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Rafting
On The River Indus
 While
water levels are high, between the end of June and late August,
Leh's more entrepreneurial travel agents operate rafting trips
on the river Indus. The scene is still in its infancy, and the
routes tame by comparison with Nepal's, but floating downstream
in a rugged and beautiful landscape.
The Two River Stretches
Two different stretches of the river are used: from Spitok to
the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimmu, and from Nimmu to the
ancient temple complex at Alchi. Experienced rafters may also
want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi,
which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla.
Several agents around Fort Road offer white water rafting on
the Indus, but all are acting as agents for Delhi based
operators who bring the equipment up during the season. Tickets
should be booked at least a day in advance, preferably through
the operators themselves.
Rafting Centres
The three best-established and most reliable companies in Leh
are:
· Ri Mo Rafting, who work from the Hotel Kang La Chen near The
Ecology Centre; highland adventures, on the first floor of the
Hotel Ibex Complex.
· Indus Himalaya, opposite the Hotel Yak Tail on Fort Road.
Note: Make sure while booking that the price includes
transport to and from the river, rental of life vests and
helmets, and meals, and that the raft has a waterproof strong
box for valuable.
River
Rafting in Ladakh
River
rafting in Ladakh is quite unlike anywhere else in the world.
It provides the best opportunity to enjoy and experience the
natural beauty of the spectacular landscape with deep gorges,
towering snow-capped peaks, hilltop monasteries, hillside
villages, and glimpses of the unique wildlife. Ladakh offers a
range of rafting options on the Indus and its major
tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in
white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Nimu
or Saspol, which rates 2 to 3 in the international river
grading scale of 1 to 6. Upstream of Spituk, the Indus
has the easiest stretch up to Karu, which is ideal
for basic training or "scenic floating". In
recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive option
to complement with sightseeing, and features on the itinerary
of most visitors. Several travel agencies offer all-inclusive
rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh.
The most
difficult but exciting rafting option is available on the Zanskar
River, along its spectacular course through a gorge in the
Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimu. This
is suitable only for well-organized white-water expeditions,
prepared for about a week of rafting and camping in absolute
wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters
themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a
dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangement for rescue
back-up is an essential prerequisite for embarking upon this
white-water expedition.
Zanskar
and Indus River Rafting Expedition
| Duration
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14 Days - 13
Nights
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| Places
Covered : |
Delhi- Leh -
Lamayuru - Kargil - Rangdum - Phey - Karsha - Pidmu -
Nyerak - Markha - Kaya - Skiu - Nimu-Saspul - Leh-Delhi
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| Tour
Code : |
HM0065
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A self contained multi-day
expedition down the spectacular and scenic Zanskar river
gorge. The trip takes you down extremely desolates and remote
Zanskar gorge with walls arising a few thousand feet from the
river bed. The trip ends at mighty Indus river. This combined
with hikes and visits to various monasteries in the Zanskar
and Ladakh region makes this a fascinating trip to the last
truly lost horizon of our shrinking planet. This run through
grade III-IV rapids enhances the experience of journeying down
this otherwise untrekkable gorge.
Day 1 : Fly Delhi- Leh
Sightseeing. Overnight Leh.
Day 2 : Acclimatization and sightseeing.
Overnight Leh.
Day 3 : Drive Leh-Lamayuru-Kargil(180
kms/5 hrs.)
Overnight Kargil.
Day 4 : Drive Kargil-Rangdum.(12000
feet).
Overnight camp.
Day 5 : Drive Rangdum-Phey(7hrs).
Overnight camp.
Day 6 : Raft Phey-Karsha(18 kms).
Overnight camp
Day 7 : Raft Karsha-Pidmu(20km/4hr).
Overnight camp.
Day 8 : Raft to Nyerak(25km/5hr)
Overnight camp.
Day 9 : Raft Nyerak-Markha(35km/6hr).
Overnight camp.
Day 10 : Hike to Kaya and Skiu
Overnight camp.
Day 11 : Hike to Kaya and Skiu
Hike to Kaya and Skiu
Day 12 : Raft Nimu-Saspul(20km/3hr).
Visit Aalchi gompa and drive to Leh.
Day 13 : Day at Leisure.
Day 14 : Fly Leh-Delhi
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