Extreme Adventure in Zanskar

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The most amazing adventurous trip you can ever experience. Trek from Lamayuru to Padum & Raft down the Zaskar River. This is the most popular Ladakh Trek with maximum number of passes .The classic Zanskar Trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. from the green pastures and to the rocky terrain of the forbidden kingdom of Zanskar. The Rafting expedition on the Zanskar River is completely isolated & self supported and passes through the steep gorges carved out by the river over countless years. The Zanskar gorge has been referred to as the “Grand Canyon” of Asia by many explorers.

River rafting probably is the most indulging activity in Zanskar travel. Rafting is done in the highly challenging Zanskar River. The rafting experience takes you through one of the most breathtaking gorges of the World. The water in the river is freezing cold and it is advisable that you take this ride only with a wet suit on. This exhilarating adventure through the entire river takes around four days and in between, you will spend the nights in camps set up on the rocky banks.

Apart from river rafting, trekking also attracts a huge number of adventure lovers to these lands. Zanskar has some of the highest mountain passes in the country. The trek routes through them and are enthralling, but trekking here requires an ability to take immense physical strain. The most famous trek route is named Chadar Ice Trek. The trek is carried out on the frozen Zanskar River during the winter season. You will have to take extra precautions and clothing as you will be literally walking over ice.

Day 01:

Arrival at Leh airport, to be received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Check in to the hotel for a complete day of rest. Welcome tea/coffee will be served at the hotel. Lunch will be served at 2:00 pm. After lunch visit the Leh Market, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 02:

Spend the entire day visiting the monasteries (104 kms). After breakfast, drive to the Shey Palace, Thiksey, Hemis monasteries and Stok Palace Museum. Packed or Hot lunch will be provided. Return to Leh in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 to Day 14: Lamayuru – Padum trek (12 days)

Day 03: Leh - Lamayuru (3-4 hrs drive)

We leave Leh in the morning for Lamayuru. Along the way, we come across some of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Ladakh, founded around 11th century by Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo. Lamayuru, Likir and Alchi are truly worth visiting for their age and historicity. After reaching Lamayuru (3420m) we will spend the day exploring the ancient monastery and prepare for the next day.

Day 04: Lamayuru – Wanla (3-4 hrs)

We pack our small backpacks, watch the horses get ready, and set off for this first day of our adventure. A gentle trail leads up to the small pass of Prinkti La (3750m) before heading down to the village of Shilla and the last 3 km to Wanla (3250m). Here we set up camp for the night and spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun or exploring the Gompa in Wanla, before we gather around for a good dinner.

Day 05: Wanla – Hanupatta (6 hrs)

An easy walk towards Phansila (3410m) will lead us to a beautiful valley. From here we descend a pass beyond which the valley starts narrowing, with mountains towering above our heads and the Zanskar River making its way deep down in the gorge. In this barren, harsh landscape, beautiful rosebushes give your senses an unforgettable experience. We camp close to the river, just after the village of Hanupatta (3760m), where we have a great view down the valley.

Day 06: Hanupatta – Sir Sir La 4850m - Photoskar (6 - 7 hrs)

We follow the river and the wide valley up for some time before we cross the river and start the long and gradual ascent to Sir Sir La (4850m). From the top of the pass we can get panoramic views of the main Zanskar range as well as our next pass, the Singge La (5090m).

It is another 2 – 2 ½ hrs of walk down to the village of Photoskar (4200m), situated in the cliffs of mountains virtually piercing the sky and surrounded by green fields. The trail towards Sumdo disappears in the deep gorge down to the right of the village. We spend the night close to the village and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 07: Photoskar – Singge La 5090m – Foot of Singge La (7- 8 hours)

After crossing the small pass of Bumiktse La (4200) this morning, we enter the broad and lush Photang valley. A gentle trail leads us through this beautiful landscape, where villagers graze their yakdzo and horses. One of the most fascinating things about the Zanskar trek is the ever-changing landscape. Every time you turn a corner, or cross a pass, a new world appears in front of you. Passing through the deepest of gorges and meandering through the greenest of fields, the majestic Zanskar River assumes a fascinating form and life of its own. With colors and shadows changing with the sun, one never gets bored! Slowly we go upwards towards Sengge La, or the "Lion Pass". The last few meters are steep, but will give us an incredibly rewarding view once we reach the top. From the pass it is an easy walk down to our campsite.

