India - The Zanskar River
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With scenery rivalling that on the Grand Canyon, this is a true expedition not to be missed. Our journey starts with an incredible flight from Delhi to Leh, before a few days acclimatising in this fascinating town. We'll have the chance to explore several monasteries and perhaps take a drive to the world's highest motorable road. Take in the wonderful vistas from our hotel or the many roof top restaurants on offer. With friendly greetings from the Ladakh people of "Ju leh" you will certainly be immersed in a wonderful, colourful and rich culture in this unique part of India. Our drive to the river takes in one of the most scenic roads in the world. The journey time is often doubled with all the photo stops. We'll feel like we can reach out and touch a number of glaciers that come down to the road. You'll camp in the heart of the Himalayas on the penultimate night of the drive in the most gorgeous place we have ever experienced. On reaching the river, you'll be treated to world class white water, stunning scenery and visits to riverside monasteries on your journey. In the ever over crowded world we live in the Zanskar river will allow you to escape and experience one of the worlds great true adventures.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(WR-9643-P) |
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Airport Transfers to and from the airport in Delhi. |
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Accommodation on the first and last nights of the trip as described above in Delhi. |
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Airport Transfers to and from the airport in Leh. |
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Hotels in Leh and Kargil |
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Return flights Delhi to Leh |
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Accommodation will be on a share twin basis with someone also on your river trip. Single Supplements are available. |
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All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 14. Breakfast on Day 15 also included. |
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Tented accommodation whilst on the river and for the last 2 days of your journey to the river. |
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Fully qualified, experienced river guides and safety kayakers |
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All necessary permits and licenses |
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Price Excludes |
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Not included are international flights, visas, departure taxes, travel insurance, inoculations, sleeping bags, video or DVD of your trip, alcohol, personal items or gratuities. You will also need to budget for meals in town that are not included in the price and any extra accommodation outside what is provided. |
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Rivers |
The Zanskar River |
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Suitability / Level |
Class I-II (Easy Beginner) |
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Minimum Age |
16 |
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Max Group Size |
16 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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Day One.
Arrive Delhi, met by your trip leader at International Airport and transfer to deluxe accommodations.
Included: No meals
Day Two.
Domestic flight from Delhi to Leh. We transfer you to your hotel where you get the chance to rest and relax in this wonderful area.
No Meals Included.
Day Three.
Sightseeing and acclimatizing in Leh. Light activity and short walks to Leh palace and the town's exciting market and outdoor restaurants. For the more energetic a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hem can be arranged. Maybe visit the Women’s Alliance or the Ecological Centre or relax and catch up on some more sleep. Overnight Leh hotel.
Included: All Meals
Day Four.
Drive Leh - Kargil (3201m ; 10500 ft). We drive from Leh to Mulbek - Kargil, through a spectacular moonscape. We drive over the Fotu La (14000 ft), a high mountain pass and exit the Indus valley. En route, we visit the Lamayuru monastery (optional), known to be one of the oldest monasteries amongst the 'Red Hat' sect. Overnight Kargil hotel.
Included: All meals
Day Five.
Drive Kargil - Rangdum (3964m ; 13,000ft). A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the Nun and Kun massifs (7000 metres), hanging glaciers and large meadows. We drive till Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft). Tonight sees us camping in stunning surroundings.
Included: All meals
Day Six.
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 trip the next day. Overnight tented camp.
Included: All meals
Day Seven.
Rafting expedition begins at Remala.... Raft to near Karsha Gompa, near Padum. (3496m ; 11,466ft) We raft 30 km in five hours 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. Settle into camp by afternoon, we can take an optional hike to Karsha Gompa
Included: All meals
Day Eight.
After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha to Pidmo (3361m ; 11,025 ft). 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.Descend the majestic Zanskar River Valley
Included: All meals
Day Nine.
After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m ; 10,780ft) a Class III section. The gorge here narrows in on the river - this is indeed a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to pitch camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.
Included: All meals
Day Ten.
LAYOVER DAY! 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 or have a chance to practice kayaking.
Included: All meals
Day Eleven.
Today’s 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m; 10,465ft) through the core of the Zanskar, a classic white water day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapids where the river squeezes through a gap of about 18ft. We stop for lunch near a huge waterfall at the confluence of Markha river with Zanskar. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colours add to the trip today. Camp at Lamaguru.
Included: All meals
Day Twelve.
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 in a hotel.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day Thirteen.
Domestic flight Leh to Delhi for our post trip meal. Please Note: Flights to Leh and back are extremely difficult to book during the season. We normally have an airline block which expires 45 days before the trip date. Should you wish to extend your stay in Leh, please put in a request at the time of booking.
Included: Breakfast
Day Fourteen.
Depart Delhi on your international flight back home after the expedition of a lifetime.
Included: Breakfast |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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Accommodation on the first and last nights of the trip as described above in Delhi.
Hotels in Leh and Kargil as described in itinerary.
Tented accommodation whilst on the river and for the last 2 days of your journey to the river. |
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Holidays
Extras |
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Included
