Ladakh River Rafting: Conquer Rapids While Admiring Nature!
Nature's beauty is the mother of adventure—rivers and mountains are empyreans for adventure bugs for drafting their way to thrill. That is why travel aficionados never miss a chance to explore Ladakh for satiating their adrenaline rush.
Ladakh is an astounding land of Indian territory. Apart from the Buddhist pilgrimage center, the hill station also offers ample opportunities for adventure freaks to indulge in some breathtaking adventure activities.
The cold desert of India, Ladakh provides outstanding opportunities for river rafting. A rafter can test his or her skills in the rapids of the gushing Indus and Zanskar rivers. Rafting on these rivers provides an extreme delight and excitement to the adventure enthusiasts. It is a peerless experience to raft amidst the picturesque environment. Camping on the sandy coast of the Indus and Zanskar rivers makes your trip more terrific and pleasant.
Major Rivers for Rafting in Ladakh
Indus River
Gushing rapidly through the Leh valley, Indus River is an ecstasy for the rafters. The crystal-clear water bewitches the adventurous people to carry out the water sport. Enjoy the imposing rapids of the river and marvelous beauty of the pictorial hilly regions sprinkled with copious beautiful monasteries.
The Indus, also known as Singhe Khababs (out of the Lion's mouth), flows near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake in the Western Tibet land. The best season for fascinating rafting expeditions is June to late August, as the water levels remain high during these months.
Indus provides a magnificent view of the scenic Ladakh and Zanskar ranges, which are also an abode of the Buddhist monasteries. Indus has torrents generally of I and II grades and at some places, grade III to even V rapids are also present.
Zanskar River
The journey of the Zanskar River is entirely self-supported. The waves pass through the steep ravines carved out by the river over innumerable years. The Zanskar canyon has been popular as the 'Grand Canyon of Asia' amongst the explorers.
The river is graded as Class IV, passing through far-flung and awe-inspiring topographies of Ladakh. The river's water is very cold and therefore, cold weather gear is necessary.
The thrilling rafting experience in Zanskar-River begins with a flight over the Himalayas into the Trans-Himalayan terrain of Ladakh. One of the most exciting options for river rafting is on the Zanskar along with its stunning course through the gorge in the Mountains, amid Padum and Nimo valleys.
Major Rafting Routes in Ladakh
Saspol-Khatsey: A very excellent river route considering that it proffers a beautiful sight of innumerable rapids bound to leave one spellbound. But a word of concern here: this route is for the people who have deep knowledge of water sports and it is imperative that novices should avoid this route.
Pay-Saspol: Ladakh, is certainly a pleasant experience for everyone. Even those having little or no idea of this recreational and challenging outdoor activity can indulge in it while on the adventure trip. This route is ideal for the amateurs. Pay is around 8 km south of Leh and the route ends at Saspol. The sight, again, is captivating!
Chorus-Spituk: The rapids can startle the wits out of everybody, but one should not worry as Kharu-Spituk route is absolutely serene. Chorus is located at 45 km southeast of Leh. The small houses and the tranquillity of nature are undoubtedly amazing sights when seen from the lens of a silent spectator.
The fascinating water rafting adventure in Ladakh is not just a test but also bliss for the five senses. Drenching you in the rivers while appreciating the nature's splendor that is present everywhere in Ladakh, creates a Zen-like experience and makes it a must-visit adventure destination!