Zanskar Rafting Expedition

Today we arrive in Srinagar and transfer to a beautiful houseboat via ferry shikhara. We enjoy a traditional Kashmiri meal, and attend a trip briefing in the evening. Overnight in houseboat.

Houseboat in Srinagar

After an early start, we start our drive to Kargil along a very scenic route. We take a break in Sonmarg on the way to admire the scenery. After this, the landscape begins to change from meadows and lush vistas to a more rocky look. It's a long drive, and we break in Drass as well, to pay our respects to our fallen heroes. By afternoon or late evening, we reach Kargil where we check into a hotel. Enjoy your hot showers here, because it's the last we'll have until we return to civilization. Overnight in hotel.

Hotel D'Zojila in Kargil

Our drive today marks our ascent past the Nun and Kun massif, which is about 30,000 feet high, as well as hanging glaciers and mountain meadows. We'll camp outdoors overnight in Rangdum.

Camping in tents

The drive today will take us over Pensi La, the 14,500 feet high pass close to the entrance of the Zanskar. We reach Remala, on the River Stod, a tributary of the Zanskar. Look out for fabulous views of peaks all around. Overnight in tents.

Camping in tents

Finally, now that we are all acclimatized, the rafting begins. Today we raft 30 kms in Grade II rapids, serving as an introduction to the river. By afternoon, we reach Padum and break our journey for the night. Overnight in tents.

Camping in tents

Today we start later in the morning and raft for 25 kms. This takes us through Grade II and III rapids up to Honyo/Pidmo. Camp overnight in tents.

Camping in tents

Our route today takes us through an exciting gorge that narrows on the river. Construction activities (and a fallen construction vehicle!) have contributed to the formation of a new rapid called the Dislocator. We end this exciting Grade III rafting day in Nyerak. Overnight in tents.

Camping in tents

Today we take it easy in Nyerak and exchange anecdotes about the adventures of the last few days. There is a short hike to Nyerak village for those who are interested, but the campsite has a cool stream and willows to rest under, for those less inclined to doing anything. Overnight in campsite.

Camping in tents

Today is a thrill-a-minute white water rafting day, as we take on continuous Grade III and even some Grade IV rapids. It's also a long day, with 6 hours on the river as we cover the 35 km stretch to Lamaguru. One of the highlights is our lunch picnic spot - a beautiful waterfall. Overnight at campsite.

Camping in tents

The Zanskar river plunges out of the canyon and into the Indus, and we'll be riding the rapids right here! After a tough day of 4 hours of Grade III and IV rapids, we finally reach the confluence of the rivers. With this, we're done with the rafting. Leh is a one-hour drive from here, and we head back for showers and hotel rooms. Overnight in hotel in Leh.

Hotel in Leh

Today we explore Leh, visiting monasteries, local markets and outdoor restaurants. Overnight in hotel in Leh.

Hotel in Leh

Transfer to Leh airport, and onwards by air to Delhi. Trip ends here.

Trip ends before nightfall