India - The Zanskar River

Trip Highlights

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.

Price Details

Price

From: GBP1795 per person (14 Days)

Price Includes

• Airport Transfers to and from the airport in Delhi.
• Accommodation on the first and last nights of the trip as described above in Delhi.
• Airport Transfers to and from the airport in Leh.
• Hotels in Leh and Kargil
• Return flights Delhi to Leh
• Accommodation will be on a share twin basis with someone also on your river trip. Single Supplements are available.
• All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 14. Breakfast on Day 15 also included.
• Tented accommodation whilst on the river and for the last 2 days of your journey to the river.
• Fully qualified, experienced river guides and safety kayakers
• All necessary permits and licenses

Price Excludes

• 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.

Departure Dates

Sunday 22 August 2010 - Saturday 4 September 2010 : 14 days : GBP £1795 : Euro €1995 : USD $2895

Itinerary

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

Other Info

Accommodation Details

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.

What you should bring:
We find most of our clients have in their possession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you'll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.

River Fashion:
* A pair of Chacos or similar sandals. Trainers are also okay.
* A pair of River shorts or swimming costume.
* Long sleeved business shirt to wear under your life jacket in hot destinations.
* A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off.
* Wide brimmed sunhat.
* Sunglasses.
* Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head.
* Nalgene or similar water bottle.
* Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
* Thermal Top for cooler destinations. Medium weight - Heavyweight Capilene or polypropylene is the best.
* Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF15 minimum.

For evenings and around camp
* Lightweight long trousers.
* Lightweight Long Sleeved shirt.
* Fleece jacket.
* Ladies should bring a long skirt or sarong to cover your legs whilst in the company of locals.
* Underwear.
* Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
* Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
* Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
* Hand wipes
* A 3-season sleeping bag.
* Travel Pillow.
* Small pack towel.
* Headlamp or head torch and spare batteries.
* Shoes or boots for wearing around camp and on hikes.
* Insect Repellent.
* Any medication you may be taking.

Optional Items:
* Your favourite book or a journal for recording your river memories.
* Sketchpad.
* Photographic or video equipment. On most expeditions we provide a waterproof pelicase for these items. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere. Bring a spare memory card or plenty of film. Also bring spare batteries for your camera.
* Waterproof disposable for the "action" on the raft shots.
* Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman.
* An extra bag to bring back a wooden hippo, a carpet, Thanka or anything else you may purchase on your holiday.
* An iPod or other music preferences. We have speakers.

Personal Spending:
* The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, DVD, personal items and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink. Please remember that many of the countries we visit do offer Credit Card and ATM facilities and for a small charge you can withdraw cash either from your account or Credit Card for convenience.
* If you wish to pass on a gratuity to your guide we leave this entirely up to you.
* Basically, we advise you to keep things as light as possible, without skimping on the necessities. It is great to bring back a load of goodies for everybody back at home.

You do NOT need to bring:
* Tents, sleeping mats.