Rishikesh, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, has earned the well-deserved title of “River Rafting Capital.” This is because of its numerous thrilling and affordable river rafting tours that cater to adventure enthusiasts from all around the world.
The stretch of the river Ganges in Rishikesh is ideal for river rafting with rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade V. The best part is that prices for these adrenaline-pumping tours start as low as Rs. 499 per person, making it an affordable adventure option for everyone.
The most popular trip is from Shivpuri to Lakshman Jhula, boasting tricky whirlpools ready for even veteran rafters. Here you’ll find grade 1 to grade 4 rapids like “Roller Coaster” and “Tee Off” – but in the grade 4s powerful currents challenge even expert navigators.
What Does it Cost and How Can You Get the Best Price?
The cost of river rafting in Rishikesh varies from season to season and activity level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from 499-699 rupees for a 9kms to 12kms of river rafting.
Be sure to book ahead of time to get the best rates, as prices tend to go up closer to peak season. Additionally, look online for special deals or group discounts that can help you save even more money.
Shivpuri Rafting Tour: Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to river rafting, the Shivpuri rafting tour is an excellent choice. This 16-kilometer, three-hour journey offers a perfect balance of fun and safety, with rapids ranging from Grade I to III. You’ll get to experience the thrill of river rafting without being too overwhelmed.
Kaudiyala Rafting Tour: A Thrilling Adventure
For experienced rafters looking for a more challenging adventure, the Kaudiyala rafting tour is a great option. This 35-kilometer, five-hour journey offers rapids ranging from Grade II to IV, providing a thrilling and exciting journey. You’ll need to have some experience with river rafting before embarking on this adventure.
Marine Drive Rafting Tour: Scenic and Exciting
If you’re looking for a scenic journey with a bit of adventure, the Marine Drive rafting tour is perfect for you. This 27-kilometer, four-hour journey takes you through some of the most beautiful spots on the river. With rapids ranging from Grade II to IV, you’ll experience a perfect balance of excitement and serenity.
Brahmapuri Rafting Tour: Easy-going and Fun for Families
The Brahmapuri rafting tour is ideal for families with children or anyone looking for a relaxed and easy-going river rafting experience. This nine-kilometer, two-hour journey offers rapids ranging from Grade I to II, making it perfect for beginners. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful greenery surrounding the river while experiencing the thrill of river rafting.
Rishikesh River Rafting Packages With 2023 Prices
| RAFTING PACKAGE | PRICE |
| Brahmpuri to NIM Beach 9 Kms River Rafting Include River Rafting | 499 |
| Brahmpuri to Rishikesh 12 Kms River Rafting Include River Rafting Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing | 699 |
| Shivpuri to Rishikesh for 18 Kms River Rafting Include River Rafting Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing | 999 |
| Marine Drive to Rishikesh 24 Kms River Rafting Include River Rafting Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing | 1499 |
| Kaudiyala to Rishikesh 36 Kms River Rafting Include River Rafting Cliff Jumping and Body Surfing | 2499 |
Rapids You Face While Rafting In Rishikesh
- The Wall: This rapid is located near the starting point of the rafting journey and is an ideal warm-up for the more challenging rapids that lie ahead. The Wall is a Grade II rapid and provides a fun and bumpy ride.
- Black Money: The Black Money rapid is a Grade III+ rapid that offers a thrilling experience for experienced rafters. The rapid is named after the black rocks that line the riverbed and is known for its steep drops and sudden turns.
- Three Blind Mice: Three Blind Mice is a series of three Grade III rapids that offer an exciting and challenging experience. The rapids are named after the three boulders that lie in the river and require precise maneuvering to navigate successfully.
- Crossfire: This Grade III+ rapid is named after the cross currents that make it a challenging and exciting experience for rafters. The rapid features large waves and requires precise navigation to avoid capsizing.
- Roller Coaster: The Roller Coaster rapid is a Grade IV rapid that offers an exhilarating experience for experienced rafters. The rapid is named after the large waves that resemble a roller coaster ride and require skilled navigation to tackle.
