Kharu Spituk River Rafting Expedition

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Summary

The Indus River, which is also called Singhe Khababs (out of Lion's mouth), flows across Ladakh Treks,across the north west to the south east, passing through Ladakh and flows into Pakistan where it joined Shayok and Suru to become major historical Indus River. The Indus, originates near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake in Western Tibet. Water levels are high during summers at the start of monsoons which is also a perfect time for rafting. Kharu to Spituk river expedition begins at Kharo, approximately 45 Km south-east of Leh and ends at Spituk just short of Leh. River rafting from this route is meant for amateurs.

Major attractions:

Spituk monastery:

Around 18 km from Leh, this monastery is set on the hill top near Indus. Founded in 11th century, Spituk was belonged to Kadampa school. The festival called Spituk is celebrated every year in the 11th month.

Mahakal temple:

Mahakal Temple is one more shrine, located on the hill. The temple is devoted to the deity of Vajrabhairava. The frightening face of deity is revealed only in an annual celebration in January.

Location

How to get there:

By Air:

The Leh airport connects directly to important cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. Major airlines like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways run regularly from this airport.

By Road:

Leh-Ladakh has extremely well-networked roads to Srinagar and Manali. From June to October, the 434-km Leh-Srinagar road is operative, while the 473-km Leh-Manali road remains functional from July to September.

By Rail:

The prime rail head is Jammu Tawai in Jammu, about 690 km away and linked with several major cities across India.

Other Info

Places to visit nearby:

Shey Monastery:

This monastery is located 15 km away from Leh on a mount of a hill. It belongs to the royal family of Ladakh. It was built by Ladakhs first king. The monastery has massively sized Shakyamuni Buddhas statues which is more than 400 years old. The gompa also has beautiful stone carvings scattered everywhere.

Stok Gompa:

15 km south of Leh, Stok Gompa was founded by Lama Lhawang Lotus in the 14th century. Stok is a secondary gompa of the Spituk Gompa. It belongs to the yellow-hat sect of Buddhism. Stok had its own library which has 108 volumes of Buddhas teachings.

Mahakal Temple:

Built in the 16th-17th century this temple is a dedicated Vijrabhairav but is often mistook for Goddess Kali. Her face is open for public exhibition only in the month of January. You will also find a good collection of masks in this temple.

Facts

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion:

Permissions are needed for river rafting in some areas.

Rafting can be a sport for normal and healthy persons.

Trained rafters will be there to guide you during your expedition.

Keep extra pairs of clothes.

Best time to visit:

June to September

Things to carry:

Carry dry bags or boxes to secure small personal items.

Take medications such as inhalers, bee-sting kits, insulin etc.

Avoid taking your car keys, wallets, cell phones etc. with you for the rafting trip.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.