Best River Rafting in Rishikesh: Everything You Need to Know

Rishikesh has recently become one of India’s most famous river rafting locations. River rafting in Ganga is included in almost all Rishikesh travel packages. Rishikesh is world-renowned for its magnificent pristine environment, temples, the holy river Ganga, yoga ashrams, and different adventure activities like camping, ziplining, kayaking, etc. Adventurers must try rafting in the Ganga River, which is regarded as one of the best rivers in India for rafting and kayaking. In this article, you will learn everything about Water Rafting in Rishikesh.

River Rafting in Rishikesh Overview

Rafting at Rishikesh is indeed the best in India. Our trainers provide adequate safety precautions, and customized camping and rafting activities which are available in Rishikesh. Rishikesh gets very congested during the peak season, so keep it in mind when planning your trip. We at HillWayTravels insure your safety and make your experience memorable.
White water Rafting in Rishikesh is an unrivaled activity that offers an adrenaline rush in the middle of raging rapids. Several sites in India provide rafting options. Undoubtedly, Rishikesh is India’s rafting capital and the best rafting location in the country. The azure waters of the river Ganges provide ample rafting here. Rishikesh river rafting trip takes you on a 9 km and 16 km adventure circuit.

River Rafting Duration: 2 to 4 hours daily
Minimum age required: 14 Years
Maximum weight allowed: 100 Kg
River Rafting Timings: 9 AM to 4 PM or 10 AM to 5 PM

White Water River Rafting Highlights

• Navigate through the spectacular grade III and IV rapids between the mountains.
• Accompany yourself with a qualified instructor who will assist you during the activity.
• Choose from captivating routes ranging from 9 to 16 kilometers and prepare for an exhilarating rafting adventure with your family.
• Before starting the raft into the water, the instructor will explain the procedure and important points to remember.
• The Rishikesh river rafting adventure includes five degrees of rapids.
• You will be provided with advanced safety equipment to ensure your safety.
• A raft can hold up to 8 passengers at once.

Different Grades of Rapids for River Rafting in Rishikesh

The river rafting activity is classified as an adventure sport. You can choose one based on its degree of difficulty. Before starting the white water rafting in Rishikesh, tourists are separated into two groups: beginners and experienced. They are numbered from 1 to 5. The most fascinating feature of Rishikesh rafting is that it can be done at any level of difficulty. The rapids in Rishikesh are classified according to the difficulties they provide to rafters. Here are the difficulty grades:

Grade 1: Grade 1 allows easy rafting and is a way to go for beginners for their maiden rafting experience. Rishikesh’s Grade 1 rapids include the Sweet Sixteen, Good Morning, and Black Money.

Grade 2: The best thing about the grade 2 rapids is their medium difficulty. Rishikesh’s Grade 2 rapids include the Club House, Hilton, Double Trouble, and Terminator. The Shivpuri Rapid is located between Grades 2 and 3.

Grade 3: Grade 3 rapids are somewhat adventurous and need great skill. Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, and Three Blind Mice are all grade 3 rapids in Rishikesh. Daniel’s Dip lies between Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids.

Grade 4: Grade 4 rapids are quite challenging and require great skills as they have the potential to overturn the raft. The Great Wall in Rishikesh is a Grade 4 rapid.

Grade 5: These rapids are only recommended for specialists since they are extremely dangerous. Daniel’s Dip is the Grade 5 rapid in Rishikesh.

Rishikesh River Rafting Stretches and Rafting Packages

Here is a detailed overview of rating stretches along with Rishikesh rafting packages and costs.

1. Brahmpuri to Rishikesh

The distance from Brahmpuri to Rishikesh is short, making rafting favorable for people of all ages. You can enjoy White water rafting in this stretch without any skill or previous experience. The Brahmpuri to Rishikesh stretch is a great choice for people who fear water. This stretch is appropriate for seniors, children, and families. The refreshing water splashes excite the adventurers. The rapids in this stretch are usually of easy difficulty.

Stretch Length: 9 Km
Grade of Rapids: Grade 1 and Grade 2
Major Rapids: Club House, Hilton, Double Trouble, Terminator and Sweet Sixteen
Rafting Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Rafting Cost: INR 450 per person

2. Shivpuri to Rishikesh

The Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch offers adventure seekers an exciting blend of excitement and pleasure. The grade III rapids in this stretch can make the rafters’ have their hearts in their mouth on several occasions. When rafting in Rishikesh, this stretch of the river is not recommended for individuals who are timid or lack basic swimming ability. This stretch is great for second-timers because it is neither simple nor difficult.

Stretch Length: 16 Km
Grade of Rapids: Grade 2 and Grade 3
Major Rapids: Golf course, Roller Coaster, Return to Sender, and Double Trouble
Rafting Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
Rafting Cost: INR 650 per person

3. Marine Drive to Shivpuri

River rafting from Marine Drive to Shivpuri is the best choice for people who want their first river rafting excursion to be safe and thrilling. Almost all rafters with good river rafting expertise choose this rafting length over the Barahmpuri rafting stretch because it is easier to enjoy. Despite being a short rafting adventure, this short stretch of rafting in Rishikesh will put you up close and personal with nature.

