River Rafting in Ladakh

River rafting in Ladakh evokes thrill like no other. Settled in the lap of Himalayas, the difficult terrain has two swift rivers- Indus River and Zanskar River with exciting rapids, perfect for river rafting. The wonderful landscape of Ladakh adds to the delight of rafting. The towering mountains, colorful monasteries, ancient canyons formed by the river, chilly winds, the freezing waters and unrivalled  thrill, all make rafting in Ladakh an experience that you do not forget easily.

Luring visitors from all over the world, River Rafting in Ladakh is one of the most adventurous activities in India. Accessible only for three months of the year (July, August, September), as rivers get frozen in winters and start flowing in summer, getting to heavy flow in the monsoon. Experienced guides, efficient gear and Learn more about your adventure expedition.

Indus River Rafting 

Locally known as the Singhe Khababs (out of Lion’s mouth), Indus River flows from north-west to south-east Ladakh. Originating in Tibet, near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake, the river gets frozen in winter and flows in high speed during the month June to late August which is also the best time for adventure sport of rafting.

Expeditions for river rafting on Indus last for one to five days. Rapids on the river found are generally of I and II grades and at some places and grade III to even V rapids.

The most popular river rafting routes on Indus River are:

• Phey – Nimo route

Rafting on this stretch of Indus River starts from Phey Village, about 12 km from Leh and ends at Indus-Zanskar confluence at Nimo, about 36 km from Leh, this route consists mostly of Grade II and III rapids. Adding to the thrill is the scenery of beautiful mountains, tiny hamlets and imposing old monasteries nestled among the valleys.

• Upshi – Kharu route

In comparison to Phey-Nimo route, Upshi to Kharu route for river rafting in Indus is not too difficult. The river has Grade I and II rapids, with handful of grade III rapids too. Rafting starts at Upshi, about 90 km south-east of Leh, along the road which leads south to Manali, ending in Kharu.

• Phey – Saspol

This rafting adventure trip starts from Phey, about 8 km south of Leh and ends at Saspol, on Leh-Srinagar Highway, near Alchi. In addition to the thrill of the speedy waters, this route is blessed with the breathtaking view of landscapes and beauty of tiny hamlets on both sides of Indus River.

• Kharu – Spituk

Favored by the beginners and amateurs, this rafting route in Ladakh starts from Kharu, 45 km South-East from Leh and ends at Spituk, just short of Leh. The rapids are quite basic and the views are more than a beauty to cherish.

• Saspol – Khaltsey

For the true adventure aficionados looking for exhilarating river rafting in Ladakh, the Saspol to Khaltsey route offers the ultimate challenge. The highlight of this route is the kilometer-long series of rapids at Nurla. The rafting will finish at Khaltsey 90 km from Leh.

River Rafting on Zanskar River

Zanskar River is a north-flowing tributary of Indus River, perfect for thrilling river rafting in Ladakh. Frozen in the winters, Zanskar is famous for the frozen Chadar trek, but in the summers and the monsoon, the river has a swift flow.

The adventure –laden route is mostly upto the confluence of Zanskar and Indus. There are stretches on the river blessed with grade II to V rapids that includes Alchi, Nimmo, Upper Nimmo, Big Water ‘Chilling’, Zangla and Major Surprise (created by a recent land slide).

Here are some of the popular river rafting stretch on Zanskar River:

• Tsogsti to Sangam

The easiest stretch on the Zanskar River for rafting, the route from Tsogsti to Sangam takes almost 1 hour with rapids of grade 1+. Enjoying the speedy flow of the river along with spectacular scenery creates cherished memories.

• Choklamsar to Phay 

The rapids on the Choklamsar to Phay route are mostly grade 1-2 and can be easily covered in 1.5 hours. Passing through the ancient Zanskar gorge, the landscape is particularly impressive.

• Schorpochay to Sangam 

This particular river stretch from Schorpochay to Sangam are dotted with grade 2+ rapids which offers a memorable rafting adventure on Zanskar River, that can be covered in 2.5 hours.

• Phay to Sangam

Phay to Sangam stretch on the Zanskar River is dotted with rapids of grade 2+ which can be easily covered in 2.5 hours.

• Sangam to Alchi

Posing a challenge to rafters, the river stretch to Sangam and Alchi has a number of thrilling rapids some of grade level 3+. Taking around 2.5 hours the adventure is also blessed with breathtaking scenery of the mountains.

• Chilling to Sangam

One of the best experiences of thrilling white water rafting in Ladakh, the 30 km stretch on the Zanskar River from Chilling to Sangam is blessed with a number of Grades to 2-4. The impressive landscape along with the adrenalin pumping activity makes for some of the best adventure sport in Ladakh.

Best Time for River Rafting in Ladakh

River Rafting in Ladakh can be best experienced during the transition months between summer monsoon. Therefore, the best time for river rafting in Ladakh is from June to September.

As far as winters are concerned, the flow of two rivers in Ladakh is increased and becomes so difficult that grade V rapids can be experienced. So, it is advised to plan a Ladakh trip from April onwards as the weather gets much soother and you can easily enjoy adventure activities in Ladakh.

Things to Follow While River Rafting in Ladakh

Here are some things you need to remember before commencing river rafting in Ladakh.

• Always choose a licensed and professional rafting agent.
• Wearing a life jacket is a must even if you are a great swimmer.
• Check the comfort of your outfit and life jacket before sitting on the raft.
• Avoid wearing any type of jewelry.
• Hold the paddle correctly and properly.
• Keep sitting in the boat and do not move unnecessarily.
• If you want to try hard-level rafting, make sure to learn basic swimming techniques.
• Follow the commands of your raft leader.
• Do not panic. Always keep calm, otherwise, you will put everyone at risk.
• In case of any issue. don’t try to judge the situation on your own. Always listen to what your leader says.

Things to Carry for River Rafting in Ladakh

You obviously cannot carry much on the raft, except a waterproof camera. Here is the list of things you should carry for river rafting in Ladakh, which you may need before and after the rafting.

• Water shoes (optional)
• A towel
• Dry clothes or easily dryable clothes
• Sun protection
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Toiletries
• Wallet