Himalayan Rafting | Himalayan Rafting tour | Himalayan Rafting india

A once in a lifetime experience. There is no other way to describe our Ladakh adventure. The 14 days Zanskar expedition to this lunar landscape often referred to as Little Tibet, provides everything in terms of a cultural experience and adventure.

During the two days of acclimatization at the Lha Rimo Hotel, in Leh after the flight in from Delhi there is time to visit Buddhist monasteries, the old palace and the quaint bazaar of Leh town. The three days drive from Leh to the put-in point at Padum in the Zanskar valley, is filled with natural wonders like hanging glaciers; a drive over the PensiLa (pass) at 14500 ft; the Drung Durung glacier which feeds the Zanskar river; driving through green oasis like villages in the lunar landscape and orchards of apricots ripe with fruit.

The 7 days river journey on the Zanskar takes you through the Zanskar gorge referred to as the Grand Canyon of Asia, through Grade III and Grade IV rapids which add a dimension of excitement and adventure. Hikes to monasteries and villages which are otherwise inaccessible all add to the charm of this trip.

The only alternative to traverse the Zanskar gorge is in winter, when locals trek along its frozen waters the only exit to Leh!

There is always a good chance to spot wild life as we travel along since the area since the areas is home to the ibex, mountain goat and snow leopard. The trip ends at Alchi, 60 kms. downstream of Leh where our jeeps come to collect us and take us to the comfortable Lha Rimo Hotel in Leh. Two nights in Leh at the end of the trip give you time for last minute shopping in the bazaar and sacvour a few extra moments in this magical place.

Day 1:
Fly Delhi/Leh (11,500 ft.) Check in at the hotel Lha Rimo. Relax, don't exert yourself, your body needs to acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 2:
Light activity and short walks around Leh. The quaint Leh market is a great place to start exploring as are the numerous bakeries selling mouth- watering gourmet delights. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Spituk, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3:
We drive a 180 kms. From Leh to Mulbek / Kargil, through a spectacular lunar landscape. Crossing the high mountain pass, Fotu La (14,000 ft), from the Indus valley into the Suru Valley. We visit the Lamayuru monastery enroute, known to be one of the oldest monasteries amongst the Red Hat sect. Overnight hotel/PWD Rest House.

Day 4:
The most spectacular drive filled with natural wonders. We drive to Ringdum Gompa (12,000 ft.). Few mountain drives get you this close to the Great Himalaya. The awesome mass of the Nun Kun massif over 7000m high with its hanging glacier across the road from us, dominating todays journey. Overnight in the PWD rest house at Ringdum.

Day 5:
We drive for approx. 06 hrs to Remala which is the put-in point for the rafting trip. The drive is across the Pensi La at 14,500 ft. at the top of which, we stop for lunch surrounded by an awe inspiring arena of the Zanskar peaks at the bottom of which ids the Drung Durung glacier that feeds the Zanskar river, 40 kms below, on which we begin our rafting trip tomorrow. Overnight tented camp.

Day 6:
Himalayan Rafting india

Rafting expedition commences from Remala to Karsha Gompa, near Padum. We cover approx. 30 kms. in 05 hrs. which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 6000 m Himalayan and Zanskar peaks. Rapids encountered today are all Class II, a good introduction for first time rafters as well as to the river in general. After settling into campo, take a short walk to Kharsha Compa for the evening incantations by the monks.

Day 7:
After breakfast trip starts in the morning form Kharsha uptil Pidmu. This stretch is approximately 30 kms. with Class II & III rapids. After settling into the camp by mid afternoon, we visit the nearby villages of Pidmu and Hanomil.

Day 8:
Today we raft approx. 20 kms to Nyerak, through Class III rapids and the canyon closes in on us through this I gorge section and the views are akin to the Grand Canyon. We make a camp in a steep gorge below Nyerak village.

Day 9:
Todays rafting stretch is approx. 35 kms from Nyerak to Lamaguru. This is the heart of Zanskar. Awe inspiring rock formations with indescribable colours. A good white water day with continuous Class III rapids, with a few Class IVs where the river narrows down to 15 ft in width. We stop for lunch at a huge waterfall at the confluence of Markha river with Zanskar.

Day 10:
Hiking day today. We hike up the Markha valley to Skiu village to partake of the local culture and colour. Picnic lunch enroute. Overnight in Lamaguru camp.

Day 11:
Rafting from Lamaguru to Nimu today. 40 kms. on the water through class III/IV white water. The Zanskar joins the Indus river near Nimu. We camp short of the confluence of the two rivers. Overnight.

Day 12:
Raft approx. 25 kms. from Nimu to finish the trip at Alchi through class III / IV rapids After taking our at Alchi, we walk up to the centuries old monastery to view the beautiful frescos and wood carvings. Drive back 60 kms. to Leh and check in to Lha Rimo hotel.

Day 13:
In Leh Rest and relaxation (and those much needed baths!) and time to catch up with any last minute shopping.

