31 March, 2021 | Reccy Guide
Known for its countless number of trekking opportunities, the Ladakh region is one of India’s adventure hotspots. You have heard about it, would love to visit, but are not into trekking? Not a problem! There is much more you can do here to get your adrenaline levels flowing, and white-water River Rafting In Ladakh is a must do.
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With two main rivers with challenging rapids to take on, the Zanskar and the Indus rivers, you can be certain that you will not get bored. No matter your level, you will find a route that works for you; and to make things easier we’ve compiled the most popular ones in the table below.
Options for Rafting in Ladakh
| River & Route | Difficulty & Grade | For? | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indus / Phey – Saspol | Easy (I and II) | Beginner, Intermediate | This is a great descent for beginners that will only take you 2- or 3-hours total. When you’re done working hard to pass the rapid section unsplashed, you will be able to admire the incredible scenery of the surroundings. |
| Indus / Kharu – Spituk | Easy (I and II) | Beginner, Intermediate | Again, this is a great trail for beginners and intermediate rafters looking for a thrill while admiring the surrounding landscape. |
| Indus / Upshi – Kharu | Easy to Difficult (I, II and III) | Beginner not afraid of thrills | Taking you down the rushing waters of the Indus river, this route is not for the faint of heart. With both easy and more challenging sections, this route is perfect for novices wanting a more intense experience. |
| Indus / Phey – Nimmo | Medium (II and III) | Beginner to advanced | The most popular rafting route in the Ladakh region, this descent will take you for more than 20km from the small village of Phey to the city of Nimmo. Starting in the waters of the Zanskar river, you will finish at the intersection with the Indus river and after having passed some of the most beautiful and untouched scenery of the region. |
| Indus / Saspol – Khaltsey | Medium to Difficult (II, III and IV) | Intermediate, Advanced | Known to be probably the most challenging rafting route in the Leh area, the Saspol to Khaltsey descent will take you through rapids of up to grade IV and is sure to get your adrenaline rushing. This is an off-limits route for beginners, as you will need to be confident in maneuvering the rapids. |
| Indus / Alchi – Khaltsey | Difficult (IV+) | Advanced | This stretch of the Indus river is reserved to advanced rafter, as you will embark on a kilometer long stretch of rapids for which you will need experience and confidence. |
| Zanskar / Karsha – Nimmo | Difficult (II, III and IV) | Beginner to Advanced | This route is different from the others as it will take you 4+ days to complete. You will start the multi-day expedition in Leh, from where you will drive to Karsha. This drive might be done in a couple of days depending on the tour operator, in order to allow you to take in the views. From Karsha, you will start your rafting journey that will take you through Zangla, Nyerak, Lamaguru, and finally Nimmo on the last day. Each day, you will be rafting between 25 and 30 km on rapids of grade II to IV, and each night, you will be camping in the heart of wild valleys. |
| Zanskar / Chilling – Nimmo | Difficult (IV+) | Advanced | This is one of the best routes for advanced rafter, as you will cross at least 4 rapids and witness incredible scenery in-between. This adrenaline-packed trail is not for the faint of heart, but don’t hesitate if you are looking for a real challenge. |
When should I go?
India is known for its monsoon season, and while it might not be ideal to travel to many parts of the country in that period, it is the best time to go rafting in the Ladakh region. The weather conditions in the months of June to August ensure high water levels and thrilling descents of the Indus and Zanskar river, making for an adventurous rafting experience.
Are you convinced and ready to take on the rapids of the Ladakh region? Choose your route, book the tour, and get ready for one of the most thrilling experiences in your life. And if you are looking to keep going with the adrenaline, check out our articles on mountain biking and motor biking in the region.
With two main rivers with challenging rapids to take on, the Zanskar and the Indus rivers, you can be certain that you will not get bored. No matter your level, you will find a route that works for you; and to make things easier we’ve compiled the most popular ones in the table above.
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