Day 1 Arrival Fly from Delhi to Leh. We'll land in a very barren landscape as the plane nearly skims the sides of Spituk Gompa on one of the most difficult landings in the world. Reach the airport early to get a window seat on the 'A' side for great views. Note: as this is a high-security flight, be prepared to be checked more thoroughly than average. As well, keep a pen and your passports handy as your visitor's registration will be needed on arrival. At an altitude of 11,500 ft, climbing a few stairs or struggling with a tight sleeping bag could leave you short of breath in Leh. Many people may need up to 24 hours to acclimatize. Headaches and breathlessness usually can be controlled with rest and very light exercise, if any. You will then meet your guides at the charming hotel Mogol, nestled in the quiet part of Chanspa, a ten-minute walk to the town square. You will be briefed about the trip and encouraged to hydrate and rest all day. A nice walk into the market can be a delightful way to spend your evening.
Day 2 Leh Today you will have plenty of opportunities to acclimatize, hydrate and go sightseeing. If you're feeling energetic, a visit to a few monasteries such as Shey, Thikse and Hemis can be arranged. If not, choose to relax and walk into town, exploring its bustling market and outdoor restaurants. Again, the mantra is to rest and hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more. In the evening we meet for a packing update, where we discuss what goes on the trip and what can be left behind at the hotel in Leh.
Day 3 Drive from Leh to Kargil Today we set out after an early breakfast, traveling west of Leh towards Kargil. 36 kilometers outside of Leh we'll reach Nimu, the confluence of the Zanskar and the Lion rivers. 6 km after Nimu, we'll pass the temples and derelict fort at Basgo. After another 10 km, we reach the painted caves at Saspol. The historic gompa of Alchi is only a 4 km diversion from here. 44 km further down the road we reach Khalsi where the road crosses the Indus river and slowly winds its way 27 km up to the beautiful gompa at Lamayuru. We'll continue climbing for 15 km up to the highest pass on the route, the Fatu La (13,450ft). After another 36km we'll cross the Namika La pass (12,210ft) and then the road descends 15 km to the village of Mulbekh. Just before the village, there is an ancient 9-meter sculpture of Maitreya, or future Buddha carved into the rock. From Mulbekh, the Wakha river leads up to the cliff face Gompa of Gyal. 41 km further is the town of Kargil which marks the transition to a predominantly Muslim area from where one can either continue west to Kashmir or take the rough road south up the Suru valley into Zanskar, which is our destination. There we'll settle into the hotel D'Zojila in a quieter part of town.
Day 4 Drive from Kargil to Rangdum A spectacular drive past Panikar and Parkachik, with magnificent views of the 7000 meter Nun and Kun massif, hanging glaciers and large meadows. We'll drive until Rangdum Gompa (12,000 ft). From Kargil, the road runs south up to the Suru valley for 67 km to Panikhar. The Balti settlements along this valley are surrounded by lush fields growing a wide variety of crops and fruits. As we gain height the mighty snowcapped peaks of Nun (23,410ft) and Kun (23,220 ft) begin to dominate the view. The road swings to the east for 63 km, past the last Muslim settlement of Parkachik, to the Buddhist Gelukpa monastery of Rangdum, sitting astride a small hill in the middle of a wide plain. There will be an optional hike around this huge meadow. We will camp here overnight.
Day 5 Drive from Rangdum to Remala Today we drive to Remala, the starting point for our rafting trip on the Stod river, a tributary of the Zanskar river. We drive over the Pensi La (14,500 ft), revealing great views of the Zanskar peaks, at the bottom of which the Drung Durung glacier feeds the Zanskar. The road descends to the Stod or Doda river which it now follows to Padum, the capital of Zanskar. A little more than a large villa
Day 6 Rafting Expedition Begins at Remala Today we'll raft 30 km in 4-5 hours, including a break for lunch and refreshment. We are surrounded by 6000 meter high peaks. The river section today includes a Class II section, a good introduction for first timers as well as to the river in general. There will be an optional hike around the camp in the afternoon. For the energetic, a long walk to Karsha Gompa is also possible.
Day 7 Karsha - Honyo/Pidmo 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 and the altitude, and to hone our paddling skills.
Day 8 Nyerak After packing up camp, we'll raft 25 km to Nyerak (3286m; 10,780ft; 3 hrs) a Class III section. The gorge narrows in on the river there is now a new rapid formed at the entrance to the canyon due to the construction of the road as well as a fallen JCB machine. This indeed is a Grand Canyon in its own right. We stop for the day to set up camp in a gorge below Nyerak village.
Day 9 Nyerak Rest 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 10 Nyerak to Lamaguru Today's 35 km rafting section takes us from Nyerak to Lamaguru (3190m; 10,465ft; 6 hrs) through the core of the Zanskar. A classic whitewater day with continuous Class III rapids, and a few Class IV rapids where the river squeezes between a gap of about 18ft. We'll stop for lunch near a huge waterfall and continue to camp at the confluence of the Markha and Zanskar rivers. Rock formations, spires and an amazing palette of colors are wonderful bonuses to this part of the trip. Camp overnight.
Day 11 Lamaguru - Nimu - Leh We raft 40 km of Class III/IV white water from Lamaguru to Nimu (3154m; 10,345 ft; 3-4 hrs) today. We'll 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 and will drive an hour back to Leh. Last minute retail therapy and a hot shower before spending the night in a hotel.
Day 12 Departure Transfer to Leh airport. Fly Leh - Delhi.
India.12 days $1,387.00