- Golf Course: This Grade III+ rapid is named after the large rocks that resemble golf balls on the riverbed. The rapid offers an exciting ride with steep drops and sharp turns.
- Double Trouble: Double Trouble is a series of two Grade IV rapids that offer a challenging and thrilling experience for rafters. The rapids are known for their steep drops and require skilled navigation to navigate successfully.
- The Wall (2): This Grade IV rapid is a more challenging version of the Wall rapid mentioned earlier. The rapid features large waves and requires skilled navigation to tackle.
- Terminator: The Terminator rapid is a Grade IV+ rapid and is considered one of the most challenging rapids in Rishikesh. The rapid features large waves and steep drops and requires experienced rafters to navigate successfully.
- The Final Rapid: The Final Rapid is the last rapid on the river and is a Grade III+ rapid. The rapid offers a thrilling ride and is a perfect way to end the rafting journey.
Trip Itinerary
- 8:00am: Meet at designated pickup location
- 8:30am: Arrive at rafting put-in point and receive safety briefing
- 9:00am: Begin rafting down the Ganges River
- 12:30pm: Stop for lunch and refreshments at riverside campsite
- 1:30pm: Resume rafting
- 4:30pm: Arrive at rafting take-out point
- 5:00pm: Return to designated pickup location
How To Reach Rishikesh
For those wanting to experience river rafting near Rishikesh, the nearest airport, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is 32km away. Additionally, Rishikesh Bus Stand and Haridwar Railway Station are 15km and 39km away respectively. To reach the starting point of the rafting activity, travelers can take either a taxi or shared vehicle from any of these locations. From Ram Jhula, they will be transferred to the starting location and taken back when they finish their rafting journey. Private and public transport options are available for travelers who wish to embark on this adventure.
Best Time To Go Rafting In Rishikesh
The best time to go river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June, when the weather is pleasant and the water levels are ideal. During this time, you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region while challenging yourself on the river.
The monsoon season from July to August is not recommended for rafting, as the water levels of Ganges are typically too high and unpredictable.
Packing Tips
Before you leave for your river rafting trip in Rishikesh, make sure to pack the necessary items. You should always bring a life jacket and helmet for safety, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Other things to bring include first aid supplies, plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and water to keep hydrated throughout the day. If you have any additional recreational items such as fishing poles or cameras, make sure they can be stored away safely while on the raft!
safety measures
While having a thrilling rafting adventure, it’s important to remember that safety should be your top priority. Make sure you are wearing all the required equipment such as helmets and life jackets provided by the operators. Always listen to the instructions from the river guide and never underestimate the rapids. Have a positive attitude when on water and ensure you follow all safety rules for an enjoyable experience without any accidents.
River Rafting Timings In Rishikesh
Except July to august white river rafting in Rishikesh is open all times throughout the year with best time being September to June considering the pleasant weather and water rafting levels. Here is the the daily timing table –
| RAFTING STARTING POINT & DISTANCE | TIMINGS |
| BRAHMPURI – 9KMS | 8:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. |
| SHIVPURI – 16KMS | 8:00 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M. |
| MARING DRIVE -24KMS | 8:00 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M. |
| BYASI – 36KMS | 8:00 A.M. TO 9.15 A.M. |
Places To Stay During Your Rafting Trip To Rishikesh For Solo, Family or Group Travelers
| Preference | Hotel Name | Hotel Type | Hotel Location | Hotel Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveler | Bunk Stay | Hostel | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, Common Lounge, Barbecue Facilities |
| Solo Traveler | Moustache Rishikesh | Hostel | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, Common Lounge, Outdoor Terrace, 24-hour front desk |
| Family | Aloha on the Ganges | Resort | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Kids Play Area, Yoga Classes |
| Family | Hotel Nirvana Palace | Hotel | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, Garden, Rooftop Terrace, 24-hour front desk |
| Group of Friends | Hill Top Swiss Cottage | Cottage | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, Bonfire, Outdoor Activities, Yoga Classes |
| Group of Friends | Bunkyard Hostel Rishikesh | Hostel | Tapovan | Free Wi-Fi, Common Lounge, Rooftop Terrace, 24-hour front desk |
| Camping | Camp Aquaforest Rishikesh | Campsite | Neelkanth Road | Free Wi-Fi, Bonfire, Outdoor Activities, River Rafting |
| Camping | Camp Crossfire Rishikesh | Campsite | Neelkanth Road | Free Wi-Fi, Bonfire, Outdoor Activities, River Rafting |
River Rafting With Camping
If you are looking to include camping in your rafting trip to rishikesh it will approximately cost 1800 to 2000 Rupees per person depending on the date of your trip and availability of the campsite.
