Zanskar River rafting
With scenery rivalling that on the Grand Canyon, this is a true expedition not to be missed. Our journey starts when you meet us in the stunning town of Leh, where we spend a few days acclimatising in this fascinating town. We’ll have the chance to explore several monasteries and perhaps take a drive to the world’s highest motorable road. Take in the wonderful vistas from our hotel or the many roof top restaurants on offer. With friendly greetings from the Ladakh people of “Ju leh” you will certainly be immersed in a wonderful, colourful and rich culture in this unique part of India. Our drive to the river takes in one of the most scenic roads in the world. The journey time is often doubled with all the photo stops. We’ll feel like we can reach out and touch a number of glaciers that come down to the road. You’ll camp in the heart of the Himalayas on the penultimate night of the drive in the most gorgeous place we have ever experienced. On reaching the river, you’ll be treated to world class white water, stunning scenery and visits to riverside monasteries on your journey. In the ever over crowded world we live in, the Zanskar river will allow you to escape and experience one of the worlds great true adventures. We also offer another Indian adventure on the Brahmaputra River which operates in November and December.
Itinerary & Map
Domestic flight from Delhi to Leh. (Your own cost) We transfer you to your hotel where you get the chance to rest and relax in this wonderful area.
All Meals Included.
Sightseeing and acclimatizing in Leh. Light activity and short walks, as we are now over 3000 meters, to Leh palace and the town’s exciting market and outdoor restaurants. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey or Thikse , we may even take a drive over Khardung La, the worlds highest motorable road at 5602m – 18350FT!. Overnight Leh hotel.
Included: All meals
Drive Leh – Kargil – we past through a spectacular moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La (14000 ft), a high mountain pass and exit the Indus valley. En route, we visit the Lamayuru monastery (optional), known to be one of the oldest monasteries amongst the ‘Red Hat’ sect. Overnight Kargil hotel.
Included: All meals
Drive Kargil – Rangdum (3964m ; 13,000ft). A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the Nun and Kun massifs (7000 metres), hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive till Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft). Tonight sees us camping in stunning surroundings.
Included: All meals
Drive Rangdum – Remala (3635m ; 11,925ft – 6 hrs). We drive to Remala, which is the starting point for the rafting trip on the Stod River, a tributary of the Zanskar River. We drive over the Pensi La (14,500 ft), which enables grand views of the Zanskar peaks at the bottom of which is the Drung Durung glacier that feeds the Zanskar River, 40 km below, into which we flow trip the next day. Overnight tented camp.
Included: All meals
Rafting expedition begins at Remala…. Raft to near Karsha Gompa, near Padum. (3496m ; 11,466ft) We raft 30 km in five hours which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 6000 metre high peaks. River section today includes a Class II section, a good introduction for first timers. Settle into camp by afternoon, we can take an optional hike to Karsha Gompa
Included: All meals
After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha to Pidmo (3361m ; 11,025 ft). This stretch is approximately 25 km with Class II and III rapids. Another easy day to get used to the river, the altitude and hone our paddling skills.Descend the majestic Zanskar River Valley
Included: All meals
After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m ; 10,780ft) a Class III section. The gorge here narrows in on the river – this is indeed a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.
Included: All meals
LAYOVER DAY! Rest day at Nyerak. Take a hike to Nyerak village or relax under the cool shade of the willows at our Campsite. Wash up at the campsite stream and enjoy the day off or have a chance to practice kayaking.
Included: All meals
Today’s 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m; 10,465ft) through the core of the Zanskar, a classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapids where the river squeezes through a gap of about 18ft. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall at the confluence of Markha river with Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Camp at Lamaguru.
Included: All meals
We raft 40 kms of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu (3154m;10,345 ft 3-4 hrs) 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 with the Indus. Drive an hour back to Leh. Last minute retail therapy and a hot shower! Overnight in a hotel.
Included: Breakfast and lunch.
Domestic flight Leh to Delhi (at your own cost). Should you wish to extend your stay in Leh, please put in a request at the time of booking.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates & Reserve Spot | Duration |
|---|---|
| Friday 1 August 2025 - Tuesday 12 August 2025 Total Cost: $2595 | £1995 | €2250 | 12 days |
| Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Sunday 24 August 2025 Total Cost: $2595 | £1995 | €2250 | 12 days |
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of trainers or Keens that cover your toes and provide grip on wet rocks.
- 2 pairs of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costumes or bikinis for ladies.
- 2 Long sleeved thermal top and bottoms to wear under your personal floatation device. Capilene, Polypropylene or Merino wool is best. (not cotton)
- A rash vest (not cotton) as an alternative to the thermal layer.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle or Camel-back hydration system.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 pairs of warm tracksuit pants or trousers.
- 2 Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- 2 Fleece or wool jumpers.
- Light weight down jacket.
- Rain jacket
- Shorts.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- Woollen socks.
- A 4-season sleeping bag. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Trainers or walking shoes for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Insect Repellent.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
- If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
- Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.
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