How fit do I need to be for the trip? How difficult is it overall and what about the water challenge?
Anybody wit a keen sense for the great outdoor, with average fitness levels, no serious health problems, can do it. The Zanskar is a medium difficult river, suitable to first-time rafters. It's graded Class IV due to its remote location and high altitude. The river is our highway to exploring an otherwise inaccessible area. The first few days is mild white water and incredible, high Himalayan scenery. Control of the raft is always in the experienced hands of your guide, who teaches you rafting basics and teamwork for the challenges further on inside the Zanskar canyon.

What is routine/ schedule day on the river?
We raft in the forenoon, covering on average about 30kms on river each day. After lunch and camp set-up, the afternoon is for exploring the countryside and inhabitation and Buddhist monasteries tucked away on steep cliffs. For one day during the river journey, there is no rafting, but the entire day is spent trekking up the picturesque Markha valley. Afternoon activities, after rafting, lunch and camp set-up, are optional and you could choose to stay in camp and take in the scenery, or read a book.

What kind of accommodation and meals can I expect on the trip?
In Leh you will stay in one of the best hotels the Lha Rimo, on a twin occupancy basis (single supplement extra). All your meal and accommodation are included in the price. The hotel meal menus are fixed, but a large selection caters to all tastes. On the rivers journey and transit, the stay is in rest house for 2 nights, but mostly in tented accommodation. Tents provided, are Alpine design, for 2 persons and single, with self-inflating mattresses for ultimate camping comfort. There is a dining tent and awning, folding chairs / stools and tables. A toilet tent is provided, complete with toilet paper. There is a full American spread for breakfast, with cereal, eggs buns / toast etc. river lunches are packed sandwiches and an assortment of add-ons, with all the nutrition and calories you need. Our cook tent and kitchen staff produces freshly cooked meals at each and every camp, catering to both Indian and western tastes. Drinking water is sourced from springs and treated with iodine.

Am I expected to help in the camp set-up and daily chores?
You can help our staff put-up and take down your tent if you so like. But everything else, including cooking, washing-up, set-up of toilets, dining tent, packing and loading, is taken care of, by the staff and guides.

Why spend two days in Leh on the way in? We could save on time and costs?
The 2days is because, your body needs to acclimatize to heights, since you have flown in from Delhi (780 ft ASL) to Leh (11,500 ft ASL). You should not exert yourself for the first 48 hrs, drinking plenty of water and letting your body acclimatize to the oxygen-starved atmosphere. During this stay shot walks to the nearby monasteries and the market in Leh is in order, with no hectic activity.

Can the 3 day drive to the start of the river trip, be shortened?
The 3-day drive is actually one of the high points of the journey. Few mountain drives in the world offer such a varied and breathtaking landscape, cultural experience and geological wonders, as this drive to the put-in point of the Zanskar river. We do not drive more than 6hrs per day, so that you can take-in the scenery, photos, check out the monasteries and interact with the locals at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.

What do we wear on the river? What do we bring and how do we pack?
Footwear, either running shoes or strap-up sandals with woolen socks, is included in you list of things to bring, provided at the time of booking. All your personal gear and sleeping bags are packed at the time of water proof gear bags, ensuring complete water tightness. Smaller dry bags, or easy access water proof bags are also provided by us, for your cameras, sun block and things you would want to access during the river trip. HRR provides you with 3mm neoprene wetsuits designed for white-water use and is mandatory (you could bring your personal one if you so desire). We also provide neoprene gloves, nylon splash jacket, on top of which you wear our life jacket and helmets. Optimal protection against the icy Zanskar waters.

What are the day and nights temperatures and what sort of weather can I expect on the trip?
Good weather is normally expected at this time of year. Maximum day temperatures do not exceed 32C and night temperatures, usually not lower than 10C. due to high altitude and rarified atmosphere the sun can be very hot and we recommend an adequate supply of sun block for sensitive skin. We still ensure you come adequately prepared, for adverse weather conditions.

Can children go on this trip?
Children below the age of 14 yrs is not recommended. However between 14 yrs and 17 yrs along with parent / guardian has on past occasion been a great bonding and learning experience for parent and child.

Do I need to know swimming, to go rafting?
Not necessary. Our life jackets, equipment and safety briefing by our experienced guide, are more than adequate. A certain amount of nervousness can be expected from non swimmers however you should not be overly apprehensive of moving water.

1. There are only 2 fixed date departures in August / early September
2. Please book early. Limited space. Maximum 15 person per trip.
3. Booking are confirmed with a 25% non-refundable advance deposit 60 days prior to date of departure.
4. Balance 75% is payable 45 day before trip departure date
5. We accept cash, Delhi cheques / bank drafts in favour of Oasis excursions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
6. In case of non- Delhi cheques add 2% of the total towards bank processing fee.

INSURANCE
1. As in most aspects of life, outdoor travel is not without risk. We do not provide trip / travel insurance.
2. Oasis Excursions India (P). Ltd. reserves the right to alter / change the trip itinerary due to circumstance beyond our control such as bad weather, land slides, floods etc.

CANCELLATION POLICY
1. 50% of total cost if cancelled 30 days prior to trip departure date
2. 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of trip departure date.