River Rafting in Indus

Location: Phey to Nimo , Area: Leh, State : J &K
Team: Rajan Rikame, Bhaskar T. Saurabh K., Ravi, Vivek
Agency: Rimo, Guide: Gunpal & Jangu
Duration: 2 hrs, Distance:25km, River: Indus (Sindhu)

Area Information:

Without any doubt, Zanskar offers one of the most exhilarating and challenging white-water rafting journey in India. Beginning on the Doda River in deepest Zanskar, the multiday river adventure descends through rapids of grade IV and V, passes incredibly desolate, scenic gorges and stupendous cliffs down the Zanskar River, and ends at the Indus, near Alchi Monastery.

The Indus River, locally known as the Singhe Khababs (out of Lion’s mouth), flows across the north west to the south east, passing through Ladakh and flows into Pakistan where it joined Shayok and Suru to become major historical Indus River.

The Indus, originates near the Kailash Mountain and the Mansarovar Lake in Western Tibet. Water levels remain high during the month June to late August, which is the best season for fascinating rafting expeditions. The travel agent offers white water River rafting on Indus for one to five days.

The rafting on Indus provides spectacular view of the landscapes Ladakh and Zanskar ranges which housed Buddhist monasteries on high cliff. The white water Indus has rapids generally of I and II grades and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids.

The popular 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

Phey - Nimo route : This route consist mostly of Grade II or III easy rapids is that it passes through astoundingly beautiful mountains, many of them with tiny hamlets and imposing old monasteries nestling among the valleys. Starting from Phey Village, about 12 Kms from Leh and ends Indus-Zanskar confluence at Nimo, about 36 kms from Leh.

My experience:

For all of us it was 1st time experience. We all were eagerly waiting to be in the raft as early as possible. Since it was sunny day all of us literally painted our faces with sunscreen. Our guide has instructed all of us about our route, raft, terms used while rafting and most important part is safety. Another guide Jangu was on the Canoe directing the raft and entertaining us with his skill set (In reality he was practicing for himself though). In the beginning our guide started the raft by his paddle for some time and later started instructing us when to paddle and turn etc. During he rafting he allowed few of us to dive in the comfortable water level. The banks were almost without any houses all the way except one of the road. At some point in the Rapid we almost jumped 3-4 ft high. That was one of the most enjoyable moment for all of us. We never forgot to capture the scenery. At one of low current places we all sang some Hindi songs related to river/water. Everyone has enjoyed each and every moment of the rafting we had one 15 min break half way. At the end where the Zanskar river joins the Sindhu (Indus) we had our final destination just 100mt further. WE had good lunch and then back to Leh. It was one of grate day for me.

Photo Link: Click Here

Written by: Rajan Rikame