River Rafting in Rishikesh

River Ganges in Rishikesh

Rishikesh tops the list of few places where an adventure sport seeker can go for white river rafting in India. River Ganges is the one out of the few rivers in the world that could offer the best river rafting experience. The mystic of River Ganges allows the traveler a lifetime opportunity to experience the one of its kind river rafting here in Rishikesh.  Rishikesh river rafting is one of the most sought after activity by tourists from all over the world. Rishikesh offers a varied options when it comes to river rafting. All the different stretches of white water rafting in Rishikesh are meant to suit the various levels ranging from easy mode for beginners to difficult ones for experienced rafter. Each rafting stretches of Rishikesh provide complete contentment to the requested age groups. Some of the stretches are not just challenging but provide the best complacency with a little intake of panic and thrill. The fist pumping adventure of river rafting in Rishikesh enthralls you to a gripping yet rip-roaring experience of one's lifetime.


Suggested Read Rishikesh in Uttarakhand- The Spiritual Abode on The Banks of River Ganges

River rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh River Rafting Season

Rishikesh river rafting season begins in September and stays along till June. The white river rafting in Rishikesh can thus be enjoyed throughout the year except for monsoon. In monsoon the river rafting in Rishikesh is closed for safety reasons. The peak season for rafting in Rishikesh is however during March and April given the holidays. The Rishikesh river rafting in December is popular as during this month the water is too cold and freezing, but the river rafting experience is pumped up to its extreme. Thus the best Rishikesh river rafting season is from September to early June.

Rishikesh River Rafting Stretches

Rishikesh river rafting stretches are categorized into grades depending on its rafting route and manageability. Most of the stretches are dangerous and challenging. Grade 1 promises less obstacle route whereas grade 5 denotes extremely challenging and violent stretch. Each stretch is planned to suit the individual need and satisfaction.

Out of the four widely popular stretches the Brahmpuri to Rishikesh stretch  is considered to be a beginner's stretch for white water rafting in Rishikesh. This river rafting stretch is perfect for families and beginners. It is the most sought after stretch and covers the area of 9 km. The overall trip takes around one hour and 30 minutes to complete. This stretch cost about INR450 per person.

Other most challenging rafting stretches include the Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch which extends to about 16 km. This stretch is pretty challenging and completes in a duration of three to four hours. The cost of this challenging stretch is INR 650 per person. The Marine Drive to Rishikesh stretch and Kaudiyala to Rishikesh stretch are extremely challenging and dangerous in their own way. These Rishikesh river rafting stretches call for precise maneuvering amidst violent and powerful waves within the thundering rapids of River Ganges.

The Rishikesh river rafting packages are precisely planned with overnight camping for one or two days and other activities which could include rock climbing, cliff jumping and water sports.


Suggested Read: Trekking in Rishikesh

Best months for Rishikesh River Rafting

February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

List of Rishikesh River Rafting Tour Operators

When it comes to booking Rishikesh River Rafting package, one should always follow the safety guidelines designed and implemented by the government. Only authorized river rafting operators follow this safety guidelines for a safe and memorable river rafting experience. There are about 140 tour operators in Rishikesh that are government authorized with licensed rafts and thus safe. Government Authorized river rafting tour operators follow the certified guidelines and standard protocol. These tour operators hire certified and experienced tour guides who have exceptional international certificates for adventure sports including rafting, swimming, kayaking and life saving.

The cost of river rafting with these so called government authorized tour operators are undoubtedly higher than compared to other tour operators, but safety comes first. You may also come across hundreds of tour operators who offer cheap  river rafting packages in Rishikesh. But these tour operators do not have government authorizations. They also hire minor guides and compromise with the quality of rafts or paddles. The guides hired by such operators are usually without certificate and mostly inexperienced when it comes to life saving skills.

For the list of Government Authorized River Rafting Operators visit eUttaranchal Government Authorized Rafting Operators.