Introduction

A trip down the Zanskar River in Ladakh is the trip of a lifetime. This area, often referred to as “Little Tibet” is the ultimate for intimate cultural interaction with ancient Buddhist cultures, exposure to magnificent 20,000 ft. Himalayan peaks and remote rafting adventure on one of the greatest rivers in the world!

Experience the mystical realms of the Tibetan Plateau with Conscious Energy Practitioner Maureen Benson Tkay and your expedition leader, Mark Reiner.

Trip Overview

Ladakh is an Indian provice tucked into a hidden corner of the remote Western highlands of the Tibetan Plateau. Within Ladakh lies Zanskar, a former Tibetan Buddhist kingdom. This majestic and magically remote region is defined by the deep gorge of the Zanskar River, the jagged peaks of the Zanskar Range to the North and the Himalayas to the South. It is here that our 7 day river journey takes us into the gorge referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Asia”, through class III and IV rapids and past the confluence with the Indus River (India’s namesake). Traveling down river grants us access to areas and villages totally isolated from any roads. The only exception is in the winter when locals can trek along the river’s then, frozen waters – allowing the only access into Leh town and the outside world.

Details

Duration - 14 days; 7 nights hotel/guest house, 7 nights river camping
Highlights – Rafting, Mountains, Monasteries, Hidden Ancient Cultures
Dates: August 5-18^th
Begins in: Delhi
Ends in: Delhi
Rafting difficulty – class IV+
Novice to advanced – OK
Minimum age – 18

Land Cost: $3995

Internal Airfare: Delhi-Leh-Delhi $250
Optional, 2 day Taj Mahal extension: $250
Optional, Single Supplement: $400

Trip includes all accommodations, food, workshops with Maureen, airport transfers, overland jeep travel, rafting equipment, tents, guides, taxes and permits.
Does not include International airfare and gratuities.

Itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Delhi to Leh (11,500 ft). Enjoy an hours spectacular flight over the great Himalayas with views of K2, Tibet and the entire Zanskar Range. Check in to the hotel Lha Rimo. Relax and let your body acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 02: Light activity and short walks around Leh. The quaint Leh market is a great place to start exploring as are the numerous bakeries selling mouth watering delights. For the more energetic, a visit to a few monasteries such as Spituk , Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: We drive 110 miles from Leh to Mulbek/Kargil, through a spectacular ‘lunar’ landscape. Crossing the high mountain pass of Fotu-La (14,000 ft), from the Indus valley into the Suru Valley. We visit the Lamayuru monastery en-route, known to be one of the oldest monasteries amongst the ‘Red Hat’ sect. Overnight hotel/rest house

Day 04: Experience the most spectacular drive filled with natural wonders. We drive to Ringdum Gompa (12,000 ft.). Few mountain drives get you this close to the Great Himalayan mountains. We will see the amazing Nun Kun massif towering 23,000 feet high with its hanging glaciers captivating our attention. Overnight in the rest house at Ringdum.

Day 05: We drive for aprox. 6 hrs to Remala which is the put-in location for the rafting trip. This drive takes us across the Pensi-La pass. At the summit pass (14,500 ft.) we stop for lunch surrounded by awe inspiring views of the Zanskar peaks, including the Drung Durung glacier that feeds the Zanskar river on which we begin our rafting trip the next morning. Overnight tented camp.

Day 06: Rafting expedition begins from Remala. The first day we cover aprox. 18 miles in 5 hrs, including a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 20,000 ft. Himalayan and Zanskar peaks. Rapids encountered today are all Class II, a good introduction for first time rafters as well as to this river in general. After settling into camp, take a short walk to Kharsha Gompa for the evening incantations by the monks.

Day 07: Rafting starts in the morning after breakfast. This stretch is approximately 18 miles with Class II & III rapids . After settling into the camp by mid afternoon, we visit the nearby villages of Pidmu and Hanomil.

Day 08: Today we raft aprox. 12 miles to Nyerak, through Class III rapids. Here, the canyon closes in through a gorge section granting us views akin to those of the Grand Canyon. We make camp in a steep gorge below the Nyerak village.

Day 09: Today’s rafting stretch is aprox. 20 miles from Nyerak to Lamaguru. This is the heart of the Zanskar river valley featuring rock formations with indescribable colors. A good white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV’s where the river narrows down to a mere 15 feet across. We stop for lunch at a huge waterfall at the confluence of Markha & Zanskar Rivers.

Day 10: Layover Day- hiking/relaxing. Option to hike up the Markha valley to Skiu village to partake of the local culture and color. Picnic lunch en-route. Overnight in Lamaguru camp.

Day 11: Raft from Lamaguru to Nimu - 25 miles through class III / IV white water. The Zanskar River joins the Indus River near Nimu. We camp short of the confluence of the two rivers. Overnight.

