Adventure Programme


Overview & Summary
Adventure Photos
Adventure Itinerary
Group Composition
Experience Required
What the Price Does/Does not Include
Deposit Payment
Booking Info

a sleeping spot with a view on the Zanskar



Remote, pristine & unique, the combined Tsarap & Zanskar rivers flow 300km through the Zanskar range starting at a high elevation of over 4000 metres finally meeting the mighty Indus river.

The Zanskar flows undisturbed through one of the world’s great untouched canyons, past communities which have changed little in the past few hundred years. With a put on at over 4000m, this is a true high altitude expedition, featuring endless class 3-4 rapids, hidden away in India’s remote Himalaya.

After travelling to the region, you’ll spend a few days acclimatising to the altitude, giving the chance to take in ancient temples and the surroundings of Leh. Once on the river, you’re in for one of the Himalayas’ finest class 4 multi day adventures.

The Tsarap alternates between open terrain and box canyons, before joining the mighty Zanskar for big volume in a vast, pristine canyon. One of the trips highlights is a visit to the Phuktal monastery – built into a cave half way up the canyon wall, and accessible only by river or a week long hike, this Buddhist community has remained almost unchanged for the past 800 years.


Adventure Itinerary


Day 1 Arrive in Leh, Rest and Acclimatise
Day 2 Rest in Leh, short hike up to temple
Day 3 Day trip on Indus river Spituk to Nimu, big water class III get used to loaded boats on volume!!, late lunch at Nimu
Day 4 Rest day, visit to one of the stunning ancient monasteries surrounding Leh
Day 5 Rest and buy supplies, pack gear
Day 6 Start Early drive to Tsarap over 5500m pass put in at 4100m paddle 10km to campsite easy class I-II
Day 7 Class II-IV portage after Sutak, enter mini canyon, camp at Yarshung
Day 8 Class II-III visit Phuktal monastery, overnight and re supply in Purne trekker’s camp. (break from cooking)
Day 9 Class IV Big water, the crux of the trip, one long difficult portage with heavy boats. Camp near Padum for the night
Day 10 Class I-II, long flat stretch with stunning views of the Ladakh range, before entering the depths of the gorge. Camp at beginning of gorge
Day 11 Start the Zanskar gorge, big water class III lots of surf waves and big holes to avoid, camp on the beach in the gorge by one of the many natural springs
Day 12 Continue down the gorge arrive at Nimu (Indus confluence) Arrive back in Leh in the evening
Day 13 Rest, sight seeing and shopping for souvenirs
Day 14 Depart from Leh back to Delhi and other connections
Of course, this schedule’s only a guideline: we’ll chop and change depending on how you’re getting on, what the levels are like and what everyone wants to do

Group Composition


The trip will be led by an experienced Gene17kayaking appointed trip leader. In selecting suitable leaders, we not only look to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications but we also ensure that they have an excellent track record of white water paddling from around the world. Whilst qualifications and experience are essential requirements, we also make sure that our leaders have the right temperament to lead a trip group comprised of individuals who have a range of previous experience and expectations. The leader is a vital contributor to the enjoyment and well-being of the trip members and he or she will be there to deal with any unexpected problems. To that end, we aim to provide a leader who will make the trip both successful and enjoyable throughout.

Our leaders hold current wilderness first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with remote river related medical conditions.

We will take a maximum of 6 paddlers on each trip, although the number may well be less than this. With every 3 paddlers we have on the trip, we’ll have a highly experienced Gene17kayaking Teacher/Guide.


Experience Required


Tsarap Zanskar Multi Day Adventure takes place on Class III+/IV+ whitewater.
The Tsarap Zanskar Multi Day Adventure is suitable for experienced paddlers who are able to paddle for 4 – 6 hours in a day on Class III/IV. Generally the rivers are accessible with far road access, and there will be some exposed terrain. This trip begins on an easier section of whitewater, but will soon reflect conditions expected at the grade. Participants should therefore expect to be in a river environment during peak runoff for sometimes extended periods of time.

You are welcome to Contact Us, if you would like to discuss the trip in more detail.


What the Price Does/Does not Include


TRIP COST: 2500€TBC

What the price does include

  • Guiding and Instruction
  • Full accommodation including all meals
  • River shuttles*
  • * The Tsarap Zanskar Multi Day meets in Leh at our allotted hotel at the Airport. At the end of the Adventure, we’ll arrange your drop off at Leh Airport
    Accommodation & Catering
    You don’t need to rough it to get the Aisan experience. We’ll be staying in first rate local accommodation and all the food will be fresh and hygienically prepared. During our multi-day we’ll stay on sandy riverside beaches

    The Personal Paddling Equipment you should bring:

  • A good semi-drytop or drysuit
  • Your paddle
  • Whitewater PFD, spray deck and good helmet
  • Solid footwear for bank support – no sandals
  • Rescue gear, including a throwbag, knife, sling and karabiner
  • Light weight camping equipment including tent & sleeping bag
  • What the price does not include

  • Visa fees
  • Flight
  • Bar bills
  • Travel & Boat insurance
  • Dinner on the final night
  • Tips
  • Kayak Hire**
  • ** Gene17 will attempt to source kayaks for hire from local rafting operators. The best option is to bring your own kayak


    Deposit Payment


    deep in the Tsarap Chu Canyon
    Tsarap Zanskar Multi Day
    India – Multi Day 2500€ TBC

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    Pay Deposit 750€

    Adventure Date:
    Late Summer on demand