River Rafting Tips
About River Rafting
The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as White Water Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge the body and spirit of the river runner. The river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids, foaming, swirling, and falling in a thunderous din. India has a wide range of river rafting regions, which suits both amateurs and professionals.
River Rafting Tips
Cautions & Essentials For River Rafting
If you are a normal healthy person and without any fear of water, then rafting can be your sport. One can become a skilled rafter in just a few hours of training and the rafting training facilities exist in different parts of India. Many tourist agencies and state departments also conduct courses in river rafting.
Essentials For River Rafting
Carry dry bags or boxes to keep your small personal items you may bring with you. Be sure to take any necessary prescription medications such as inhalers, bee-sting kits, insulin etc. Don’t carry your car keys, wallets, cell phones etc. with you for the rafting trip. Also take along sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap to secure them and a camera. Disposable waterproof cameras are easily available, easy to take along with you and take good quality pictures.
The perfect rafting gear on most rivers during the summertime is a simple swimsuit, nylon shorts, tennis shoes or sandals, and a hat. Spring and autumn rafting trips are the ones that require additional clothing. In any case be sure to dress in layers so that you can easily add or remove articles, as you need. Avoid cotton clothing while rafting, except in summers as cotton takes away the warmth from your body. Wool, polyester fleece and other synthetic materials will keep you warmer and will dry faster than cotton. Many rafting clubs have wetsuits available for rent.
River Rafting In Ladakh
A range of rafting options is available on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Saspol. Beyond Saspol, the river becomes difficult and funning it requires technically skilled participants and careful organization. Upward of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, ideal for basic training and for day-return “scenic floating” for amateurs. In recent years, running the Indus has become an attractive alternative to trekking and features on the itinerary of most visitors. Several agencies in Leh offer attractive rafting packages. Ask for details at the Tourist Office at Leh. They will also be able to provide some rafts on hire.
The most difficult but exciting option for river running is on the Zanskar along its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountains, between Padum and Nimo. This is suitable only for well organized white-water expedition, prepared for several days of river running and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangements for rescue coverage is an essential pre-requisite for embarking upon a white -water expedition on river like the Zanskar.
White Water River Rafting in Zanskar River
The most difficult and exciting white water rafting option is on the Zanskar River, along its spectacular course through the gorge in the Zanskar mountains, between Padum and Nimo regions. This river course is suitable only for well-organized white-water expeditions, prepared for several days for river running and camping in the absolute wilds of Zanskar region.
Ganges, the mother goddess of India, is known all over the world as the most sacred river of the Hindus. Apart from that, the river is considered one of the best rivers rafting sites in the world. The river Ganges has always remained a mystery for rafters and full of surprises for the rafters. The mystic river with its staircase rapids, challenges the spirit of river rafting enthusiasts. Ganges River Rafting takes one to the unexplored areas and close to the people living in those areas. The Ganges smoothly flowing past the hillsides and forests provides a thrilling experience. There are many rivers rafting sites in river Ganages, Rishikesh is the ideal starting point for experienced as well as beginners. The Ganges river rafting stretch of 36 kms from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh has 12 major rapids, which needs some basic rafting training.
Rafting through the Ganges is an above the world experience, which attracts large number of the rafters. The Ganges river rafting begins at a very calm spot, where river rafters can enjoy some easy racing adventure. As the river approaches the rapids, the riders have to very alert and have to put all their concentration on-board and maneuver the oars in a well-planned fashion. The balancing skills of the rafter develop more and more with facing more powerful rapids. After rapidly flowing through the rapids, rocks and forests the Ganges becomes surprisingly calm at last signpost ahead of Rishikesh.
River Rafting in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh’s snow-fed rivers offer tremendous opportunities for the challenging sport of rafting. The rivers Chandrabhaga in Lahaul, the Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu offer immense white water rafting possibilities. There are tremendous river running expedition opportunities between Shamshi and Aut on the Beas. The 20-km stretch has exciting and extreme white water rapids. While rafting, the fun and thrill is at its peak. With water rushing at great speed and sometimes even splashing at your body and face, you feel completely delighted. Moreover, the sights enroute will give a new dimension and direction to your imagination.
River Teesta of Sikkim extends the most challenging invitation to the rafters in the eastern Himalayan region. Teesta provides a series of white water rapids with various intensities at regular intervals. Meandering down the rough and rugged mountain river, one can savour a blend of nature and adventure. It offers one of the finest rafting stretches. The Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has more turbulent waters. With its multi-dimensional rapids, it offers a challenge to more experienced rafters.
River Rafting in Brahmaputra River
The mighty Brahmaputra cascading down the heights of immense beauty across Tibet into the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is an exciting experience for the rafters. Though inaccessible, the region is the ultimate destination a rafter can look for. This is the premier rafting expedition in the world today, a must for rafting enthusiasts and those looking for an extra challenge. We don’t recommend this trip to first-time rafters, due to the length and grade of the river. Kayakers wishing to do this trip should have previous big-water experience.
River Rafting Places in India
- Teesta River, Sikkim
- Beas River, Himachal
- Ganges River, Garhwal, Uttranchal
- Gangotri, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttranchal
- Lake Paradise, Nanital, Uttranchal
- Asan Barrage,Uttranchal
- Kudiyala Rafters Club, Uttranchal
- Satluj River, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Ravi, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
- Chandra, Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
- Bhalukpung, Assam
