White-water rafting in Rishikesh: what to expect

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Rishikesh is India's best-known rafting destination, where the Ganga leaves the Himalaya. It is exciting, accessible and suitable for many first-timers.

The stretches

Rafting trips start upstream and finish near Rishikesh. Longer stretches have more rapids.

• Short stretches: good for families and beginners, with a few rapids.
• The popular 16 km stretch from Shivpuri: a mix of rapids of moderate difficulty, ideal for most first-timers.
• Longer stretches from Marine Drive or Kaudiyala: more rapids and a longer day, for those who want more.

Rapids are graded by difficulty; operators explain which ones you will face.

Season

Rafting usually runs from about September to June. It pauses during the monsoon, when the river is too high and dangerous.

Safety

• Choose a licensed, registered operator.
• Wear the life jacket and helmet provided at all times.
• Listen to the safety briefing and follow the guide's commands.
• Operators set minimum ages and may ask about swimming ability and health.

What to wear

Quick-dry clothes, sports sandals or shoes that stay on your feet, and sunscreen. Leave valuables at the hotel. Carry a change of clothes.

Beyond rafting

• Yoga and meditation classes.
• Cliff jumping and body surfing on some trips.
• Bungee jumping nearby.
• The evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan.
• A day trip to Haridwar.

See our Adventure holidays page.

How to plan the day

Most trips start in the morning and take two to four hours. Combine rafting with a riverside camp for an overnight stay.