River rafting in Ladakh is quite unlike anywhere else in the world. It provides the best opportunity to enjoy and experience the natural beauty of the spectacular landscape with deep gorges, towering snow-capped peaks, hilltop monasteries, hillside villages, and glimpses of the unique wildlife.

 Ladakh offers a range of rafting options on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Nimu or Saspol, which rates 2 to 3 in the international river grading scale of 1 to 6. Upstream of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, which is ideal for basic training or scenic floating. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive option to complement with sightseeing, and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several travel agencies offer all-inclusive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh.

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the tourism hotspots in India. Its mountains and lakes and rivers are the two natural attractions that entice tourists. Now, more than being just a means of pleasure, the waterways offers an activity oriented way of discovering new leisure sports

The most difficult but exciting rafting option is available on the Zanskar River, along its spectacular course through a gorge in the Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimu. This is suitable only for well-organized white-water expeditions, prepared for about a week of rafting and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangement for rescue back-up is an essential prerequisite for embarking upon this white-water expedition.

The adventurous sport of White Water Rafting is played on the waters of Lidder at Phalgam and Kashmir, Sindh at Sonamrg and Kashmir and Zanaskar at Kargil. Zanaskar is said to resemble Colorado in United States of America.

 

Location- ladakh, Jammu and Kasmir, India.

Main cities- kargil and leh.

District- Leh.

Altitude- 3000 m.

Activities to do- rafting,trekking, mountaineering, polo, camel safaris, archery.

Best time to visit- The best season is August to September, also june to october. Similarly, the River Lidder near Pahalgam has two short stretches suitable for white water rafting, especially for day trips. As the gradients are not steep, they are excellent for the first timers.

 

1)By Air-

The Leh airport is situated about 8 kms. from the city centre. Leh is connected to Srinagar, Delhi and Jammu by air.

2) By Rail-

The nearest railway station is located at Jammu, about 739 kms. from Leh.

3) By Road-

Leh is about 434 km. from Srinagar and 739 km. from Jammu by road. There is a motorable road between Srinagar and Leh via Kargil. This road, which remains open for traffic from early June to November is the main land route to Ladakh. The most dramatic part of this road journey is the ascent up to the 11,500 feet or 3,505 m high Zoji-la.