Rishikesh · Signature Adventure

River Rafting in Rishikesh

White-water rafting on the Ganga is the reason most people come to Rishikesh — and it lives up to it. From a gentle family float to a full 36 km run through big Grade III–IV rapids, here’s how the stretches compare, what a trip really involves, and how to pick the right one.

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White-water river rafting on the Ganga at Shivpuri, Rishikesh

White-water rapids on the Ganga near Rishikesh

A rafting team paddling through a Ganga rapid, Rishikesh

Overview

Rafting on the
Ganga, explained

Rishikesh rafting runs on the upper Ganga between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, where the river drops out of the Himalayan foothills through a series of named rapids. It’s dam-fed and snow-fed, so the water is cold, clean and fast — bracing in the best way.

You choose your trip by distance: the further upriver you start, the more (and bigger) rapids you run before you finish near Rishikesh. Every trip includes a certified guide per raft, a safety kayaker on the bigger runs, a life jacket, helmet and full briefing.

Compare

Rafting stretches
in Rishikesh

Pick your distance and rapids. The 16 km Shivpuri run is the all-round favourite; go shorter for families and first nerves, longer for a proper day on the water.

Stretch	Distance	Rapids (grade)	Best for
Brahmapuri → Rishikesh	≈ 9 km	Body Surfing, Return to Sender (I–II)	Families, children, first-timers
Shivpuri → Rishikesh	≈ 16 km	Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Three Blind Mice (II–III)	The all-round classic (most booked)
Marine Drive → Rishikesh	≈ 26 km	Three Blind Mice, Crossfire, Roller Coaster (II–III+)	Confident groups wanting more
Kaudiyala → Rishikesh	≈ 36 km	The Wall, Daniel’s Dip, Golf Course (III–IV)	Thrill-seekers, experienced rafters

Want rafting with a riverside camp night and the Ganga aarti, sorted end to end? Our 2-day package builds the Shivpuri run in with a certified guide and gear.

See the 2-day package →

Pricing

What shapes the
rafting price

We don’t post a flat “rafting price” because it genuinely varies — by the stretch you choose, the season and demand, group size, and whether you add a riverside camp, transfers or a GoPro. A 9 km family float and a 36 km Kaudiyala run are very different trips.

Tell us your group and the stretch you’re after and we’ll send a clear, all-inclusive quote on WhatsApp, usually within minutes — no misleading “starting from” number that changes at the ghat.

Safety & season

When to raft &
staying safe

Rafting season runs roughly mid-September to June. The river usually closes during the peak monsoon (July–August) when levels are unsafe, and reopens once the flow settles. Winter rafting is fully operational — just colder, so dress for it.

We only work with government-registered operators with certified guides, and every trip includes a safety briefing, life jacket and helmet. You should be a reasonably healthy swimmer or non-swimmer comfortable in a life jacket; declare any medical condition when you book.

✓Wear quick-dry clothes and secure footwear (no loose flip-flops)
✓Leave phones and valuables in the dry bag or at your camp
✓Follow your guide’s commands — paddle, hold on, get down
✓Sunscreen and a change of clothes for after

Certified, safety-first

Licensed operators, trained guides and proper gear — we only book partners we trust with our own family.

Local Rishikesh team

On the ground in Tapovan and Muni Ki Reti — honest advice on what suits your group and the season.

No advance to enquire

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Rafting

Tell us your dates and group — our Rishikesh team will WhatsApp a personalised plan, the best camps or hotels and a clear all-inclusive quote, usually within minutes.

✓Replies in ~10 minutes on WhatsApp
✓Private, fully customisable plan
✓No advance to enquire

Good to Know

Questions,
answered

The price depends on the stretch (9, 16, 26 or 36 km), the season and group size, and any add-ons like a riverside camp, transfers or a GoPro — so we quote it to your trip rather than post a flat rate that changes on the day. Share your group and preferred stretch and we’ll WhatsApp a clear, all-inclusive quote in minutes.

The 16 km Shivpuri-to-Rishikesh run is the sweet spot for most first-timers — Grade II–III rapids like Roller Coaster and Golf Course, exciting but manageable with a certified guide. Nervous or travelling with children? The gentler 9 km Brahmapuri stretch is a better start.

Rafting operates roughly from mid-September to June. It usually closes during the peak monsoon (July–August) when the Ganga runs too high, and reopens once levels settle. September–November and February–June offer the best mix of water and weather.

Yes, when done with a registered operator. Every trip includes a certified guide, life jacket, helmet and safety briefing, and bigger stretches carry a safety kayaker. Minimum age is typically around 14 for the Shivpuri run and lower for the gentle Brahmapuri stretch; we’ll confirm what suits your group.

A standard trip includes a certified guide, raft, life jacket, helmet, safety briefing and the run itself, with cliff-jumping and body-surfing stops where safe. Transfers to the launch point, a riverside camp, meals and a GoPro can be added — we’ll bundle whatever you want into one quote.

Not necessarily — many non-swimmers raft safely in a life jacket, and your guide is trained for it. That said, you should be comfortable in water and follow all instructions. Tell us if anyone in your group is a non-swimmer and we’ll pick a suitable stretch.

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