Rafting in Ladakh

If you are an adventure sports lover and passionate about river rafting then here’s an opportunity for you. Have you ever thought of rafting in the Zanskar or in the Indus? If not, then you should pack your rucksack and head towards the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir which provides a unique opportunity for river rafting. You can either opt for gentle floating or white water rafting amidst the stunning scenery in the Zanskar or Indus River.

Rafting on the Zanskar

Originally known as the Tsarap, Zanskar originates from the high altitude of Sarchu on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The river carves a path out of the rocky mountains of western Himalayas, plummeting in a constant torrent of class V rapids. The river then flows into the kingdom of Zanskar and flows past the capital at Padum. It then joins Stod River which flows down from the Pensi La pass on the road from Kargil to Padum. The river rafting experience in the Zanskar gives you an opportunity to go through the beautiful gorges in Asia. The harsh, barren and rocky massifs are interspersed with colorful bands of mineral deposits, which run through entire stretch. The expedition ends at the confluence of the Indus and the Zanskar rivers at Nimmu. The river in winters is famous for the great Ice walk on the river from Nimmu till Padum and back.

Rafting on the Indus

Locally known as the the Singhe Khababs (out of Lion’s mouth), the Indus River flows across the northwest to the south east, passing through Ladakh region and then flows into Pakistan where it joins the Shayok and Suru to become major historical Indus River. The Indus originates near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake in Western Tibet. The best time for rafting on the Indus is during the month of June till late August when water levels remain high. Usually a river rafting expedition on the Indus stretches form one to five days. You can get excellent views of Ladakh and Zanskar ranges which also houses the Buddhist monasteries. The white water Indus has generally rapids of I and II grades and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids. The popular rafting points are from Phey to Nimo and from Upshi to Kharu or from Upshi to Nimo. The other points run from Phey to Saspol or Phey to the Indus - Zanskar confluence at Nimo and from Nimo to the historical monastic enclave of Alchi, about 75 Kms west of Leh. If you are more adventurous and an experienced rafter you can even challenge yourself by rafting between Alchi and Khaltsey, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. The more easy route include run between Hemis (40km south of Leh) situated along a road crossing the Indus and Choglamsar. This is a quiet three hour trip and passes through villages of Stakna, Thiksey and Shey before ending at Choglamsar, just short of Leh city.