River rafting in Jammu Kashmir, India

River rafting in Jammu Kashmir

River rafting in Leh is one of the most popular adventure sports in the area. The rivers here are fed by melting snow from the mighty Himalayas and this, coupled with breath-taking views of mountains on either side, makes the rafting experience in India some of the most enjoyable in the world.

Rafting in Leh: Rafting Zanskar

River rafting in Leh is a spectacular thrill-a-minute ride. Rafting Zanskar river is an item on the bucket list of many a rafting enthusiast. This is a voluminous river with an impressive amount of water and provides some adrenaline-pumping rapids scattered all over the route. As you go rafting in Leh, depending on the route you choose, you’ll pass desert-like landscape, go through ancient valleys with rock walls that are 100 feet high in some places, and past villages stuck in time.

Rafting in Leh: Rafting Indus

The Indus is one of the longest rivers in Asia and was the cradle of the oldest civilisation in the world. Rafting on the Indus is slightly easier and quieter than Zanskar.

Very Easy Rafting Zanskar: Tsogsti to Nimmo:

For those of you who still want a piece of the rafting Zanskar action, but prefer a more relaxed experience, Tsogsti to Nimmo is the stretch for you. It is a low difficulty level rafting trip that covers 5 kms of flat-water and low grade rapids. Even though this trip is slightly lower on the adrenaline scale, the views are fantastic and make for a memorable trip.

Easy Rafting Zanskar: Scorpoche to Nimmo

Get ready for some chills and thrills as you raft on the cold and silty water of the Zanskar river. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a quick rafting Zanskar session of 18 kms, this is moderately challenging and allows participants to immerse themselves in the action, while taking in stunning views of the valley from an altitude of 3000 metres.

Moderate Rafting Zanskar: Phey to Nimmo

Phey to Nimmo is a popular trip for rafting in Leh, owing to a mix of low and high grade rapids. This is a moderately challenging stretch of 25 kms and ends at the confluence of Zanskar and Indus in Nimmo. The route consists mostly of grade 2 and 3 rapids and passes through some breath-taking mountains with old monasteries dotted all over the valley.

Challenging Rafting Zanskar: Chilling to Nimmo

Get an adrenalin high while you raft for 28 kms in Ladakh on the Zanskar river. You'll be in the thick of the action with the Chilling rapid, Shoot rapid, Scorpoche rapid, and Gorge rapid of the Zanskar river, passing through some stunning landscapes along the way. The trip ends at the confluence of Zanskar and Indus in Nimmo.

Very tough river rafting in Leh: Saspol to Khalsi

Also known as Alchi-Khalsi, this route for river rafting in Leh is one of the most challenging and adventurous rafting trips in Asia. Suited only for experienced rafters, this is a grade 5 expedition and has often been compared to the white-water of the Zambezi river. The trip takes place on the lower Indus river and takes total of 4 hours on water.

Rafting Pahalgam

River rafting Pahalgam is a wonderful and scenic adventure for those who want to get a closer look at the gorgeous landscape of Kashmir. When rafting Pahalgam, the best stretches are on the Lidder river. The skies above are clear blue, the river flows clear and cold, and the views stretch out on both sides. There are different stretches here too, from shorter easier stretches for families with children or for nervous beginners, and longer stretches with higher grade rapids for the more experienced.

When to go river rafting in Leh

Between June to late August, the water levels are high and hence these are best months for river rafting in Leh. The water is always cold, but with the cloudless skies and warm sun during these months, you’ll be better off. During peak winter months, the Zanskar river freezes over completely, and becomes the location for the iconic Chadar trek.