White water rafting in Ladakh

There are various levels of difficulty in river rafting ranging from Class 1 to Class 6 depending upon the fitness and expertise of the participating individuals. Class 1 involves small rough area where basic skill is enough, while class 2 involves rough water with rocks, where some skillful navigation is required. Good rafting experience is required in Class 3, which involves small waves. Class 4 involves medium waves; hence the individual should be full expert in rafting in this level. Large waves with large sharp rocks will be encountered in Class 5 so the participant should be fully qualified rafter to handle the pressure. Class 6 is more dangerous involving huge waves with huge rocks, so navigation will be next to impossible. Rafting in Class 6 may result in serious injury or even death. Hence, full knowledge and expertise in rafting is required still safety is a big question in this level.

River rafting in Ladakh is offered in two spectacular rivers namely, Indus River and Zanskar River. The Indus River, also known as the ‘Singhe Khababs’, which means out of lion’s mouth, rises from Tibet and flows through Ladakh to Pakistan. It travels from North West to South East direction to join Shayok and Suru and forms a miraculous beauty with historical richness. The best season to do rafting in Indus River is between June and August since, the water level increases at this period to give an exciting rafting experience. Rafting in Indus River is quieter and easier when compared to Zanskar. Indus River has grades from one to five rapids depending upon the speed of the river.

Zanskar River, also known as Tsarap flows through the Zanskar valley which is located at 12,000 feet above sea level. Zanskar River flows into the northern side of Indus River which originates from plateau of Sarchu at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. It flows through the mountains of western Himalayas and then it goes past the capital at Padum. Further, it joins the Stod River to finally reach the Pensi La pass on the road from Kargil to Padum. This river has rapids till grade 5. Rafting in Zanskar river lets us enjoy the thrilling experience amidst the beautiful hills and giant mountains. Include an experienced rafting individual in your adventurous rafting activity for guidance.