The Indus river that traverses through Ladakh, is one of the longest and the most important river of south Asian subcontinent. It is believed that Indus river originates in Tibatan plateau from the holy Lake of Mansarovar and then enters Indian territory in Ladakh.  Ladakhi people know this river by the name of “Singge Khababs (From the mouth of Lion)” and Tibetans Know it by the name of “Singge Chu – The Lion’s River”. Most Importantly the Indian subcontinent and India have also been named after this River. The complete length of the river is 3200 Kms. Indus then flows northwest through Ladakh-Baltistan into Gilgit,  and flows into Pakistan where it joins Shayok and Suru.

Indus River provides a great opportunity for White water rafting in India and has varied degree of challenge for white water rafters. Indus along with one of its main tributary, The Zanskar river, which is more technical and adventurous is one of the favorites amongst the best white water rafters from all over the world.

June to August is the best season for white water river rafting over the Indus & Zanskar rivers. Generally the scheduled rafting trips are done in half or full day but an expedition of 5 to 7 days of white water rafting can also be done on these rivers. Rafting over Indus & Zanskar, is one of the most spectacular trip that one can take as it passes along many villages and monasteries and the mountain ranges of the Ladakh and Zanksar regions. Some of the main stretches on white water rafting in Ladakh are :

Phey - Nimo: One of the most popular amongst the short white water rafting stretches in Ladakh,  this one gives the thrill and twist of a grade III rapid at places. It starts from Phey village which is 12 Kms from Leh and passes through the rugged mountains and visible trek routes to end up in Nimo village near the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers.

Upshi - Kharu: Mostly you encounter grade II rapids on this stretch, but at some points you hit grade-III too. It is comparatively bit longer then the Phey to Nimo stretch. The starting point is Upshi on the Leh Manali highway which is 90 Kms from Leh. One has the beautiful view of snow capped mountains and monasteries at the hill tops while rafting on this stretch.

Kharu - Spituk: Kharu wich is 45 Kms off the Leh Manali Highway is the starting point of this trip. This is also a scenic float with less rapids and one can enjoy the beautiful sights of the Stok Kangri and monasteries and villages on both sides of the river.

Phey - Saspol: This is more of a scenic floating trip.  This trip starts from Phey off the Leh - Srinagar highway and ends at the beautiful village of Saspol. All the way you enjoy the continuously changing terrain and landscape and the tiny villages at the river bank.

Saspol Khaltsey: On of the most thrilling stretch of the river Indus where you may hit the rapid of grade III and more. All way along small and large rapids are continuously encountered on this stretch of the river.

Zanskar River White Water Rafting Expedition: The Ultimate Challenge :
The Epitome of river expeditions and a dream of all adventure lovers, Zanskar river white water rafting expedition can be done in 8 days on the river & out of which you need 3 days in to reach the starting point at Remala in Zanksar from Leh, and one needs a minimum of one day of acclimatization in Leh after landing in Leh, before you embark on any journey out of Leh city. The other option of reaching Leh is to Drive a minimum of three days from Delhi on one of the most beautifull and scenic journeys over second highest motorable pass in the world. Reaching Zanskar region involves an adventurous Jeep Safari drive from Leh to Kargil, Kargil to Rangdum and then on to Remala over the high pass of Pensi La which is 14,500 ft.

The actual White water rafting on Zanskar is of 4 tough and thrilling days; covering about 155 Kms of running and constantly hitting Grade II to Grade III rapids and Grade IV at many points. It also passes through the famous trek route of the Markha valley.  Nights are spent under the canvas, a whole support team for expedition and camping follows the main team.  A rest day is recommended at Nyerak village. This tour can only be booked for groups well in advance and for experienced rafters.