Rafting
SKARDU TO GILGIT RAFTING
150 kilometers Class VI
INTRODUCTION: River Indus is the lifeline of Pakistan; it originates from the heights of Tibet at a place called SINGHI KABBAB, which translates as "Mouth of the Lion". From its source the Lion River flows east between Himalayan Mountains passing through Laddakh and Baltistan it turns south near Gilgit along Karakuram ranges (Karakuram High Way). The Passage through gorges and valleys opens up in the plains of Punjab and Sind, after a journey of 2900 km the Indus River falls into Arabian Sea. The annual flow of Indus is twice that Nile and three times that of Tigris and Euphrates rivers combined.
In the south of Pakistan it is known as "DARY-A-SINDH" (River Sindh). The name of Indus River also appears in ancient literature, in Latin it is referred to as "SINDUS", Greek named this river as "SINTHOS" and in Sanskrit script it is mentioned as "SINDHU".
Indus River is one of the most historic rivers of the world and it also has a rice cultural background. In the historical perspective of this sub-continent Indus has a prominent role, civilization of Mohenjodaro flourished on its banks, Alexander conquering the world reached the formidable waters of Indus and Arabs entered India through this river.
Travelling in Indus River is like going back in time. The best way to get a real touch of this river and to observe its historical and social impact one has to navigate through this river. The journey on Indus not only exposes its majestic beauty but also unveils its rich cultural heritage. A boating expedition is planned this will be a unique opportunity to explore Indus.
DESCRIPTION: This will be a four days rafting and exploration adventure starting from SKARDU to the town of GILGIT. This journey will cover a distance of 150 Km on river Indus, in Rondu Gorge of undisturbed mountains. Like all of the Indus, this is huge water. By the end of May, when run by Andy Embick, it was already 100,000 cfs. Fast flowing primarily without distinct rapids but containing huge holes and explosion waves, it is in the summer months primarily a survival run. Midway through is one truly enormous rapid on an abrupt 180 degree left turn, which fortunately seakale on the extreme left. It was this “warm-up†which convinced the Lowell Thomas expedition not to go downstream into the Rondu Gorges. In October, the flow here is a more reasonable 20,000 cfs, but the water remains powerful and the one big rapid is still difficult.
We will start from Skardu town up to that point Indus already join by many small rivers Shyok River, Hushe River, Thalle River, Shigar River and during our journey from Skardu to Gilgit more Rivers like Basho River and White Water river coming from Kachura will join Indus.
All traveling and rafting will be during daytime and night stay will be in small hotels along the road or at protected camp sights. A logistic support vehicle air-conditions and a 4X4 Willi Jeep will move by the road and meet the expedition, team at the pre-selected places of night stay.
The winter season is the best time to travel in this part of Indus River, because the water level is low and the water discharge is reduced. These conditions are safe and comfortable for rafting down stream. The river is mostly flowing between mountains there are some very difficult section such as Rondu Gorge. During this journey you will see the ancient fort, bridges, historical sights, gold prospectors camp and old villages. Besides all these attractions river Indus during winter is a naturally protected sanctuary for migrating birds.
NOTE: Please note that longer trip can be organized on request for this Skardu Gilgit section but as this section is not completely done by any expedition in the past so there are not reliable information available.
DAY 1: ISLAMABAD
Arrival in Islamabad met and transfers to your hotel. All meals included.
DAY 2: ISLAMABAD
Visit Ministry of Tourism for briefing and permit (if any). Overnight hotel. All meals included.
DAY 3: ISLAMABAD TO CHILAS
Islamabad to Chilas (483 km, 10 12 hours drive) From Islamabad start drive by road to Chilas at 6 am. Upon arrival in Chilas transfer to Chilas Inn for overnight. All meals included.
DAY 4: CHILAS TO SKARDU
After an early breakfast drive to Skardu (232 km, 9 hours drive) in route stop for lunch and places of interest and scouting of River Indus. Upon arrival in Skardu transfer to K2 motel Skardu for overnight.
DAY 5: SKARDU
Rest day in Skardu for Rafting Preparation. Leader will take a jeep to scouting the first section of the rafting from Skardu to Garbidas (30 km Rafting).
DAY 6: SKARDU TO GARBIDAS
Skardu to Garbidas 30 km rafting, after an early breakfast start your first day of Rafting expedition to Garbidas. Van and jeep will follow the expedition by road and meet the members at Garbidas village. Overnight camping. All meals included.
DAY 7: GARBIDAS RONDU GORGE SNOUTING
Rest day or scouting through rafting of Rondu Gorge and driving by jeep with frequent stop and walk down to the river. Overnight at Garbidas small hotel or camping.
DAY 8: GARBIDAS TO STAK NALLAH (RONDU GORGE)
Rafting from Garbidas to Stak Nallah 30 km, after an early breakfast start rafting to the most difficult section of Indus called Rondu Gorge. This is the infamous Rondu Gorges attempted by Richard Bangs in 1979 but not completed, (Reference; Richard and Kallen, Christian, Rivergods, Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, 1985 – Accounts of great river exploration, including the first attempts on the Indus River). After crossing the Rondu Gorge camping near Stak Nallah, All meals included.
DAY 9: STAK NALLAH TO SASI
Stak Nallah to Sasi Village 40 km, after an early breakfast start rafting down stream to Sasi village. Upon arrival transfer to camping site for overnight camping. All meals included.
DAY 10: SASI TO JUGLOT
Sasi to Juglot 25 km, After an early breakfast start rafting down stream to Juglot, which is 50 km away from Gilgit Town, upon arrival in Juglot board van and jeep for a ride to Gilgit for about an hours.
Note: DAY 10: SASI TO GILGIT
Sasi to Gilgit 50 km, Rafting from Sasi to Gilgit is 50 km. After 20 km you will reach at the Gilgit River and Indus River junction. If members would like to raft 30 km of up stream to Gilgit. This day can be use to do so.
DAY 11: GILGIT
Rest day in Gilgit for sightseeing, overnight hotel. All meals included.
DAY 12: GILGIT TO BESHAM
Drive from Gilgit to Besham 6 hours, After breakfast drive from Gilgit to Besham 343 km, upon arrival in Besham transfer to PTDC motel Besham for overnight. All meals included.
DAY 13: BESHAM TO ISLAMABAD
After breakfast drive to Islamabad 236 km for about 6 hours drive. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. All meals included.
DAY 15: ISLAMABAD
Debriefing at Ministry of Tourism and evening free for sightseeing.
Overnight hotel. All meals included.
DAY 16: ISLAMABAD AIRPORT
Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
End of our Services.
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