The Tri-Adventure Expedition is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It is a demanding expedition ideal for those with a good level of fitness who enjoy a challenge. The expedition is divided into three sections: mountain biking, rafting/kayaking and trekking, covering a total distance of 460km. Located in Ladakh on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, this entire trip is at high attitude and acclimatisation adds an extra element to this expedition. With a low point of 2940m and a high point of 6153m we cross five passes (4200m, 3700m, 4400m, 4950m & 4850m) along this epic journey. With over 90% of Ladakh’s population practicing Buddhism it is more like Tibet than India in many ways. The expedition gives great insight into local culture with visits to monasteries, palaces, villages and markets all included.

Bike

The 5 day bike section covers a distance of 276km on mixed surface of tarmac, gravel, sand and large stones. We follow the road from Kargil to Padum, which is only passable in the summer months and is completely snowed out in winter. The route takes us past many remote villages and monasteries as we follow the Suru and then Stod rivers to reach Karsha, the starting point of the river section. The highlights of this section are the views of the Nun and Kun Massifs, both over 7000m, the sunset and sunrise at the Rangdum plains, the Drung Durung Glacier (source of the Zanskar River) and crossing the Pensi La pass at 4400m.

Raft or Kayak

We paddle 95km over two days on the Zanskar River, considered by many to be one of the best rivers in the world. After an extensive safety brief we put on the water and enjoy a nice introductory section of class II whitewater. After 25km we enter the Grand Canyon of Asia and enjoy good class III/IV whitewater and incredible scenery. Once in the canyon we are committed to reach its end. With canyon walls over 1000m deep and no road access this the most remote section of the expedition. No experience is required for rafters but kayakers need to have class 4 experience.

It helps to be in good shape for an expedition like this. As you’ll be both trekking and rafting / canoeing you’ll need a good overall level of fitness. You could spend some time in the gym working on your main mussel groups, legs, back chest, arms etc. Having a strong core is always useful both for trekking (with weight on your back) and also for the water sections. You should also work on your cardio, the fitter you are the more enjoyable the expedition will be.

If you can practice what you’ll be doing you’ll find it really useful. Try weekends away trekking, if you’re inexperienced start on some basic mountains, then try more complicated routes as you get better. Try the same with Kayaking or rafting. The more you do before you leave the better prepared you’ll be for the expedition.

 

Talk to the guys at Into India for more information.