SEASON
The season for rafting in Rishikesh is pretty long. You can go rafting anytime of the year barring the months of monsoons. The rafting is officially stopped from the 1st of July and resumes by late September (date may change if water levels are high). The best months to go rafting are October, November, March & April. From mid December to February the water temperature drops and it can be a bit uncomfortable. May – June is very hot, the town is extremely crowded and the river starts becoming muddy. Although May and June does see thousands and thousands of rafting enthusiasts every day, it is definitely not the best time window.
RAFTING ROUTES
There are 4 defined routes for rafting day trips. At times it might get confusing to choose the stretch most suitable for you. Let us discuss what each commercial river rafting route has to offer and which suits you the best. To grasp it better, let us understand 2 important keywords before jumping to the details of the routes.
RAPIDS
In a layman’s language, a rapid is where you experience the joy of waves and the thrills of rafting. It is because of the rapids that rafting is termed as adventurous. Usually when there is a steep change in the river’s gradient, it leads to a change in its velocity, causing turbulence.
DIFFICULTY
The difficulty of a river run is determined by how challenging the rapids are. According to an international rating system, the rapids are classified as Class I to Class VI. Class I being the easiest and Class VI being the hardest. Sections classified as Class VI are not run commercially though as they pose a direct threat of death. Class I to Class III is suitable for beginners. Rivers with difficulty level of Class IV – V require some prior experience and a brave heart.
One should not choose the river section purely on the basis of expense or duration. Choose as per suitability and fitness of the participants.
BRAHMPURI TO NIM BEACH
This is the most basic of them all. Older people, young kids and people who just want a pleasant experience can opt for this. It is a short run and one can experience the thrills. You can go body surfing, cliff jumping on your way to the finish point.
- Difficulty Level – Class II
- Rapids – Initiation, Double Trouble I and Double Trouble 2 are the three rapids on this stretch
- Length – 9 Kms
- Duration – 1 to 1.5 hours
SHIVPURI TO NIM BEACH
This is the highest selling commercial section, as it less expensive and contains all the major rapids of Ganga. Participants however need to face big rapids almost as soon as they start the trip, so it can help if participants have already rafted earlier or are comfortable with water. We will recommend this section to people who want high action in lesser time and money.
- Difficulty Level – Class III
- Rapids – Prominent ones are Shivpuri Rapid, Roller Coaster and Golf Course
- Length – 16 Kms
- Duration – 2 to 4 hours
MARINE DRIVE TO NIM BEACH
This is a complete trip. It covers almost all major rapids of Ganga and gives you a complete experience of rafting in Rishikesh. This route offers a qualitative experience and allows the participants to slowly build up their exposure from moderate rapids towards harder rapids. It is the right approach as you get more time to tune in, connect with your guide and fellow passengers. You can savor the surroundings and soak it all in. This is the section that we will recommend to almost anyone wanting to experience rafting in Rishikesh.
- Difficulty Level – Class III
- Rapids – 3 Blind Mice, Crossfire, Roller Coaster & Golf Course are the prominent rapids.
- Length – 24 Kms
- Duration – 3 to 5 hours
KAUDIYALA TO NIM BEACH
Kaudiyala is about 32 kms up river from Rishikesh. Doing this entire trip as a single day rafting can be quite demanding. The section from Kaudiyala to Marine drive contains only one significant rapid ( The Wall ). Apart from that the remaining trip is largely flat, and the river picks up pace only after Marine Drive.
- Difficulty Level – Class III+
- Rapids – Daniels Dip, Wall, 3 Blind Mice, Crossfire, Roller Coaster & Golf Course are the prominent rapids.
- Length – 32 Kms
- Duration – 5 to 7 hours