To avoid high price of rafting and camping in rishikesh it’s advised to book these activities well in advance and probably in off season when the char dham yatra is not going on as the char dham yatra season is also the peak season for rafting in rishikesh.
Dining Options for Every Dietary Need in Rishikesh
| Dietary Need/Preference | Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | The Sitting Elephant | Indian |
| Ayurvedic Cafe | Indian | |
| Chatsang Cafe | Tibetan | |
| 60’s Cafe | Continental | |
| Vegan | Beatles Cafe | Continental |
| The Third Eye | Indian | |
| Ramana’s Organic Cafe | Indian | |
| The Pyramid Cafe | Indian | |
| Gluten-Free | Pure Soul Cafe | Indian |
| Ira’s Kitchen | Indian | |
| Bistro Nirvana | Continental | |
| The Eat Story | Indian | |
| Halal | Delicious Fried Chicken | Indian |
| Open Air Restaurant | Indian | |
| Cafe De Goa | Goan | |
| Zorba Organic Restaurant | Indian | |
| Kosher | Not Available | Not Available |
Note: Please note that the availability of these dining options may vary and it’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand to confirm their menu and dietary options.
Top 10 Rafting Operators In Rishikesh
- Red Chilli Adventure
- Adventure Nation
- Aquaterra Adventures
- Himalayan River Runners
- White World Expeditions
- Rishikesh River Rafting
- Explore Himalayas
- Ganga Valley Adventure
- Aspen Adventures
- Jumpin Heights
What other activities is The Yoga Capital popular for?
Aside from river rafting, Rishikesh is popular for bungee jumping, camping and smaller treks. There are also yoga centers located around the city to explore if you’re looking for a more zen experience. People also flock here for nature walks, swimming sessions in the Ganges and plenty of sister activities like abseiling and rappelling. The combination of all these activities make Rishikesh an exciting destination for adventure seekers!
FAQs
The best time to go river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to June, when the weather is pleasant and the water levels are ideal for rafting. The monsoon season from July to August is not recommended for rafting, as the water levels are typically too high and unpredictable.
River rafting in Rishikesh is generally considered to be safe, as long as you follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by your guide or outfitter. It is important to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, listen to your guide, and stay within the designated rafting areas.
The cost of river rafting in Rishikesh varies depending on the season, the length of the trip, and the level of difficulty. You can expect to pay anywhere from INR 500 to INR 4000 for a half-day to full-day rafting trip.
The distance of the river rafting route in Rishikesh can vary, with options ranging from short half-day trips to multi-day expeditions. The most common rafting routes in Rishikesh are 9km and 16km, although longer and shorter routes are also available.
No previous rafting experience is required for most river rafting trips in Rishikesh. However, a good level of physical fitness is recommended, as rafting can be physically demanding. Many rafting companies offer instructional sessions or guided trips for beginners, which can help you learn the proper techniques and gain confidence on the water.
Yes, river rafting in Rishikesh is open throughout the year except in heavy monsoon when local authorities prohibits the rafting outfitters to operate.
White river rafting cost starts at 499/person. This cost can vary on the season and the distance of the rafting chosen.
Ganga, is the the most famous river for white water rafting in Uttarakhand because of it’s suitability for all experience level of rafters weather they are newbie or pro in this adventures activity.