An
adventure lover’s paradise, Ladakh is blessed with the mighty Zanskar
and Indus rivers, providing suitable conditions to enjoy the river rafting.
Today, Ladakh is one of the most popular white-water rafting destinations,
encompassing some of the most enthralling rapids of the world
What makes Zanskar special for tourists as well as adventure enthusiasts?
Of course, the fact that Zanskar is the only river in India where rafting in
summers are possible. The 150 km long Zanskar river originates from the high
altitude Sarchu Plateau situated at the border of Jammu and Kashmir and
Himachal Pradesh.
Originally known as the Tsarap river, it crosses Padum and joins with the
Stod river which comes from Pensi La pass and it is from this confluence the
Zanskar river takes birth. Further, Zanskar river flows through the Zanskar
mountain ranges, cuts solid rocks enroute and makes it way first to north
and then to east and finally joins the river Indus at Nemu.
White Water Rafting on Zanskar river provides a great variety of rapids
from Grave I to Grade V. Above all, the river passes through small isolated
villages and hamlets, where friendly people on the way greeting you, makes
your rafting a trip of a lifetime.
Famous Stretches
Padum to Nemu Rafting Stretch : One of the most popular
runs on Zanskar river, Padum to Nemu run covers a distance of 120 kms.
Considered the most difficult run, Padum - Nemu trip is suitable only for
well organized rafting expedition. As the trip takes several days so you
have to stay in camps set in utter wilderness.
Padum to Nemu stretch is replete with exhilarating rapids including Grade
III and Grade IV rapids, which can be dangerous. Rafting across Padum - Nemu
run is only for well trained and experienced rafter and you must be
well-equipped with right equipments. Sufficient arrangements for rescue
coverage is a pre-requisite for undertaking the rafting expedition on
Zanskar river.
Phey to Nemu Rafting
Stretch : Slightly easier than the Padum - Nemu stretch, the Phey - Nemu
route offers Grade II or III rapids. Phey - Nemu run starts at Phey village,
just 12 kms from Leh and ends at Nemu, about 36 kms from Leh. While rafting
on this route, you will pass through breathtakingly beautiful mountains,
many of them housing the tiny hamlets and splendid old monasteries flanked
by the lovely valleys.
Rafting Operators in Ladakh
A number of travel agents in and around Ladakh offer attractive white water
rafting packages on the Zanskar river. Phey to Nemo rafting expedition will
cost you around Rs. 800 - 900, including transport, raft and lunch. Apart
from these, the travel agencies make arrangements for special permits
required for rafting in the areas situated close to India’s
international borders. In addition to Phey - Nemo stretch, other rafting
expedition are also organized on demand, the cost of the run depends on
number of person and rafting points.
Essential Gears for Rafting
For undertaking the white-water rafting expedition in Zanskar river you
have to carry some essential gears like wet suits, rafts, sleeping bags,
life jackets etc. The Tourist Office and many private agencies at Leh-Ladakh
offer the rafting gears on hire.
River Rafting Seasons in Ladakh
July to September is ideal to undertake the rafting expedition in Ladakh.
During this period the Zanskar river remains full of water and you get high
fun and enjoyment.
Reaching Zanskar
Zanskar as well as Ladakh have limited public transport and other
facilities including accommodation. Padum, the administrative centre of
Zanskar is accessible from Kargil. The single motorable road connecting the
two places is open only in summers between June and October. During this
period buses run between the two towns on alternate days, the rest of the
months the road remains snowbound and closed.
