On the NH 1 ( National Highway Number 1 ) connecting Srinagar and Leh you will see Sangam or confluence of Zanskar and Indus river at Nimmu. You can get full view of confluence from NH 1. You can go down up to the river bed by taking a left turn form NH 1 . This road will take you further by the side of Zanskar river. The 14 KM stretch of river in upstream direction ( ending at confluence ) is popular as rafting area.
River Rafting in Zanskar river
Total length of 14 KM is divided in two parts , the upstream 8 KM is the main rapid rafting area and downstream 6 KM water is still and just flows down ending at confluence point at Nimmu. This rafting areas is from Chilling to Nimmu ( the confluence of Zanskar with Indus river )
The duration of rafting is 2 hours , however it takes more time in reaching the rafting point and changing the dress and using the safety accessories. So it will take almost half day to complete the rafting.
You will be changing your dress , shoes and you will be given helmet and life jacket before starting the river rafting.
It is Rs 1200/- for total 14 KM rafting. If you want to go for last 6 KM stretch then it will cost you Rs 600/-
Chadar ('ice sheet') Trek
In winter months the Zanskar river froze and form a trekking path for adventure lovers. This trek is known as Chadar trek.
Magnetic Hill
After crossing Sangam point at a distance of 4 KM further towards Leh you will reach a point known as Magnetic hill. From here Leh town is 25 KM.
Here a display board says to stop your vehicles engine at a point and watch how the vichele moves in upward direction defying the law of gravity. For a better experience turn you vehicles direction towards Srinagar side and stop the vechicle 20 meters before the marking area.
You will see your vehicle will start moving on its own in upward direction. It is said that the nearby hills have magnetic effect to attract or pull your vehicle in up direction.
However to understand the scientific reason behind this, spill some water on the road and watch which side it is flowing and then try to understand which side is up and which side is down. This is just an optical illusion.
Gurdwara Pathar Sahib
By the side of Leh - Srinagar Highway No 1 you can visit this Gurdwara maintained by Indian Army. It is at distance of 24 KM before Leh town while travelling from Kargil – Srinagar side.