White water rafting, commonly termed as rafting, is popular recreational water sport that excite and thrill the raft passengers. White water means fast speed water and raft is a hot air balloon boat made of multi-layered, durable rubber consisting of several independent air chambers. It can be 11 to 20 feet long and 6 to 8 feet wide.
The Ganga originated from Gaumukh, the foot of Gangotri glacier, passes through Devprayag reaches Rishikesh and enters plain.

Ganga is one major river for water adventure sport in Uttarakhand. Devprayag, the confluence of Alakhnanda and Bhagirathi, flows forcedly downwards providing a challenging rafting destination. Then Ganga gears down her speed providing a subtle flow for amateur water adventurer enjoy rafting and thrill while passing through the large rocks and hazards.Rivers of Kumaon provide space to practice rafting.

When you are rafting through Garhwal and Kumaon rivers- wetting your body with water and wetting your soul with the beauty of nature- curves and bends of river with swirling motion, spectacular mountains, beautiful meadows, tall trees, flowers and lively wildlife at distance- you will feel emancipated.

Rafting is as challenging as thrilling it is. As per the International scale of river difficulty, we can list six classes of difficulty in white water rafting ranging from simple to very dangerous and potential death or serious injuries.

Classes/Grades of White Water Rafting

Class 1: Very small rough areas that require no maneuvering and no skill.

Class 2: Some rough water, some rocks or small drops- basic paddling skill is required and may need maneuvering.

Class 3: White water, medium waves, 3-5 feet drop but not much considerable danger. Significant maneuvering may be required with experienced paddling skills are must.

Class 4: Whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, considerable drop may exist. Sharp maneuvering required with advanced whitewater experience.

Class 5: Whitewater, large waves, continuous rapids, large rocks and hazards, large drop may exist. Precise maneuvering with expert skill is must. Failure to execute specific maneuver at specific point may result in serious injury or death.

Class 6: Whitewater that are not passable and any attempt to do so would result in serious injury- drowning or death.

Though it has become safer than before because of the expertise increased and quality equipments introduced, but private rafting tour is not recommended to minimize the risk factors. There are many travel agencies providing white water rafting packages which you can surf through and choose before facing the water challenges.

Rishikesh is a popular destination for river rafting in India, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports. Here are some details about river rafting in Rishikesh:

Best Time for River Rafting: The best time for river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June, excluding the monsoon season (July and August) when the river currents are too strong and unsafe for rafting.

Rafting Grades: The Ganges River in Rishikesh offers different grades of rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The grades range from Grade I to Grade IV, with Grade IV being the most challenging.

Rafting Stretch: The most popular rafting stretch in Rishikesh is from Shivpuri (16 kilometres upstream from Rishikesh) to Rishikesh. This stretch covers various rapids such as Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Double Trouble, and more.

Duration: The duration of a typical river rafting trip in Rishikesh is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the distance covered and the water conditions. This includes safety briefings, gearing up, and the actual rafting experience.

Safety Measures: Safety is of utmost importance in river rafting. Before starting the rafting adventure, participants are provided with safety gear like life jackets and helmets. Experienced guides accompany each rafting group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Other Adventure Activities: Apart from river rafting, Rishikesh offers a range of other adventure activities such as camping, trekking, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and more.

Booking and Packages: Several adventure tour operators in Rishikesh offer river rafting packages. These packages generally include transportation, rafting equipment, an experienced guide, and sometimes meals and camping options. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.

Remember to check with the local authorities or tour operators for the most up-to-date information and any specific requirements or restrictions. Safety should always be a priority, so follow the instructions of your guide and enjoy your river rafting experience in Rishikesh!