 Rafting on Zanskar River
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days
Zanskar
River originates from the high altitude plateau of
Sarchu on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu
and Kashmir . Originally known as the Tsarap the
river gorges a path out of the rocky mountains of
western Himalayas , dropping in a continuous torrent
of class V rapids. The river then eases into the
forbidden Kingdom of Zanskar and slowly flows past
the capital at Padum. Here it joins with the Stod
river which flows down from the Pensi La pass on the
road from Kargil to Padum.
Day 01: Leh
Midnight: Around midnight arrival in Delhi . The
cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main
gateway for travelers. Meet our representative and
transfer to your Hotel.
Morning fly to Leh. The rest of the day is at
leisure to acclimatize ourselves to the high
altitude of Leh. It is important to go slow as
acclimatization is critical to your enjoyment.
Day 02: Leh Sightseeing
Local sightseeing of Leh, the capital of the
historic kingdom of Ladakh . The town is a
fascinating labyrinth of winding streets and quaint
bazaars. The main street is open and airy, lined
with rows of shops. Visit the Leh Palace , Shanti
Stupa, and the Leh Mosque.
Day 03: Leh - Thiksey - Shey - Hemis Monsteries -
Stok Palace
Full day sightseeing of Thiksey, Shey, Hemis and
Stok monasteries. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 04: Drive Leh - Kargil (180Kms / 8-9 Hrs)
Drive from Leh to Kargil, (180 kms) through a
spectacular moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La
(14,000-ft), a high mountain pass, exiting the Indus
valley and entering the Suru valley. Enroute, we
visit the Lamayuru and Redzong Monasteries. Packed
lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 05: Drive Kargil - Rangdum (12,000ft) (105Kms /
7-8Hrs)
A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with
magnificent views of the Nun and Kun massifs (7000
metres), hanging glaciers and large meadows.
Overnight tented camp.
DAY 06: Rangdum - Remla (95Kms / 6Hrs)
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 flow trip
the next day. Overnight in tented camp.
DAY 07: Remla - Karsha
Rafting expedition begins at Remala. Raft till
Karsha Gompa, near Padum. We raft 30 km in 5 hrs
which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages.
We are surrounded by 6000 metre high peaks.
River section
today includes a Class II section, a good
introduction for first timers as well as to the
river in general. After settling into camp by
afternoon, we take a hike to Karsha Gompa for the
evening incantation.
DAY 08: Karsha - Pidmu
After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha up
to Pidmu. This stretch is approximately 30 km with
Class II and III rapids. After settling into the
camp by mid afternoon, we visit the nearby villages
of Pidmu and Hanomil.
DAY 09: Pidmu - Nyerak
After packing camp, we raft 20 km to Nyerak, a Class
III sections. 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 in a gorge below
Nyerak village.
DAY 10: Nyerak - Lamayuru
Today's 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak
to Lamayuru, 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. We stop for
lunch near a huge waterfall at the confluence of
Markha river with Zanskar. Rock formations, spires
and an amazing palette of colors add to the trip
today. Camp at Lamaguru.
DAY 11: Lamayuru - Nimmu - Alchi - Leh
We raft 40 kms of Class III/IV white water from
Lamayuru to Nimmu today. Finish the trip at Nimmu
and drives to Leh 60 kms enroute visit Alchi. Visit
the Alchi Monastery. Dinner and overnight stay at
hotel.
Day 12: Leh (by air)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & drop at
Airport for return journey with sweet memories of
Ladakh Tour. |
