|
|
|
Title:
|
Zanskar River Expedition
|
|
Duration:
|
12 days
|
|
Location:
|
Ladakh
|
|
Dates:
|
August 21st- September 1st
|
|
Grade:
|
IV
|
|
Join us on a trip of a lifetime in the Grand Canyon of Asia. This
is a river expedition with quality white-water, amazing scenery,
all immersed in the unique Buddhist culture of Ladakh. Traveling
right through the lunar landscape of western Ladakh, one the most
surreal places on the planet, visits to monasteries, palaces,
markets and villages are all part of the itinerary giving a great
insight to the culture of the area.
We start with a scenic drive past 7000 m peaks and huge glaciers
to get to the put-in of this remote river. The first two river
days give an easy introduction on gentle white-water and time
to acclimatise while surrounded by epic scenery and the occasional
monastery overlooking the river. As we reach the end of a wide
valley with the huge Zanskar mountain range looming, a tight canyon
appears and we enter the Zanskar Gorge. Often referred to as ‘Grand
Canyon of Asia’, the Canyon walls are over 1000 m high in
places. Once in the gorge we are committed to reach the end and
with big class IV rapids, and consistently moving water.
This is a high altitude trip (max. height 4450 m). Please contact
us us to discuss the implications of this and your own personal
fitness.
On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the domestic airport or hotel.
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: Acclimatise 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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: Rest Day at Nyerak
We take a rest day at Nyerak. Take the side hike up to Nyerak
village or relax in our mess tent. A nearby stream makes for a
perfect shower.
Day 10 : 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.
Day 11 : 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 trip 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.
Day 12 : Leh to Delhi
Take the amazing flight back down to Delhi over the Great Himalayan Range. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact
us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at
the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with
a trek or wildlife safari.
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
|
|
|
|
