Ladakh Leh White Water Rafting and Trek

THE ZANSKAR RIVER RAFTING EXPEDITION

Our "special" yearly feature drives through most of western Laddakh, monasteries, palaces, villages, hikes and travel to one of the most surreal places on the planet. The trip begins with a flight over the Himalayas into the Trans-Himalayan region of Laddakh in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We spend a couple of days in Leh town acclimatizing at 11,000 feet above sea level and visiting the ancient monasteries, palaces and villages around Leh. We then drive west of Leh past the town of Kargil and travel south into the valley of Zanskar, one of the coldest inhabited places on earth. Starting the trip on the Stod river, we begin our self contained multi-day river adventure down the spectacular and scenic Zanskar river gorge. The trip takes you down the extremely desolate, remote and sheer Zanskar gorge with walls rising a few thousand feet out of the river bed, culminating on the mighty Indus river, (which incidentally lends India its name). 

Undoubtedly a classic, this journey to the last truly lost horizon of our shrinking planet - Zanskar, the "land of white copper" is a trip of a lifetime.

Day 01: Delhi - Leh
Arrive Leh at 0800 Hrs. Transfer to hotel. Rest, hydrate and acclimatise. Overnight Leh hotel.

Day 02: Leh 
Leh. Acclimatise and sightseeing. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Or choose to realx and walk into Leh town, to its exciting market and outdoor restaurants. Overnight Leh hotel. 

Day 03: Leh - Kargil 
Drive Leh - Kargil (3201m; 10500 ft ; 9-10 hrs). We drive from Leh to Mulbek - Kargil, through a spectacular moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La (14,000 ft), a high mountain pass and exit the Indus valley. Enroute, we do a photo stop above the Lamayuru monastery belonging to the 'Red Hat' sect. Overnight Kargil hotel. 

Day 04: Drive Kargil - Rangdum (12,000ft) - Phey. 
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) and stop for tea break and then continue with our journey to Phey. 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. 

Day 05: Phey - Karsha - Zangla
Early break fast and then we drive to Karsha Gompa. After visiting Karsha Monastery we start our rafting expedition near Karsha Gompa, (3496m; 11,466ft; 2 hrs) we raft 30 km in 3- 4 hrs 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 as well as to the river in general. Settle into camp at Jangla by afternoon. Easy day to get used to the river, the altitude and hone our paddling skills.

Day 06: Zangla - Nyerak 
After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m; 10,780ft; 3 hrs) a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river - this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.

Day 07 : Nyerak
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.

Day 08: Nyerak - Lamaguru 
Today's 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m; 10,465ft; 5-6 hrs including scout and lunch) through the core of the Zanskar 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 18ft. 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. Camp. 

After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m; 10,780ft; 3 hrs) a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river - this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village

Day 09: Lamaguru - Nimmo 
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 hotel. 

Day 10: Leh Rest & Free day.

Day 11: Leh - Delhi 
Transfer to Leh airport. Fly Leh - Delhi.

Program Cost - USD 2100 per person 

The Cost includes - 
» All jeep transfers as mentioned in the itinerary 
» Airport transfers 
» Accommodation on twin share basis in tents / rest houses / hotels 
» All toll taxes and forest & panchayat fees 
» Porters and Ponies for the equipments to be carried to the put in point 
» All camping and rafting expeditions logistics including kitchen staff, support staff and trip leader (Instructors with an experience of 16 years of running the rivers) 
» All rafting gears for the trip 
» Accommodations during the raft in two men high altitude tents and carry mats and sleeping bags. 
» All meals while on the expeditions 

Prices Do Not Include: 
» Any expenses of personal Nature. 
» Air Fare
» Monument Entrance fees. 
» Guide charges. 
» Any thing not specifically mentioned under the head "Cost Include". 

Company Liability:- 
» It is in the nature of a holiday of this kind to be flexible. The day to day agenda and ultimate goal of the tour is taken as an aim and not as a contractual obligation. We shall not be responsible for the delays or alterations in the program or expenses incurred due to conflict, international or internal flight delay or cancellations, strikes, sickness, weather, landslides, war, vehicle problems, political closures and disputes. 
» The booking is accepted on the understanding that you realize the potential risks and hazards that can be involved in holidays of this kind. Questrails, along with our associates/leaders/guides and any one else working in association with us can not be held responsible for any death, accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services connected with the holiday. 
» The cost is for the entire package and there would be no refunds in case any part of the package is not availed. 
» The Company would not be liable to pay any kind of compensation arising because of any mishap, sickness, accident etc 

TREKKING AND RAFTING THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

This trek is most enchanting and adventurous as you have to cross 8 passes in 11 days trekking. The trek starts from Lamayuru and ends at Padum (capital of Zanskar) from where you will drive back to Leh via Rangdom and Kargil. In this trek you will spend first seven days in Ladakh and rest four days in Zanskar.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, Transfer to hotel, Or airport to catch the flight to Leh otherwise you may change airport to get Leh.

