River Rafting Ladakh

The Indus river, locally knows as the singhey khahabs (out of lions mouth), flows across the north west to the south east, passing through ladakh and flows into Pakistan where it is joined by Shayok and suru to become the historical Indus river.

The Indus originates near the kailash mountain and the mansarover lake in western Tibet. Water levels remain high during the month of june till late August, which is the best season for fulfilling River Rafting Ladakh on Indus for one to five days.

River Rafting in Ladakh on Indus provides spectacular view of landscapes ladakh and Zanskar ranges which hous Buddhist monasteries on a high cliff.

The white water Indus has rapids generally grades I & II and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids.

The Popular Ladakh river rafting points are from phey to Nimo and also from upshi to kharu or from Upshi to Nimo. The other points run from phey to Saspol or Phey to the Indus-Zanskar confluence at nimo and from nimo to the historical monastic enclave of Alchi, about 75 kms west of leh. Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and khaltsey, which takes in the km long series of rapids at nurla. Easier runs include the run between hemis (40 km south of leh) situated along a road crossing the Indus and choglamsar, which is a three hour trip that goes through quiet, calm waters and passes through the riverside village of Stakna. Shey and Thiksey (25 km south east of leh), before ending at choglamsar, just short of leh city.

Phey to Nimo Route

This route consists mostly of Grade II and III easy rapids. It passes through astoundingly beautiful mountains, many of them with tiny hamlets and imposing old monasteries nesting among the valley. It starts from Phey village, about 12 kms from leh and ends at Indus zanskar confluence at nimo about 36 kms from leh.

Phey to Saspol

This rafting trip starts from phey, about 8 kms south of leh and its end at saspol, on leh-srinagar highway, near alchi. This route is short and relaxed enough to enjoy the breathtaking view of landscapes and beauty of tiny hamlets on both sides of Indus.

Upsahi to Kharu Route

This River Rafting Ladakh is somewhat long as compared to the phey-nimo, but not too difficult. The stretch between upshi and kharu consists of Grade I & II rapids, although there are some grade III rapids too. The starting point is at Upshi, about 90 kms south east of leh, along the road which leads south to manali. From Upshi, the river makes its way westwards to kharu, along the road to leh.

Kharu to Spituk

It starts from kharu, about 45 kms south – east of leh and ends at spituk, just short of leh. This route is specially recommended for the beginners and amateurs.

Saspol to Khaltsey

If you are an experienced rafter, you may try the more challenging route between saspol and khaltsey which has km long series of rapids at Nurla. The River Rafting Ladakh will finish at khaltsey 90 km from leh.

Rafting Operators of leh

There are several Travel Agents around Leh market offering white water River Rafting Ladakh on the Indus river and Zanskar River. The rafting charges for phey to nimo is Rs. 800-900 per person including transport, raft and lunch. Other expeditions are organized on demand and the cost depends on number of persons and rafting points.