Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers - Sangam Point Ladakh
Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers - Sangam Point Ladakh
09May

Confluence of Indus and Zanskar Rivers - Sangam Point Ladakh

Vipin15 Comments
World's Highest River Rafting Point Zanskar River Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a region in Northern Himalayas administered by India. Recently it gained its title as a union territory on 31 Oct 2019. Some parts of Ladakh region has always been in dispute between India, Pakistan and China since 1947. The total area of Ladakh region is 59150 km. And the population is around 3 lakhs. It is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and distinct culture. Leh is located at a high altitude; one can have breathing problems due to the paucity of oxygen. Visitors are advised to consult their doctors and arrange proper woollen clothes before embarking on this journey as the temperature falls beyond -20 degree in winter There are so much to see in Ladakh the famous tourist attractions are Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Lamayuru, Nimmoo,  Magnetic Hills, Hall of Fame, Leh Palace, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Shey  Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Khardung La, Hunder, Diskit, Sumur, Panamik, Sasoma, Diskit monastery, Shey monastery, Rencho school, Alchi Monastery, SIACHEN BASE CAMP-Agham Shyok,  Chumathang valley , Karzok, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Buddha statue, Turtuk, Agham shyok river, Sand dunes, OP Baba Shrine.

The confluence of Indus and Zanskar
They all are equally unique and stunning. But among all, one amazingly beautiful sight is the Sangam Point in Ladakh, the meeting point of Indus and Zanskar rivers; also known as the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers.
The confluence of Zanskar river and Indus river is 3km southeast of Nimmu village in Ladakh. Nestled between the stunning mountains of the cold desert. This is the place where two rivers come together and turn into one river.



Where is Sangam point in Ladakh is located?
Sangam, the confluence point of Indus and Zanskar Rivers is about 35 km from Leh near the village of Nimmu, on the Leh to Srinagar Highway, This place is hailed to be one of the must-visits for all the nature lovers when they are on a vacation in Ladakh. You can get a full view of confluence from NH 1. You can go down up to the river bed by taking a left turn from NH 1 . This road will take you further by the side of the Zanskar river.



How to Reach 

By Flight -You can take a direct flight to Leh from New Delhi, JAMMU & SRINAGAR and Mumbai as well. You need minimum 6 days trip to visit this holy place as Leh is located 11000ft above sea level and your body need a day or 2 to acclimatize to high altitude.

By Road- There are two routes to reach Leh Ladakh, one is via SRINAGAR J&K and the other is via MANALI(HP). Both the roads are closed from November to May every year due to excessive snowfall and remain open from June to Oct.

Once you reach Leh then there are several options to reach Indus Zanskar Sangam.

Hire a Motorcycle - If you are not having a personal vehicle or not travelling with any travel company then renting a bike is a good option One can easily get Royal Enfield bikes to explore the beauty of Ladakh on a very decent amount. You can even contact Devils On Wheelz to get a bike on rent. Riding a motorcycle in Ladakh is a fun activity in itself and you must experience it. If not comfortable with the bikes then you can rent an automated scooter such as Activa, Jupiter, etc.

Private Taxi - Hiring a private taxi is the most convenient and suggestive way of travelling. One can rent a taxi to explore the Leh Ladakh as well Sangam point of Indus and Zanskar.

Shared Taxi - Sharing taxi in Leh is a very prevalent and favoured way of travelling. Shared taxi in whole Ladakh region are easily available. One can easily get the taxi for the return journey as well.

Bum a ride - If you don't have any option or travelling on a budget then certainly hitchhike with anyone who is going in the same direction. People travelling in a personal vehicle or motorcyclist will be a better option.


Rafting in Zanskar River

One of the best places for rafting in India is Ladakh. Ladakh offers a wide range of options for rafting on two rivers - rafting on the Zanskar River and Indus River. One can book the rafting from any travel agencies in Leh city or you can do it on Sangam point also on the spot from where the rafting has been started. The people of Sangam café who run the restaurant also provides the rafting packages. Generally, packages are of 8,16 and 32 km depending upon the condition. Prices vary according to the length and difficulty of rafting. The average price is approx Rs 1500 per person. The price includes rent of the items necessary for rafting like a helmet, vest, paddla  etc.,  transportation and lunch. Sometimes they charge extra money Rs 200-300 per person if anyone wants to go to the starting point by the vehicle available by the organizers on sharing basis. Locker is available where you can keep your stuff. If nothing at all, then just relax, enjoy the natural beauty, click some pictures and get something to eat at the Sangam Cafe. It is not often that you get to have a meal with such a stunning view right in front of your eyes.



Best time for rafting in Ladakh:
Water levels remain high during the month of June to late August. It is the best season for amazing rafting expeditions.





Places for rafting in Ladakh
The white water at Zanskar ranges is featured with different types of rapids naming I and II grades and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids. The experienced rafters would love to try some more challenging route between Alchi and Khaltsey towards Nurla. The most prominent river rafting trail is from Phey to Nimmo that passes through astoundingly rapids ranging from grade I to II. Some popular rafting points are mentioned below


Zanskar River :
Route
Distance
Time
Grade
Remarks
Chilling to Sangam
28 km
3 hours
3+
Great fun for the adrenaline junkies. Lots of rapids
Scorpoche to Sangam
16 km
2 hours
2+
For those who need the rush but not so much!
Tgosti to Sangam
7 km
1 hour
1+
For kids and family that just want something like a boat ride

Indus River :
Route
Distance
Time
Grade
Remarks
Phey to Sangam
22 km
2.5 hours
2+
Long and hard but great fun
Upshi to Kharu

4 hours
2+
A creeky river that will keep you on your toes!
Stakna to Choglmsar
14km
2 hours
2+
A scenic rafting trip where you can see a number of monasteries from the river

These routes are equally mesmerizing and offer similar adventures. The Indus River, after passing through captivating landscapes then enters into the territory of Pakistan.



FAQ's about the Rafting

1) Is it Safe?
Rafting is one of the safest adventure activities you can take part in. In addition, all safety gear like lifejackets, helmets, foot braces etc. are provided.

2) Do I need to be fit to go on a river rafting trip?
 River rafting does not demand very high levels of fitness. However, it is not recommended for heart patients, expecting mothers or people with serious ailments.

3) Who can take part in the rafting?
Anyone who wants to experience the adventurous river rafting at Zanskar River are welcome.

4) What are the essential things to carry?
Please carry a valid ID proof, change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and wear comfortable clothes and footwear.

5) What is the reporting time at the venue?
It is advisable that you arrive at least 20-minutes prior to the departure time to avoid any last-minute hassle.

6) Do I need to know how to swim?
Non-swimmers are also take part in the rafting as well. A comprehensive safety briefing is given before each trip 

7) Is it for First-Timers?
Yes, all guided trips are open for first-timers as well. 

8) Are meals included?
Depending upon the package you opt for. Decide everything before the rafting to avoid any hassle.