Stretch Length: 10 Km
Grade of Rapids: Grade 2 and Grade 3
Major Rapids: Club House, Hilton, Double Trouble, Golf course, and Roller Coaster
Rafting Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Rafting Cost: INR 600 per person

4. Marine Drive to Rishikesh

This stretch, like the previous one, has moderate difficulty. It is a challenging yet spectacular rafting stretch. This section of the river features thrilling Grade II and III rapids. After passing Shivpuri, the rapids become less challenging, allowing travelers to rest and enjoy the picturesque scenery. The itinerary has 14 rapids in total. It is an excellent route for any rafters with previous rafting expertise.

Stretch Length: 24 Km
Grade of Rapids: Grade 2 and Grade 3
Major Rapids: Black Money, Golf Course CrossFire, and Three Blind
Rafting Duration: 4 to 4.5 hours
Rafting Cost: INR 850 per person

5. Kaudiyala to Rishikesh

This stretch is only for expert rafters. It is an incredibly exciting rafting route with one of the world’s most challenging rapids. The rapids throughout the course are difficult, requiring a high level of strength, courage, and ability. You can’t afford to panic while on this stretch. This route includes rating 4 and 5 rapids. It’s a 34-kilometer stretch that takes roughly 8 hours to complete.

Stretch Length: 36 Km
Grade of Rapids: Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5
Major Rapids: Daniel’s Dip and The Wall
Rafting Duration: 8 to 8.5 hours
Rafting Cost: INR 1800 per person

Camping with Rafting in Rishikesh Prices:

Rishikesh provides excellent camping sites in the Himalayan foothills. It is no less than a haven for nature enthusiasts to spend quality time amidst majestic mountain views, lovely forests, and waterfalls. It also provides an amazing camping experience on chilly nights under a starry night sky. Camping in Rishikesh allows every nature lover to enjoy outdoor sports and capture those moments. Furthermore, its tranquil beauty rejuvenates your mind and body. After a long day, you can have a delectable dinner and relax at a bonfire.

Camping with Meals Only: INR 800
Camping, Meals, and 10 KM Rafting: INR 1200
Camping, Meals, and 16 KM Rafting with Cliff Jumping: INR 1300

River Rafting in Rishikesh Price

The Rishikesh river rafting costs range from INR 600 to INR 3000 for each person, depending on the rafting length that you choose. The following are the five most popular rafting spots in Rishikesh and river rafting packages or prices per person. These prices include a trainer’s guide and safety equipment. You can choose HillwayTravels packages for your adventure trip as they are the best river rafting company in the region.

• Shivpuri to Rishikesh Rafting (16 KM): INR 650
• Barahmpuri to Rishikesh Rafting (9 KM): INR 450
• Marine Drive to Shivpuri Rafting (12 Km): INR 600
• Marine Drive to Rishikesh Rafting (26 Km): INR 850
• Kaudiyala to Rishikesh Rafting (36 Km): INR 1800

Things to remember before you go River Rafting

• Weather conditions may cause the activity to be canceled or rescheduled. In such cases, the next best available time window will be advised.
• Participants cannot bring sharp objects, lighters, baggage bags, alcohol, knives, or other items.
• Avoid eating heavy meals or drinking alcoholic drinks before and after the activity.
• Rishikesh tour packages does not contain any personal costs or things of a personal nature. The package does not include any meals or transportation not specified in the itinerary.
• It is advised that you carry an additional set of clothing.
• Videography and photography are optional, and there is no additional cost for that.
• The Rafting in Rishikesh Packages include a rafting guide, rafting activity, safety equipment, life jackets, and transportation (Rafting Starting Point to End Point).
• The minimum age for Rishikesh river rafting is 14 years.
• Participants must be at the site at least 45 minutes before their scheduled time slot.
• All international tourists must provide their passport and visa information upon arrival.
• Each visitor must show identification upon arrival.

Safety Tips for River Rafting

• Carefully listen to preventive measures and techniques of rafting in Rishikesh provided by the trainer before rafting expedition.
• Always wear a licensed and professional rafting outfit.
• Do not ever start rafting before sunset, as you won’t be able to make it to the starting point in the sunlight.
• Correctly wear a life jacket or personal floatation device and fasten it properly.
• Wear all the safety equipment and be safe.
• Hold the paddle firmly and correctly, as advised by the trainer.
• Watch out for the waves downstream; one moment, you could be on the boat, and the other, you might be in it.
• Always know how to swim so you don’t get into trouble if you accidentally fall in the water or on your own.
• Never panic because panicking is a waste of time and only makes the situation worse.