Day 08: Foot of Singge La – Lingshed (5 hours)

We follow the trail high above the Zanskar River; the mountains take a greener and gentler formation, before we descend from Kiupa La (4400 m) down the steep zigzag trail to the villages of Gongma (3840m) and Skiumpata. From here we climb up a gentle trail to the Margum La (4400m), from where we can see Lingshed an hour or so away. The campsite in Lingshed is just by the monastery belonging to the Gelugpa order and housing around 60 monks. The village itself is spread out over a big area, enclosed in green fields of barley.

Day 09: Lingshed –- Snertse via Hanuma La 4950 m (8 hours)

A long day, we walk through the green fields of Lingshed early in the morning. It takes some ups and downs before we reach the base of the Hanuma La, from where we start climbing the many steep zigzags that lead to the top of the pass. The walk down is gentle before we enter a rocky, spectacular gorge and soon the valley flattens out, the trail following a lush riverbed with rosebushes. Just above the campsite of Snertse, there is a herders' camp, and sometimes fresh cheese, milk and curd is available here. Down in the riverbed it is possible to go hunting for fossils. The locals sometimes show a nice collection of their findings. When the Indian plate slammed into the stationary mass of Asia some 50 million years ago, the Great Himalayas were formed from the base material of the Indian plate. The Zanskar range consists of layers of sediments from the ocean floor and the Ladakh range is granite born out of the immense heat generated by the friction between the two plates.

Day 10: Snertse – Hanumil via Purfi La 3950 m (5 hours)

On this day we head for another pass: Parfi La. A short walk after Snertse, there is a wonderful lookout from where we can see the pass and, down the valley, the Oma Chu River. We follow the trail 500m down the valley, cross the bridge and start on the juniper covered zigzag trail up to Parfi La. If fortune strikes, we may come across a rare species of the Himalayan region: the majestic brown bear. We may also see herds of attractive Himalayan blue sheep. Here we walk down to the banks of the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to the village of Hanumil (3380 m), where we will camp for the night.

Day 11: Hanumil – Pishu (4-5 hours)

We will start with an easy walk on plain and barren land along the Zanskar River and follow it all the way to Pishu (3470 m), passing Pidmo (3420m), an exotic landlocked hamlet of 8-9 families leading a simple traditional life. Pishu is located on the west side of the Zanskar River and opposite of Zangla (formerly a tiny kingdom). Here we will come across a 55m hanging bridge, the longest on Zanskar River. Our day will end at a lush green campsite with a spring situated nearby where we can quench our thirst.

Day 12: Pishu – Karsha (4-5 hours)

After a hearty breakfast we will begin our day with another effortless stride towards our next destination. From Pishu the trail ascends gradually to Rinam (3550 m.) along the banks of the Great Zanskar River. We will have a view of the stunning monastery of Tongde. Once reaching Karsha (3600 m), we can reinvigorate ourselves at the banks of Zanskar River.

Karsha monastery: Karsha monastery is one of largest monasteries of Gelukpa sect, located on a hillside with an imposing view of the entire valley. Believed to have been founded around 10th century A.D, a visit to the monastery to get its blessing is recommended.

Day 13: Karsha – Padum 3531 m (2hrs)

We will follow the route to Pipiting village on the dusty road from Karsha. Padum is the major hub of activities of the entire valley. The villagers gather here on every auspicious occasion. The day can be used for sightseeing the famous Sani Gompa, located at a distance of 4 hours both ways. The Kanika Chorten, the oldest Stupa in the entire Ladakh region (dating from the first century BC) stands in the courtyard of Sani Gompa, belonging to Drukpa Kagyud sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Or simply stroll around the village or visit the nearby monasteries of Pipiting and Stakrimo.

Day 14: Stongde and Zangla Sightseeing

One extra day in Zanskar that's optional, but we can discuss for some sightseeing around Stongde and Zangla

Rafting from Reymala To Nimo 5-6 Days

Day 15:

Rafting expedition begins at Reymala. Raft till near Karsha Gompa, near Padum (3496m). We raft 30 km in 4-5 hrs which includes a break for lunch and hot beverages. We are surrounded by 6000 meter 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 a camp by afternoon, later it will be nice hike up to the Karsha Gompa.

Day 16:

After a late morning start, we raft from Karsha up 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 17:

After packing camp, we raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m; 10,780ft; 3 hrs) a Class III section. 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 18:

(Optional) Relaxing 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 19:

Today’s 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 rapids, and a few Class IV rapids 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.

Day 20:

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! Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 21:

Transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi with sweet memories of Ladakh.