Days 02: Flight Delhi – Leh

Transfer to domestic Airport for fly to Leh. Arrive Leh, transfer to hotel. Day is at complete leisure to get you fully acclimatize with the altitude. Overnighte at hotel in Leh. (3500 m)

Days 03: Drive Leh – Stok – Matho – Leh (3500 m)

After breakfast drive to Stok via Choklamsar by crossing a bridge on the river Indus. In Stok, visit the royal palace of present king and queen which was constructed by the king Tsespal Tondup Namgyal in 1825. Inside the palace, great collection of ancient royal ornaments, Thankas and old statues. After visit Stok Palace, drive to Matho village, 10 km from Stok. Matho monastery built by Lama Tumgpa Dorje in 13th century. The famous two oracles (known as Rongtsan), who were invited from Tibet by the founder of this monastery still make appearance during the festival of monastery. After visit Matho, drive back to Leh. In the evening visit Shanti Stupa and Sankar Monastery in Leh. Overnight at Guest House in Leh.

Days 04: Drive Leh – Shey – Thisey – Hemis – Leh

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Hemis monastery which is 45 km far from Leh and it takes 90 minute drive. The great Mahasiddha Staktsang Raspa along with great ancestor Singey Namgyal builds this biggest monastery in 16th century. After visiting this monastery, drive back to Thiksey monastery, which is 27 km from Hemis. This monastery is the oldest monastery of Gelugpa School in Ladakh. The great Lama Paldan Shesrap build in 14th century. Here you can see the big statue of the Future Buddha. After visiting this monastery drive back to Leh via visiting Shey Palace. Overnight at Guest House in Leh.

Days 05: Drive Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru.

Drive early morning to Lamayuru, enroute visit Alchi. It is situated at a distance of 62 Km from Leh. Alchi monastery was built by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (The great translator) 1000 years ago and is considered to be the most famous and largest among the entire monastery built by him. After visit Alchi, drive to Lamayuru which is 70 Km from Alchi. Lamayuru monastery was constructed by Arahat Nimagung in between 10th and 11th century. In the 11th century the Mahasidha Naropa visited this site and the cave where he resided and meditated is still to be seen there inside the monastery. Overnight at camp in Lamayuru.

Days 06: Trek Lamayuru – Wanla  (3350m) (5 hrs)

After breakfast, start trek from the camp. After the fields, turn left following the narrow stream downward. This route will take you to the Prinkitila Pass (3725m). From here, follow the gorge until you enter into the Shillakong valley. The non metallic road towards left from here goes to Wanla village and towards right goes in to the Shillakong gorge. From this point, you can see the monastery of Wanla (Red Coloured Gompa) on the top of the hill above the village which is still about 2/3 km. away. Visit Wanla Monastery which is also the oldest and one among the monastries founded by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo about 1000 years ago. Overnight at camp.

Days 07: Trek Wanla – Phanjila – Hanupatta (7 hrs)

After breakfast, star easy walk up to Phanjila. From Phanjila take right side valley then follow left bank of the river until end of the valley. Pass the village of Hanupatta and about 1 km ahead is the camping site on the either side of the river. Overnight at camp.

Days 08: Trek Hanupatta – Sirisir-la (4805m) – Photoksar (7 hrs)

Start trek early from Hanupatta camp. Cross the river and follow the trek upstream along the right side. From here the pass of Sirsir-la (4805m) is about 3 to 4 hours. Cross the Tang river and start to ascend the pass along the left side. For lunch, it should be planned to cross the Sirsirla, because, it is not advisable to ascend the pass after having lunch. The camp at Photoksar is before the village and can be put either side of the small river. Overnight at camp.

Days 09: Trek Photoksar – Boumitse-la (4200m) – Base of Singey-la (7 hrs)

After breakfast, continue trek. Today you have to cross one easy pass. Right from the camp, start ascend for few meter and then continue along the clear path.beatiful view of village Photoksar and surrounding mountains and gorge. Carry on ascending up to top of Boumitse-la, From the pass you can directly see the Singela Pass which is about more than three hours trek from this point. Until the base of Singe-la, you have to cross several small streams so advisable to carry extra pair of stockings in case you get wet. Overnight in camp at base of Singe-La.

Days 10: Trek Base of Singe-la – Singe-la (4960m) – Kyukpa-la (3850) – Skyumphatta.

Right from the camp, start ascending up to top of Singe-la. It is easy to ascend but 1200m before the top, it is steep ascend in zigzag. From the pass, the route descends steeply to a loose boulder strewn area. This is called Champado Gongma. Continue along the right side of the valley, clear path up to village Skyumphatta. Beautiful and awesome view of landscape of the valley. Follow the beaten track to the Kyukpa-la Pass (3850m), easy ascend. Easy descend from the pass about 300m. and cross a clear water stream. Camp near of above the stream. Overnight: Camp at Skyumphatta village.

