Adventure in Ladakh
River Rafting in Ladakh
A
range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries.
The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus
between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning
it requires technically skilled participants and careful organisation.
Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic
training and for day-return "scenic floating" for amateurs. In recent
years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and
features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive
rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh. They will also
be able to provide some rafts on hire.
The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along
its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountins, between Padum
and Nimo. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expedition, prepared
for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness.
Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements
should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangements
for rescue coverage is an essential pre-requisite for embarking upon a white
-water expedition on river like the Zanskar.
Mountain
Climbing in Ladakh
The area most frequented by foreign climbers is the Nun-Kun Massif in the Great
Himalayan Range. Its easy accessiblity from the Kargil-Pudum road and the shortest
possible approach march to the base camps makes this massif the most attractive
climbing destination in the Great Himalaya, necessitating advance booking years
ahead. Among its six known peaks accessible from the Suru Valley, Nun (7,135m)
and Kun (7,077m ) are the highest summits.
The area nearest to Leh is Stok-khangri Massif in the Zanskar mountains, south
of Leh. The base camp for the various peaks of this massif is about two days
trek from the village of Stok. Among its known peaks, Stok-khangri (6,150 m)
is the highes ; it offers a spectacular perspective to the central expanse of
the Indus valley which it dominates.
Other peaks in the area include Gulap Khangri (5,900 m), Matho West (5,950m)
and Kantak (5,275 m). The much higher Konglacha peak (6,700m) lies south-west
of Leh and is reached via Rubak on the first leg of the Markha Valley trek from
Stok. Many un-named peaks in the altitude range of 5,500 metres and 6,400 metres
are also available for climbing in the same region. This entire area falls well
outside the Inner Line, or restricted area.
North of Leh, across the Ladakh Range and the Nubra Valley, lies the Karokoram
range. It soars to a number of known peaks which are, however, within the restricted
area and so not freely accessible to foreign climbers except with special permission
from the Government of India.
The most prominent summits in this range which are accessible from various parts
of the Nubra Valley include, Saser-I (7,415 m), Saser -II (7,513m ) and Saser
III (7,495 m).
The climbing season extends from mid - May to mid -October, the ideal period
being from June to September because during this time only Ladakh remains unaffected
by the monsoon which holds sway over most of the Himalaya. Foreign climbing
expeditions are required to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering
Foundation for climbing all listed peaks.
A booking fee, based on the height and popularity of the allotted peak, is charged
and a Liasion Officer is assigned to every climbing team. The minimum period
required for processing applications is six months. Every authorized expedition
is provided with adequate rescue coverage in the events of accidents and illness.
Adventure in Ladakh, Leh & Ladakh
Travel Guide Reservation Form
Copyright©,
Adventure
Tourism. All Rights Reserved