Few places on earth can match the grandeur and sheer magnitude than kayaking through the Zanskar Gorge. Sandwiched between two mountain systems, the Karakoram to the north and the Himalayas to the south. The whole region is full of amazing sights, strange gompas perched on soaring hilltops dwarfed by snowcapped mountains.
We will spend time acclimatising in and around Leh plus kayaking on various sections of the Indus River and the Stod River before starting our expedition into the Zanskar Gorge.
One thing you can be sure with Kayak School Arlberg is that our planning and preparation is meticulous!
Through the Grand Canyon of the Himalaya
The Area
Ladakh, the land of high passes is just one description of the amazing region. Situated in northern India it forms part of the Tibetan Plateau and is strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. One of the least populated states in India Ladakh is generally known as Little Tibet. The majority of Ladakhis are Tibetan Buddhists and this can be seen throughout the region with many monasteries, gompas, stupas and an abundance of prayer flags.
Rivers
The Indus River is one of the greatest rivers in the Asian subcontinent and one of 4 sacred rivers to come from Mount Kailash, the sacred mountain of Tibetan Buddhists. Flowing between the worlds greatest mountain ranges, the Karakoram and the Himalayas, the Indus also gives its name to the country of India. There are various sections of the Indus in Ladakh with different grades. We will be using 3 sections ranging from Class 2 to Class 3+.
The Stod or Doda River is one of the main tributaries of the Zanskar River. The melting waters of the immense Drang Drung Glacier are the source of the Stod, the upper reaches are in tight canyons before it opens up and provides a great way to view and take in the immenseness of the Zanskar mountains down to Padum.
The Zanskar River is our main goal for this expedition and starts by the village of Padum when the Stod and Tsarap Chu rivers meet. As it cuts through the mountains and becomes the Zanskar Gorge there is plenty of action kayaking in BIG volume whitewater rapids all the way to it joins the Indus at Nimmu.
Practicalities
Instructors / Team / Guides
All of our Team, be it: instructors, coaches or guides have recognised qualifications including whitewater safety and rescue. They have a wealth of experience not only here in Austria but around the world. Stanzin will be leading this expedition and we cannot think or know of anyone better! He comes from Ladakh and will show you great lines down the river and cook you wholesome meals by the riverside. In the Zanskar Gorge you leave the kayaks and head up to his village in Lingshed high up in the Zanskar mountains. Stanzin has worked with us in Austria, Slovenia and has also led trips in Uttarakhand on our Himalayan Class 3-4 Trips. For more information about our Instructors / Coaches and Guides check out our Team page.
Experience Required
We would expect you to have plenty of experience of kayaking solid Class 3 whitewater with longer rapids such as: the Toesens Gorge at medium water, the Imst Gorge of the River Inn of the Martina section of the River Inn at a medium to high level. You should have a good roll and if it takes a few times to roll it should still be achievable! There is not need to have experience kayaking at altitude though you should be paddle fit and have good stamina as you will be kayaking for up to 5 hours a day with equipment in your kayak. In August the Zanskar Gorge will be a solid Class 3+ during September it will be more Class 3-3+ and at the beginning of October Class 3.
Ladakh Kayaking Season
There are a few factors to consider with regards to the Ladakhi kayaking season. The main one is the temperature, during the height of Summer in July the days are hot and the nights are warm. This means that the glaciers feeding the Zanskar will be melting and so the river is high. By mid-August the nights are starting to cool and so the water levels will drop to just over medium and in September you can expect medium to low river levels. By October the nights are cold and it takes a while for the glaciers to melt during the day so you can expect low levels.
Group Composition
Our ratios are extremely low, be it in the Kayak School in Austria or on trips and expeditions to India, Peru or Chile. The ratio of the group is no more than 1 guide to 3 guests! We will also not take more than 6 guests on this expedition! This provides you with plenty of whitewater action where you can easily see and follow the line of the guide, which will give you a huge amount of confidence and more time to take in the grandeur of your surroundings. This is why we like to keep our group sizes SMALL!
Our Zanskar Gorge Kayaking Expedition will run with just the minimum of 2 persons!
Accomodation
Our hotel accommodation in Leh is handpicked by Stanzin. We know that a nice, clean room with warm bedding is a must, alongside a quiet area that is also within walking distance to the market and sights of Leh. In Lingshed it will be a homestay with Stanzin’s family and in Padum it will be again simple local accommodation. On the river, you will be camping under a big tarp keeping away the heavy dew and with the chance to pop your head out to see the stars shining brightly in the clear night sky.
Food and Drink
Ladakhi food is simple but very filling. The soups are a great way to warm you up in the evening, the momos are amazing with choices or sauces to dip into. Indian food is also available and of course in Leh there are restaurants serving pizza, pasta and other western style meals.
The hotel in Leh also has a great restaurant and is highly recommended. On the river it is simple, flavoursome and filling food. We ask you to bring ready meal breakfasts to give you a great start for the day ahead, lunch is quick and simple and dinner will be Ladakhi and Indian (not spicy) meals. In Lingshed the meals are Ladakhi such as Thukpa or Skyu.
On the river the water is first collected in a collapsable bucket and then when the sediment has sunk to the bottom we filter the clear water through an MSR Expedition Filter. In Leh there is purified water in the hotel that you can drink and of course you can buy sodas, cola and in some places even beer!
Transport
Throughout this trip we will only be using private vehicles. This means you can travel in comfort and stop to take photos of the stunning scenery and architecture. On the road from Leh to Padum we will be using Stanzin’s jeep as we will cross over a 5000m pass with kayaks on the roof and all the expedition equipment in the back. The jeep will also be used to access the Stod River when staying in Padum.
Dates & Prices
Tour Dates
For an itinerary, price and more information about this Adventure Trip, please send us a message through the contact form and we'll get back to you soon.