Rafting On The River Indus
While water levels are high, between the end of June and late August, Leh's more entrepreneurial travel agents operate rafting trips on the river Indus. The scene is still in its infancy, and the routes tame by comparison with Nepal's, but floating downstream in a rugged and beautiful landscape.
The Two River Stretches
Two different stretches of the river are used: from Spitok to the Indus Zanskar confluence at Nimmu, and from Nimmu to the ancient temple complex at Alchi. Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khalsi, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla.
Several agents around Fort Road offer white water rafting on the Indus, but all are acting as agents for Delhi based operators who bring the equipment up during the season. Tickets should be booked at least a day in advance, preferably through the operators themselves.
Rafting Centres
The three best-established and most reliable companies in Leh are:
• Ri Mo Rafting, who work from the Hotel Kang La Chen near The Ecology
Centre; highland adventures, on the first floor of the Hotel Ibex Complex.
• Indus Himalaya, opposite the Hotel Yak Tail on Fort Road.
Note: Make sure while booking that the price includes transport
to and from the river, rental of life vests and helmets, and meals, and that
the raft has a waterproof strong box for valuable.
River Rafting in Ladakh
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.
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.