Days 11: Trek Skyumpatta – Lingshed – Hanamu-la Base (7 ½ hrs)

From Skyumpatta follow the trail and start ascending the Netuksila pass. It is a long ascent and advice to carry enough water as you could not find water until the camp. From the pass again follow the well-defined route to Lingshed. Visit the Lingshet monastery which is very interesting with the old statues. Lingshed monastery is constructed on the top of hill by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (the translator). The deity can be viewed once in a year 15th day of 4th Tibetan month. After visit Lingshed, continue towards the Hanamu-la Base by crossing the small bridge. Pass the village by ascending along the right side. Overnight at camp. (4000m)

Days 12: Trek Hanamu-La Base – Hanamu-La (4700m) – Zingchen (7 ½ hrs.)

After breakfast, start to climb the pass which is in Zig-Zag. Arrive at top of the pass, you have a wonderful view of Landscape. Cross the pass and continue descending for 20 minutes and there is good and flat area to have Lunch. After having Lunch, continue descending. After descending steep, you eventually reach near a river, cross the river and arrive at camp. Overnight at camp in Zingchen. (3550m)

Days 13: Zingchen – Parfila (3900m) – Hanamur village (6 hrs)

Start the trek along the downstream of the river up to the Stupa from where you start to climb to the Parfila. Cross the pass, here on top of the pass, you have a amazing and lovely view of Landscape. You will see for the first time the Zanskar River on your left. The camp is another two hours in the tree grove of Hanamur village. Overnight at camp. (3600m)

Day 14: Trek Hanamur – Pidmo – Pishu – Zangla (5/6 hrs)

 From here the route is following the Right Bank of the Zanskar River until the village of   Pishu On the way you pass through the village Pidmo and Pastureland. Here you may find some Yaks and domestic animals.

Day 15: Drive Zangla – Stongde – Padum –Karsha.

Today you have full day culture tour around Padum by drive. Morning after breakfast, drive to Stongde village. Visit beautiful picturesque monastery built on hill top by Lama Marpa 950 years ago.Approximately 60 monks are residing in this monastery. After the visit, continue drive to Karsha (Pair of White i.e., Outer white and Inner white). Visit Karsha monastery. This monastery is the largest of all the monastery in Zanskar and this monastery (Gonpa) was first founded by Great Lama Phagspa Shesrap (the translator of Zanskar). From the monastery, you have amazing and spectacular view of the capital of zanskar (Padum) and its surrounding mountains. After the visit explore Padum (The capital of Zanskar). Overnight in Padum.

YOU HAVE OPTION TO WHITE WATER RAFTING IN ZANSKAR RIVER FOR 4 DAYS BACK TO LEH.

Day 16: Drive - Sani – Bardan – Dzongkhul – Padum

Morning after breakfast, drive to Sani to visit the most famous monastery wherein you visit the sacred statues of Buddhas and Boddhisattavas.this monastery located and picturesquely built in the middle of field and houses.After the visit, proceed to Dzongkhul monastery and then continue drive to Bardan monastery. On the way you have the view of beautiful and charming villages of Zangskar valley. After visiting the Bardan village, drive back to Padum. Evening enjoy walking in and around the market of Padum. Overnight in Padum. (3700m)

Day 17: Drive Padum – Rangdum – Kargil (245km)

Today you drive Padum to Kargil (245km). You have long journey but enroute you have unforgettable, enchanting and awesome view of landscape of Suru valley and its surrounding magnificient mountain peaks. As usual, morning after breakfast, drive to Kargil. Enroute visit Rangdum monastery and cross Pentsi-la (4400m). After crossing the Pentse-la pass. You continue drive and then your first glace will be Rangdum monastery. History says that Gelek Yashy Takpa built this picturesque monastery on hill top about 200 years ago. This monastery is physically located in the Suru Valley and culturally it is part of Zanskar. From the monastery, you have wonderful panoramic view of landscape and Randum village. After the visit, drive to Rangdum village where you find some restaurants. Take some refresment and then continue drive to Kargil. You have the view of highest mountain peak in the region Nun(7035m) and Kun(7180m) and you pass across several beautiful and charming villages (inhabitants are almost Muslim) of Kargil Distric. Arrive Kargil. Overnight at hotel in Kargil. (2900m)

Day 18: Drive Kargil – Mulbek – Leh (225kms / 7hrs)

Morning after breakfast, drive to Leh visiting Mulbek chamba (Rock curved statue of Maitreya Buddha). Today you drive on Srinagar- Leh highway till Leh. Spectacular and magnificien view of landscape and its beautiful mountains like pillar in the blue sky. You pass across many beautiful and charming villages of Ladakh. Arrive Mulbek and visit 9m high rock curved statue of Maitreya Buddha. After the visit continue drive to Leh via crossing Photo-la. Arrive Leh. Overnight at Hotel in Leh.

Day 19: Leh

The day is free for Rest or Shopping.

Day 20: Flight Leh – Delhi

Early morning transfer to Airport to take flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi, transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Delhi.

Day 21: Sightseeing (Delhi) & Departure

Morning after breakfast, sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. In the evening, transfer to International Airport for return flight.