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The Zanskar river expedition is a classic rafting holiday and is one of the best rivers for kayaking or rafting in India. It has it all, great white-water, amazing scenery and a cultural experience second to none. Also know as the Grand Canyon of Asia, it is located in the lunar-like landscape of western Ladakh. Ladakh is unique in India. With over 90% of the population practicing Buddhism it is more like Tibet than India in many ways. This expedition gives a great insight into local culture with visits to monasteries, palaces, villages and markets all included.

Like all adventure holidays in India we begin with a scenic drive with an amazing backdrop. Our first two days on the river are quite easy with smaller rapids, providing a good warm up for exercising at high altitude. The sight of the huge snow capped peaks of the Greater and Zanskar Himalayan ranges coupled with the occasional Gompa (monastery) overlooking the river is something that will stay with you long after this trip is over. After these two days we enter the Canyon and commit to reaching its end where the Zanskar joins the Indus. With Canyon walls over 1000 meters deep in places, big class IV rapids and limited road access we are truly committed on this adventure holiday, where else would you rather be!

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Arrival in India

   You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of day relaxing at the hotel or go sightseeing. Overnight Hotel.

   Arrival in India

   You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of day relaxing at the hotel or go sightseeing. Overnight Hotel.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Delhi to Leh (3505 m): 1 hr

   Take the one hour flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh. This is an incredible flight over the greater Himalaya with spectacular views of K2 (8611 m) among others. Overnight hotel.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Sightseeing
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Hotel

   Acclimatisation and sightseeing in Leh.

   Spend day in Leh to acclimatise. For the more energetic a visit to monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Or choose to relax and walk into Leh town, to its exciting market and outdoor restaurants. Enjoy the great views of Stok Kangri (6153 m) and its surrounding peaks. Overnight Leh hotel.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Leh to Kargil (2740 m): 7 hrs

   We drive to Kargil, through the spectacular Ladakhi moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La Pass (4200 m) and visit the Lamayuru monastery, stopping along the way for photo and chai (sweet milky tea) breaks. Overnight hotel in Kargil.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Kargil to Rangdum (3657 m): 6 hrs

   This drive is spectacular, taking us past Panikar and Parkachik with magnificent views of the Nun (7135 m) and Kun (7075 m) Massifs, hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive till Rangdum Gompa (3680 m). Camp overnight.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Rangdum to Remala (3635 m): 6 hrs

   The last day of driving takes us over the Pensi La pass (4450 m) and offers stunning views of the Zanskar Range and the Drung Durung Glacier. We reach the Stod River - a tributary of the Zanskar - at Remala, our put-in point and enjoy a good nights sleep under the stars in preparation for the first day on the river. Overnight camp.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Remala to Karsha (3600 m): 6 hrs

   After a comprehensive safety talk, we start on the river. Class II rapids offer a great introduction to white-water and exercising at high altitude along this 30 km section. These first two days on the river are in a wide glaciated valley. We take out beside the Karsha Gompa (monastery) near Padum. Settle into camp by afternoon, take an optional hike to the Gompa. Overnight camp.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Karsha to Pidmo (3420 m): 5 hrs

   This is another mellow day, taking us closer to the Grand Canyon of Asia. The river starts to pick up with some class III rapids allowing us to further acclimatise before entering the gorge. Enjoy great views of the panoramic peaks of the Zanskar and Greater Himalayan ranges that surround us in this small valley.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Pidmo to Nyerak (3286 m): 6 hrs

   We leave the valley behind us and enter the jaws of the Canyon. The river banks change to vertical walls and the river constricts and speeds up, we are now truly committed. We run some great rapids eventually stopping at Nyerak in the afternoon. Nyerak is one of the rare campsites in the gorge, a place where a side/hanging valley forms a gap in the gorge. Overnight camp.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Tent

    Rest Day at Nyerak

    We take a rest day at Nyerak. Take the side hike up to Nyerak village or relax with a good book. A nearby stream makes for a perfect shower.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190 m): 6 hrs

    Today’s 35 km river section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190 m) through the core of the gorge. 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 6 meters. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall and continue to camp at the confluence of Markha river with the Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Overnight Camp.

12. Day 12

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Hotel
    3. Rafting / Kayaking

    Lamaguru to Nimu (2743 m): 7 hrs

    We run 40 km of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu (3154 m) 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 Nimu. We end our expedition at the confluence of the Zanskar and the Indus (India‘s namesake). Drive an hour back to Leh. Last minute retail therapy in the Tibetan markets and a hot shower! Overnight hotel.

13. Day 13

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane
    3. Hotel

    Leh to Delhi

    Take the amazing flight back down to Delhi over the Great Himalayan Range. Full day in Delhi for shopping, sightseeing or relaxing. Overnight hotel.

14. Day 14

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Depart India

    After breakfast transfer to the international airport in time for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

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The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible to have the necessary personal equipment you need for this river expedition.
 
River Wear for Rafters

• A pair of sandals.
• A pair of shorts or swimming costume.
• A long sleeved shirt to wear under your life jacket on hots days.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.

River Wear for Kayakers

• Kayak and paddle.
• A pair of good sandals, neoprene boots, kayaking shoes (teva's).
• A pair of shorts or swimsuit.
• 2 long sleeved thermals.
• A short sleeved thermal.
• A pair of shorts.
• A pair of thermal tights.
• A full cag and drypants or a dry suit.
• Sunglasses with chums (rope so they don't fall off your head).
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A PFD (life jacket).
• A helmet. Ideally one that protects your face from the sun.
• A spraydeck.

Evening wear

• Light weight walking boots. Something comfortable to change into. Needed for hikes in the evening and on rest days.
• Two pairs of socks.
• 2 or 3 cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• A second set of thermal wear consisting of long johns and pullover to wear off the river.
• A pair of lightweight trousers.
• A pair of shorts.
• 2 fleeces or pullovers. 
• A heavy fleece or down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag, preferable 3/4 season's.
• A thermorest if you have one. We will provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen or fleece hat.
• A book and/or writing paper.
• Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.
• Water bottle.
• A Camera.
• Small towel for washing.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

The following is a typical day on the river and most days will follow this format.

Wake up with the morning sun and the comforting noise of the river flowing past your tent. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

We get on the water around 9:30 with all the gear in dry bags and waterproof barrels securely strapped to the rafts. We have a quick brief of the days plan and discuss the major rapids.

Your time on the water will be split between thrilling white water and scenic calm stretches. During the flat sections you can relax, take a swim or take your camera from the dry bag to shoot some wildlife and scenery.

Around midday we usually stop at a sandy beach for lunch. The cook and guides will prepare a healthy lunch to keep you energised for the rest of the day. After lunch we get back on the water for more white water and beautiful scenery before stopping for the day by mid afternoon.

Once everybody is changed into dry clothes we set up camp. After this there is plenty of time to relax, read a book or go for a walk. In the evening the cooks provide a three-course meal as you relax and watch the sunset, enjoying the remoteness of your surroundings. Our cooks provide the best in Indian and Western cuisine, tailored to your own taste and dietary needs.

After dinner, sit around the campfire discussing the day's adventures and speculate what tomorrow might bring.