Rafting in Ganges, India

Rafting in Ganges

Over the last few decades, Ganges river rafting has become one of the best-known adventures in Rishikesh. Located just at the foot of the Himalayas, most of the upper portion of Uttarakhand is crowned by famous peaks and glaciers, and it is replete with natural beauty. Two of the major rivers of India – the Ganga and the Yamuna start from Uttarakhand, fed by glaciers and melting snow from peaks, and provide some of the best Ganges river rafting stretches in the country.

Ganges river rafting packages

Every day, hordes of adventure seekers arrive, seeking Ganges river rafting trips. Just outside the main area, all along the river and its tributaries, and in the midst of the forests around Rishikesh, there are campsites set up to cater to these travellers. Most of these campsites offer Ganges river rafting and camping packages. Depending on your budget, you can stay in tents, cottages, or rooms. Your Ganges river rafting and camping package usually involves all meals, a campfire in the evening, and a session of white water rafting Ganga the next day.

Ganges river rafting: About white water rafting Ganga

From Rishikesh, the Ganges leaves the Himalayas behind and begins its journey into the plains. The river is wide, green, and cold here. Ganges river rafting is popular here because of the different grades of rapids on offer. During white water rafting Ganga, depending on the section of the river you choose, you could experience everything from the milder Grade I and II, to the epic boiling stretch of the Grade IV rapids.

Ganges river rafting packages

All Ganges river rafting packages offer you a thrill-a-minute session where you battle the rapids in the Ganges, as well as some peaceful paddling past the temples, ashrams and ghats alongside the river. At the end, you’ll head for a quiet stretch of the river, where you can take a dip, or try your hand at body surfing or cliff jumping.

Ganges river rafting stretches

Rafting Ganga can be customized to suit your requirements. For families with young children, there are Ganges white water rafting packages that are shorter and will cover fewer rapids. You can choose from the 9 km stretch (for families with kids), 16 km stretch (good for beginners), or longer Ganges river rafting packages like 24 or 32 km. From the 16 km stretch onwards, you’ll be meeting all the most famous rapids, like Double Trouble, Golf Course, Return to Sender, The Wall, and more.

Best time for Ganges river rafting

The best Ganges river rafting season is during the summer months of March, April and May, when the cold water is very tempting. But during the monsoon months, all the way till September or October, the white water rafting Ganga is strong, thanks to the added force of the water. After that, you can still go rafting, but the water gets very cold.