Best time to visit Rishikesh for River Rafting

Rishikesh is a gorgeous destination with spectacular views all year round. The climate here is continental, although its position amidst the Himalayas promises good yearly weather. You can visit Rishikesh at any time of year. However, May and June are scorching in Rishikesh, with temperatures reaching +35 °C.
The best time to visit Rishikesh for river rafting is mid-September to late November, followed by late March to early May and it is rafting season. In July, Rishikesh hosts the Savan festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Most routes are blocked, and hotels are overcrowded. It is best to avoid visiting Rishikesh around that time.

Other Things to Do in Rishikesh

1. Bungee Jumping

After river rafting, Bungee jumping in Rishikesh is indeed one of the best things to do. You are connected to your ankles by long elastic cables and instructed to jump from a considerable height. Bungee jumping in Rishikesh is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you return to finish the chore, you are filled with excitement and joy, and a lovely smile spreads from ear to ear.

2. Trekking

Rishikesh boasts plenty of hiking paths and breathtaking views of lush greenery to treat your eyes. You can have a one-of-a-kind hiking the Himalayan peaks in Rishikesh. Uttarkashi is a prominent trekking destination, with Har-ki-Dun and Ram Jhula in Rishikesh are some of the best places to visit in Rishikesh for trekking or hiking. You can nearby popular locations for trek, like Kedarkhanta which is a mountain peak of Himalayas and you can go to Juda-ka-Talab from there. Other options are Monal Top trek, Brahmatal and Satopanth trek

3. Kayaking

You can do water activities like kayaking in Rishikesh, depending on your skill and energy level. The Mighty Ganges provides excellent kayaking options as it flows through the city. Around 15 kilometers from Rishikesh, Shivpuri is the primary kayaking location. Water flow in the region varies from sluggish to wild, making kayaking feasible for everyone.

4. Camping

Rishikesh provides excellent camping sites in the Himalayan foothills. It is no less than a haven for nature enthusiasts to spend quality time amidst majestic mountain views, lovely forests, and waterfalls. It also provides an amazing camping experience on chilly nights under a starry night sky. Camping in Rishikesh tour allows every nature lover to enjoy outdoor sports and capture those moments. Furthermore, its tranquil beauty rejuvenates your mind and body. After a long day, you can have a delectable dinner and relax at a bonfire. You can visit Dhanaulti village for camping because it is untouched by the crowds and you can find beautiful scenery

How to reach Rishikesh?

By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The best way to reach Rishikesh by air is to fly from Delhi to Dehradun. Then, you can reach Rishikesh from Dehradun by cab in just 45 minutes.

By Train: Haridwar Junction is the nearest railway station to Rishikesh. You can reach it from all major Indian cities. Once you reach the station, you can take a cab to Rishikesh for an exhilarating rafting experience.

By Car/Bus: Although you can reach Rishikesh from all major Indian cities, the nearest major city is New Delhi, which is 221 km from Rishikesh. You can also reach it by AC buses from Ghaziabad, Meerut, Dehradun, and New Delhi.

FAQ’s

What is the age limit of river rafting?

The minimum age limit for river rafting in Rishikesh is 14 years, and it is set by the authorities governing rafting in the region for the safety of the people.

What are the costs of river rafting in Rishikesh?

The rafting trip in Rishikesh costs range from INR 600 to INR 2000 for each person, depending on the rafting length that you choose. These prices include a trainer’s guide and safety equipment.

Shivpuri to Rishikesh Rafting (16 KM): INR 650

Barahmpuri to Rishikesh Rafting (9 KM): INR 450

Marine Drive to Shivpuri Rafting (12 Km): INR 600

Marine Drive to Rishikesh Rafting (26 Km): INR 850

Kaudiyala to Rishikesh Rafting (36 Km): INR 1800

What other adventure sports can be enjoyed with rafting in Rishikesh?

Here are the other adventure sports, including air and water sports, that you can enjoy while rafting in Rishikesh.

• Kayaking
• Cliff jumping
• Body surfing
• Trekking (Waterfall trek, Kunjapuri trek, or Village hiking tour)
• Zipline over the Ganga
• Bungee Jumping
• Skycycle
• Flying Fox
• Giant Swing

What things should I carry for rafting in Rishikesh?

Here is a list of things you must carry before rafting in Rishikesh.

• Valid identity card
• Water bottles
• Sleepers
• Lightweight clothes
• Extra sets of clothes
• Dry Bag
• Waterproof camera

Is camping safe in Rishikesh?

Camping is safe and fun to do here in Rishikesh. Moreover, Rishikesh is known for the superior quality of its rafting and camping experiences in India recently. Many solo travelers and women-centered tours have become a norm in Rishikesh. The only thing you can’t afford is trekking at night as you might find yourself in trouble then.

Final

After getting an incredible rafting experience in Rishikesh, you can easily call it the rafting capital city of India. The picturesque surroundings, the towering Himalayas, and the lush green views add more fun and pleasure to the overall experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or like challenging adventure sports, Rishikesh is your ultimate destination. So, what are you waiting for? Choose one of Hillway travel’s rafting packages for trouble-free rafting in Rishikesh. Cheers!