Indus River Rafting

River rafting is one of the top adventure sports in Ladakh. Besides offering a unique rafting experience, the Indus waters in Ladakh also traverse through spectacular sceneries, monasteries and villages. Rafting expeditions on the Zanskar River also marvellous. Known as the Grand Canyon of India, this region holds high cliff-like gorges at certain places. With varying rafting choices depending on the season, personal physical fitness, cost and experience, Ladakh offers grade one to grade four range of rapids.

Indus River

• Upshi and Kharu route - Grade 1 to Grade 2 and some Grade 3 rapids
• Phey and Nimo route - Grade 2 - Grade 3 rapids
• Phey and Saspol route
• Saspol and Khaltsey route
• Kharu and Spituk route

Zanskar River

• Choklamsar and Phay route
• Tsogsti and Sangam route
• Sangam and Alchi route - Grade 3 to Grade 5 rapids
• Schorpochay and Sangam route - Grade 2 and above
• Chilling and Sangam route - Grade 2 to Grade 4 rapids
• Phey and Sangam route - Grade 2 and above
• Prices (each of these prices depend on the sector as well)

Zanskar River

• Grade 1 - INR 800 to INR 1200 for 7 kilometres
• Grade 2 - INR 1000 to INR 1400 for 18 kilometres
• Grade 3 - INR 1200 to INR 1600 for 28 kilometres

Indus River

• INR 1000 to INR 1400 for 25 kilometres
• INR 1200 to INR 1600 for 20 kilometres

The Brahmaputra River offers a range of exhilarating rapids that are categorized into different grades based on their difficulty level. Here are the grades commonly encountered during Brahmaputra River rafting –

• Grade 1 – has calm water with a little bit of current. A very basic skill is required.
• Grade 2 – has rough water, little rapids with bubbling current, and maybe some rocks. Basic paddling skills are required.
• Grade 3 –has small waves that are not so dangerous but need a professional guide. Experienced paddling skills are required.
• Grade 4 –has large rapids with medium waves, a few rocks, and a large drop. Whitewater rafting experience is required.
• Grade 5 –has large waves with intense volume and the possibility of big rocks, a large drop, and hazards. Advanced whitewater rafting experience is required in this grade.

Things to Do:

• Choose a licensed, professional rafting agent.
• Always wear a life jacket, even if you know swimming.
• Make sure that your outfit and life jacket are comfortable.
• Do not wear any loose jewelry.
• Hold the paddle properly.
• Stay in the boat – Do not move unnecessarily.
• Learn at least basic swimming techniques before going on hard level rafting.
• Know and follow the commands that your raft leader gives.
• Do not panic. By panicking you are putting everyone at risk. Always be confident and cool.
• Listen to your guide in case of any issues. Do not act on your own accord.

Things to Carry:

• Towel
• Dry clothing
• Water shoes (to wear it in the boat – this is optional)
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick Toiletries
• Wallet

The eligibility criteria for rafting in the Brahmaputra River can vary depending on the specific rafting operator and the difficulty level of the chosen rafting stretch. However, here are some general guidelines and considerations:

• Age requirement – Most rafting operators have a minimum age requirement for participants, typically ranging from 14 to 18 years. For excursions involving less and safe rapids, beginners or young children are also allowed. But for some stretches, experienced people above 18 only are allowed.
• Physical fitness – Rafting in the Brahmaputra River can be physically demanding. Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness, stamina, and mobility to paddle, navigate through rapids, and endure long hours on the water.
• Health conditions – Participants should disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries to the rafting operator before the trip. Pregnant women, asthma or arthritis people, heart condition or too obese people are not eligible for river rafting.
• Experience level – Different stretches of the Brahmaputra River have varying levels of difficulty. Some stretches may be more suitable for beginners or less experienced rafters, while others may require prior rafting experience or advanced skills. Choose a rafting trip that matches your experience level and comfort.

The best season to plan a trip to enjoy River Rafting in Ladakh is the transition months between Summer and Monsoon which commences in the region from June and lasts till the end of September. The many passes and routes that are closed during winters are also opened to the Public in late March. The flow of the two Rivers in the region is heightened around this time of the year up to a point that even more difficult grade V rapids can be experienced.

• By Air: The nearest major airports to access the Brahmaputra River region are Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, and Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur, Assam. From these airports, you can hire a taxi or take public transportation to reach your desired rafting location.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station in Guwahati, Assam. It is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your rafting destination.
• By Road: If you prefer traveling by road, you can reach the Brahmaputra River region via well-connected national highways. Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, serves as a major entry point. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach your rafting starting point.