This whitewater rafting trip takes us to the cultural jewel in our rafting crown, the Zanskar River, set high the Himalayan Mountains of India.

The Zanskar River is one of the remotest areas of Indian and has more in common with the neighbouring country of Tibet than with the lower plans of the country.

Our rafting journey starts with a spetacular flight from Delhi to the fascinating town of Leh, were we will spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude of 3350 meters. We will spend this time visiting ancient Budhhist monasteries, absorbing the rich culture of this remote land and perhaps take a drive to the world’s highest road, at 5602 meters.

Our journey to the river will take us along one of the most spectacular roads in the world, down through the Zanskar Valley, which is a photographer's delight, with its soaring mountains, huge glaciers and ancient monasteries.

Once on the river we will encounter world-class white water rafting and staggeringly beautiful Himalayan scenery that is only accessible be traveling by river. This is a rare mixture of ancient culture and vistas seen now where else on earth.

YOUR SAFETY

Rafting has long been plagued by the myth that it is dangerous, extreme and only for adrenaline junkies. Rafting is our profession, so we take it seriously. We are serious about safety, about good food, good times and serious about fun! We offer trips to suit all ages and abilities - it is not about fitness, Rafting is about fun. Our youngest white water rafting client to date was 6 years old, and our most mature was a 73 year old blind chap, who did a 7-day Zambezi white water rafting trip! (He was not into the scenery, but loved getting wet).

Your safety on our rafting trips is our number one priority on and off the river. Without exception we believe in safety kayakers on all rafting trips. In addition, on our more challenging rafting trips we utilize a safety cataraft. Our biggest safety feature are our world-class, certified, professional rafting guides – you will appreciate the difference that they make.

We have a comprehensive first aid kit and all our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid. We also carry satellite phones on all of our trips and we were the first rafting company to do this.

With our enviable safety record we are at the forefront of the white-water industry with our constant training and innovative safety procedures.

GOURMET FOOD

At the end of a great day rafting on the river, cool après rafting drinks will be served to you along with platters of snacks. You will love sipping your gin and tonic or cold beer amongst spectacular surroundings.

Nothing tastes better than a delicious meal cooked by your rafting guide, who transforms into a fantastic riverside chef in the evening. (River rafting guides actually think of themselves as cooks and cleaners who raft to work each day). You will be amazed at just what will be whipped up out of the raft’s coolers. We cater for all dietary preferences as long as you let us know!

OUR EQUIPMENT

We believe high quality rafting equipment makes for a safer and more comfortable rafting trip for you, the client. When rafting on the river you’ll wear high flotation Americas Cup life jackets and sturdy helmets and on our cooler trips, wetsuits and waterproof spray jackets.

Off the river, with your gin and tonic in hand, we believe camping should be civilized. Stay cool in the shade under large tarps, lounging in comfy thermorest seats, chatting with your fellow adventurers. You will sleep well in quality tents, on thick thermorests.

We use AVON self-bailing rafts, specifically designed for paddle rafting, which means you as a paddler are stable and comfortable. We find most of our guests have in their posession everything that is needed for a river trip and little if anything needs to be purchased on your part for the trip. If you want to see what gear we recommend for your destination, please go to the page outlining that trip and click the "What You Should Bring" tab.

Continent or Region: Indian Subcontinent

Country or State/County: India

Fly into Delhi. Return flights to Leh are included.

This rafting trip offers a perfect taste of the Ladakh region of India. You will get a fascinating tour of local manasteries before we embark on our stunning journey to the river, beneath hanging glaciers and taking in views so beutiful they are difficult to put into words. Once we start rafting, we'll be treated to the most spectaclar canyon in India, rivalling the Grand Canyon in the USA. Waterfalls plunge from the canyon wall as we paddle down this isolated canyon. We stop to visit villages en route and have a genuine cultural interaction with traditional Ladakhis.

Anvesh Singh Thapa

Hamish McMaster