Day 12: Raft aprox. 15 miles through class III / IV rapids from Nimu to Alchi where we take-out. From Alchi, we walk up to the centuries old monastery to view the beautiful frescos and wood carvings. Drive back 37 miles to Leh and check in to comfortable Lha Rimo hotel.

Day 13: In Leh - Rest and relaxation (and those much needed showers!) Two nights in Leh at the end of the trip give you time for last minute shopping in the markets and to reflect and savor a few extra moments in this magical place. Farewell Dinner. Overnight Lha Rimo hotel.

Day 14: Fly Leh / Delhi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : How fit do I need to be for the trip? How difficult is it overall and how challenging is the whitewater?
A : Anybody with an aptitude for the great outdoors, average fitness level and no serious health problems can do it. The Zanskar is an intermediate river suitable to first-time rafters. It is rated Class IV in places due to its remote location and high altitude. The river is our highway to exploring an otherwise inaccessible area. The rapids start out mild and gradually increase in difficulty as the week goes on. Control of the raft is always in the hands of your experienced guide, who will instruct you on rafting basics, paddling techniques and teamwork.

Q : What is the routine / schedule on the river ?
A : We raft every day (except one) after breakfast until early afternoon averaging 15-20 miles each day. After lunch and camp set-up, we will explore the countryside and inhabitation and the Buddhist monasteries tucked away on steep cliffs. Afternoon activities after rafting, lunch and camp set-up, are optional and other activities include relaxing in camp taking in the scenery, reading a book etc. We will have one “Layover Day”, at midpoint during the river journey. The entire day is spent trekking up the picturesque Markha valley.

Q : What kind of accommodation and meals can I expect on the trip ?
A : In the “meet point” town of Leh you will stay in one of the best hotels - the Lha-Rimo, on a twin occupancy basis (single supplement extra). All your meals and accommodation are included in the price. The hotel meal menus are fixed and cater to all tastes. On the river journey and transit, the stay is inrest houses for 2 nights, but mostly in tented accommodation. Tents provided are of "alpine design" for 2 persons and singles, complete with self-inflating mattresses for ultimate camping comfort. There is a dining tent and awning, folding chairs, stools and tables. A toilet tent is provided, complete with toilet paper. There is a full "American spread" for breakfast, with cereal, eggs biscuits / toast etc. River lunches are packed sandwiches and an assortmentof "the works", with all the nutrition and calories you need. Our cook tent andkitchen staff provides freshly cooked meals at each and every camp, cateringto both Indian and western tastes. Drinking water is sourced from springs and treated with iodine.

Q : Am I expected to help in the camp set-up and daily chores?
A : You can help our staff put-up and take down your tent if you like. But everything else, including cooking, washing-up, set-up of toilets, dining tent,packing and loading is taken care of by the staff and guides.

Q : Why spend two days in Leh on the way in ? We could save on time and costs?
A : The 2 day stay is to allow your body to acclimatize to new heights, since you have flown in from Delhi (780 ft. above sea level) to Leh (11,500 ft above sea level). You should not exert yourself for the first 48 hrs. Drink plenty of water and let your body adjust to the oxygen-starved atmosphere. During this stay short walks to the nearby monasteries and the market in Leh are in order, with no hectic or strenuous activity.

Q : Can the 3 day drive to the start of the river trip, be shortened?
A : The 3-day drive is actually one of the high points of the journey. It is just as much a part of the grand experience of this area.Few mountain drives in the world offer immersion into such varied and breathtaking landscapes, full of unique cultural encounters and geological wonders. We do not drive more than 6 hrs per day so that you can enjoy the scenery, take photos, check out the monasteries and interact with the locals at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

Q : What do we wear on the river ? What do we bring and how do we pack?
A : You will be provided with a "list of things to bring", at the time of booking All your personal gear and sleeping bags are packed in our large water proof gear bags, ensuring complete water tightness. Smaller dry bags, or "easy access" waterproof bags are also provided by us, for your cameras, sun block and things you would want to access during float parts of the river trip. You will be provided with 3mm neoprene wetsuits designed for white-water use and are mandatory (you could bring your personal one if you so desire). We also provide neoprene gloves, nylon splash jackets, personal floatation devices, and helmets for optimal protection against the icy Zanskar waters.

Q : What are the day and night temperatures and what sort of weather can I expect on the trip
A : Weather is fair this time of year. Maximum day temperatures are usually in the 80’s and night temperatures, usually not lower than 40 degrees F. Due to high altitude and rarified atmosphere conditions the sun can be very harsh and we recommend an adequate supply of sun block for sensitive skin. Of course “usual weather conditions” can vary in this type of environment and you will need to come adequately prepared, for adverse weather. Equipment
list to follow.

For Reservations, contact Mark Reiner 530-320-1625