompa after setup, or just choose to laze at the camp site. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Hill Stations & Valleys

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

After packing camp, we raft to Honia (3286m / 10,780 ft / about 3 hrs) a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river - this indeed is a start of the Zanskar Canyon. You will get to see a lot of breath taking sights of the Zanskar Valley and Ranges. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Hill Stations & Valleys

Today's 25 km rafting section takes us from Honia to Nyerak through the core of the Zanskar. A classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, where the river squeezes through walls that rise thousand feet above the water level. We would camp at Neyarak village which is one of the few locations where camping is possible in the canyon. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Camping

We rest at the camp site to prepare for the coming days of rafting. Hike up to the Neyarak village or enjoy your time at the stream near the camp site. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Camping

Today's 40 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Chilling (3190 m / 10,465 ft / about 5 to 6 hrs including scout and lunch) 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 known as the GATE. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall and continue to the confluence of Markha river with the Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. After packing camp, we raft to Chilling. 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 at Chilling village. O/N CAMP.

Activities : Camping

We raft 35 Km of Class III/IV white water from Chilling to Nimo (3154 m / 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 Nimmo. We end our trip at the confluence of the Zanskar with the Indus. Drive an hour back to Leh. Overnight in a hotel. O/N LEH.

Activities : Camping

Early morning transfer to Leh Airport.

Activities : Camping