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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

   Fly from Delhi to Leh.

3. Day 3

   Activities

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

   Acclimatisation and sightseeing in Leh.

   Sightseeing in and around Leh.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Leh to Kargil (2740 m): 7 hrs

   Drive from Leh to Kargil.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Kargil to Rangdum (3657 m): 6 hrs

   Drive from Kargil to Rangdum.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Rangdum to Remala (3635 m): 6 hrs

   Drive from Rangdum to Remala.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Remala to Karsha (3600 m): 6 hrs

   Raft from Remala to Karsha.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Karsha to Pidmo (3420 m): 5 hrs

   Raft from Karsha to Pidmo.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Pidmo to Nyerak (3286 m): 6 hrs

   Raft from Pidmo to Nyerak.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Tent

    Rest Day at Nyerak

    Rest and enjoy Nyerak at the center of the canyon.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190 m): 6 hrs

    Raft from Nyerak to Lamaguru.

12. Day 12

    Activities

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

    Lamaguru to Nimu (2743 m): 7 hrs

    Raft from Lamaguru to Nimu and then drive to Leh.

13. Day 13

    Activities

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

    Leh to Delhi

    Fly from Leh to Delhi.

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.