Whitewater River Rafting
River Rafting is one of the thrilling adventurous water sports in India. Gushing on the rubber boats in the running water, going up and down on the streams along the mountains and dense forests is just what you must enjoy in the holiday trip. Some of the favourite rafting spots in India are the rivers of the upper Himalayas region, the Beas river of Himachal Pradesh, Teesta River in Sikkim, Indus river in Ladakh and Brahmaputra river in Arunachal Pradesh. Routes along the rivers are graded and I to III is best for the beginners with slow waves and clear passages. The river Zanskar and Indus in Ladakh are graded I-III. While those who are expertise in river rafting can go for graded IV to VI routes which are difficult and more adventurous. Beas, Chenab, Sutlej and Teesta are graded IV-VI .
Did You Know?
- River Rafting has become a famous adventure sport since 1970's.
- Rafting is said to be one of the earliest means of transportation.
- In 1990's Rafting was included in major game events like the Barcelona Games in 1992 and the Atlanta Games in 1996.
River Rafting in Ganges
The Ganges well known as the 'white water capital of India' is a classic location for white water sports. On Alaknanda river, Kaudiyala - Shivpuri stretch is the most popular destinations for the river rafting. The rafting starts from Kaudilaya and moves through dense forest and continues towards the popular river rapids namely 'wall' and 'golf course'. Rudraprayag situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini river is also ideal for river rafting as one can see chain of rapids and narrow gorges here. Other important stretches where rafting can be enjoyed on the river Ganga are Kaliasaur to Srinagar route(16km), Srinagar to Bagwan( 20kms) which are low grades routes. Among the high grade one can opt for Chandrapuri-Rudraprayag(26kms) route on the Mandakini river for water rafting.
River Rafting in Teesta
This river lies in the north-eastern state of Sikkim and is perfect for rafting. The river flowing down the mountain is graded III or IV. One can experience short river rafting between Makha and Rongpo which is hardly of two and a half hours. The long and difficult river rafting can be enjoyed on the streaches, between Dikchu and Teesta Bridge, Dikchu and Kali Johra in West Bengal and between Bordang and Melli.
River Rafting in Zanskar
Zanskar river originates coinfluence of the Stod and Tsarap rivers and lies close to the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This beautiful stretch is graded III to IV. Adventurous rafting can be done in the Padum -Nimmu route which involves camp in the forest. Phey-Nimmu route is best for the beginners who want to enjoy water rafting for the first time as this route is graded II or III. The rafting begins at Phey and finish at Nimmu which is 36 kms away from Leh.
River Rafting in Indus
Indus is best for the amatuers who likes to go for river rafting as it is graded II and III trips. The river originated from Tibet, continues to Ladakh and Leh and then moves to Pakistan. The Upshi-Khaltsi and Spituk-Saspol route is easy and entertaining. Hemis and Choglamsar on the river Indus offers a great water rafting experience of three hours to the visitors.
When to go
The best season for river rafting is summer as in winter all the Himalayan rivers are frozen or are too cold for rafting. Water level of the river rises in the monsoon due to heavy rain thus creating a chance of accidents. Therefore summer is the most favourable for river rafting. The Teesta rivers offers river rafting in winter months, between October and April.
What to bring
Visitors who are interested to try river rafting must carry wind proof jackets, dark glasses, shorts, light dresses, rubbers shoes together with first aid box.
Related Tour Packages to River Rafting
Cities
Agra, Jaipur, Cochin. Alleppey Chennai 
Hill Stations
Darjeeling, Dharamsala,Kashmir
Mussoorie, Gangtok
