Rafting Information

The challenge posed by a turbulent river is as tough as the one thrown by a rugged mountain. River rafting falls in the category of adventure sport and calls for a triumph over the swift and swirling river. Rafting mainly takes place in upper reaches where the river water gushes in fast and sometimes with tremendous fury. Though rafting took time in gaining popularity in India, it is now a major adventure sport in the country. The rivers flowing along the Himalayan ranges are the most popular for rafting in India. But a few rivers flowing through the plains are equally popular. Apart from professionals, laymen also take part in the activity for sheer fun.


Necessary Equipment
River rafting does not require a lot of equipments. However, the basic equipments must be of a high quality as risks involved are sometimes higher. The main equipment are helmets, life jackets, waterproof dry bags, googles, antiseptic creams and unsinkable inflatable boats. Boats used for rafting are generally of two types- Oarframe boat and Paddle boat. The risks involved in Oarframe boats is less compared to Paddle boats. Unlike a few other adventure sports, rafting requires less weight to be carried as excessive weight may result in major problems while cruising in the river.

Levels of Rafting
Based on difficulty levels, rafting is divided into six grades. Grade I takes place in slow moving waters. Grade II takes place in moving waters with occasional rocks. Grade III takes place in high irregular waves with narrow passes. Grade IV takes place where there are large and unpredictable falls. Grade V takes place where the waves are very difficult and powerful. Grade VI is where the threats are the highest. It is also called suicidal grade. Laymen and amateurs generally try the first two grades while the rest are for professionals.


Main Rafting Regions
River Alakananda flowing from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh is very popular for rafting. Grade III and IV rafting generally takes place here. The participants pass through beautiful mountain ranges in this raft. Basic grade rafting takes place in the Beas river flowing through the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. The Mountaineering Institute based in Manali also organizes kayaking courses in the river. Rafting expeditions are organized in the turbulent river Bhagirathi from Uttarkashi to Deoprayag. The river offers many difficulties and is mainly for the professionals only. Grade V and VI rafts take place here. Rafting in the mighty river Brahmaputra gushing down from the hills of Arunachal to the plains of Assam also provides great thrill. Grade IV to VI category rafts take place here. The holy river Ganges is also popular for rafting in the Uttaranchal region. The distance between Deoprayag and Rishikesh is considered the best for rafting. Rafting is organized for different durations here. Rafting is also very popular in river Indus flowing through the Ladakh region. Rafting trips are organized daily here. The best thing about rafting here is that the river allows some easy rafts falling in the first three grades. Another added advantage is that the participants could also enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the place. The Zanskar river originating from the high altitude plateau of Sarchu on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir is also tamed by rafting professionals. The river allows Grade III and IV rafts passing through picturesque locations.

Apart from the above mentioned rivers, river Kali Ganga in the Kumaon region, river Teesta in Sikkim and Spiti river in Himachal Pradesh are also popular for rafting.


Best Time
The best time for rafting differs depending on the behaviour of the river. Most of the rafting expeditions are generally organized after June and may continue till about February. However, it all depends on the monsoons and the flowing speed of river waters.