The cool wind blew the prayer flags, the vista of Zanskar and Leh not simply amazing places to visit but a true grand canyon of Asia. Perhaps the best multi-day raft and kayak trip we run. The last Tibet based culture, amazing views and stunning rapids. A must for those with adventure in their hearts. Well, that is what we think.
We offer both private and scheduled dates for this trip.
Day 1 – Fly Delhi – Srinagar (not part of trip costs. Transfer/Overnight stay on a classic houseboat.
Day 2 – Houseboat stay, relax in the beautiful surroundings of Dal Lake – morning markets and amazing culture.
Day 3 – Drive – Kargil highlights include snow peak, huge mountain passes, and historic battlegrounds. Overnight Kargil hotel.
Day 4 – Drive Kargil – Rangdum (12,000ft). A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the Nun and Kun massifs (7000 m), hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive till Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft). Camp overnight.
Day 5 – Drive Rangdum – Remala (3635m ; 11,925ft ; 6 hrs). We drive to Remala, which is the starting point for the rafting trip on the Stod river, a tributary of the Zanskar river. We drive over the Pensi La (14,500 ft), which enables grand views of the Zanskar peaks at the bottom of which is the Drung Durung glacier that feeds the Zanskar river, 40 km below, into which we flow the next day. Overnight tented camp.
Day 6 – Expedition begins at Remala. On the water until Karsha Gompa, near Padum. (3496m ; 11,466ft We journey 30 km in 4-5 hrs which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 6000 metre high peaks. River section today includes a Class II section, a good introduction for first timers as well as to the river in general. Settle into camp by afternoon, we can take an optional hike to Karsha Gompa.
Day 7 – After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha to Honyo / Pidmo (3361m ; 11,025 ft ; 3 hrs). This stretch is approximately 25 km with Class II and III rapids. Another easy day to get used to the river, the altitude and hone our paddling skills.
Day 8 – After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m ; 10,780ft ; 3 hrs) a Class III/IVsection. The gorge narrows in on the river – this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.
Day 9 – Rest day at Nyerak. Take a hike to Nyerak village or relax under the cool shade of the willows at our Campsite. Wash up at the campsite stream and enjoy the day off.
Day 10 – Todays 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m ; 10,465ft ; 5-6 hrs including scout and lunch) through the core of the Zanskar A classic white water day with continuous Class III/IV rapids, and a few Class IV rapids with bite, where the river squeezes between a gap of about 18ft. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall and continue to camp at the confluence of Markha river with the Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Camp.
Day 11 – We raft 40 kms of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu (3154m;10,345 ft ; 3-4 hrs) today. We raft past the village of Chilling and exciting rapids as the Zanskar plunges out of the canyon to meet with the Indus at Nimu. We end our trip at the confluence of the Zanskar with the Indus. Drive an hour back to Leh. Last minute retail therapy and a hot shower! Overnight hotel.
Day 12 – Rest in Leh, options to take in some attractions
Day 13 – Drive to Nubra, over the highest road in the world! stay at tented camp
Day 14 – Day for exploring Nubra area, hot tubs, monastic community and more. Stay in tent camp.
Day 15 – Return to Leh
Day 16– Leave, trip ends.
Cost £2495
15th July Zanskar Raft/Kayak – Early season special
5th Aug Zanskar Raft/Kayak
15th Aug Zanskar Raft/Kayak
Private groups on request dates during Aug, Min numbers 4
Tsarap/Zanskar Combo
Jonny and Mike sat exhausted. This long hard rapid never gave up, wave after wave – move after move. The river was wider now the box canyon sections had gone but it was no easier. Between each breath, they still knew they were only halfway done with this river. It had proved to be more than they ever hoped for. It showed them a world of beauty and calm, chaos and drama.
Our Tsarap Chu expedition is a world classic featuring breathtaking canyons, local culture, committing rapids and expert guiding. It is a class 3-5 self-support expedition in high altitude deep in the Himalayas. You must be a confident class 4 kayaker with some class 5 experience to commit to this expedition.
Day 1 – Arrive– Leh (3466m ; 11,370ft). Transfer/Overnight hotel included.
Day 2 – Leh. Acclimatise and sightseeing. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis will be arranged. Or choose to relax and walk into Leh town, to its exciting market and outdoor restaurants. Overnight Leh hotel.
Day 3 – Drive to Sarchu a high mountain pass – to river camp high in the hills – rest. 14080 ft
Day 4 – Day one takes us through the first of a series of box canyons, a tight twist, and turn, pushing between the constricted walls. Camp overnight.
Day 5 – River day two and the rapids build and scouting is hard. We portage as needed. Take it slow. This is high altitude kayaking at its best – amazing rapids and clear side streams. Camping on the few flat stretches, old trade routes cut in the walls.
Day 6 – Phuktal Monastery is an amazing sight, we spend time in this amazing place before committing to the portage/run at Reru.
Day 7 – Paddling on we make our way to Padum an old outpost town. We aim to make the small town mid-afternoon, to rest in the guesthouse.
Day 8 – Early morning we make it to the confluence of Stod and the river becomes the Zanskar. This once wide river narrows as the river arcs toward the Indus river – this indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village after running some large volume rapids.
Day 9 – We aim to make the confluence of the Indus today. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today.
Day 10 – Day trip on the Indus
Day 11 – Rest in Leh.
Day 12 – Drive over the highest road in the world – stay Nubra *other options available for private groups.
Day 13 – Stay and relax in Nubra
Day 14 – Return to Leh
Day 15 – Trip ends.
Cost
Tsarap Chu and Zanskar combo price for FROM £2225 p/p. Min 2 pax, max 6 per group. Price includes: expedition food, guides, hotels, logistics.
3rd Aug Tsarap-Zanskar combo – Kayak
Private groups on request dates during Aug/Sept.
We have available hire kayaks, from old school playboats to more modern creekers, please email info@purelandexpeditions.com if you wish to hire a kayak, we have a wide selection available. We also hire paddles, pfds, skirts and helmets. – * extra charge
PURE LAND EXPEDITIONS 