Rishikesh river rafting

It depends on the stretch and the water level on the day, but rapids on the commercially run sections of the Ganga at Rishikesh are commonly graded from I up to III or IV. Shorter, downstream stretches are gentler; the longer upstream runs carry the more sustained rapids. We confirm the grading for your specific stretch and dates with the operator before you book.

No formal swimming qualification is required, but you should be reasonably confident in water, since you may briefly go into the river if the raft flips on a bigger rapid. Life jackets are worn throughout and guides are trained in water rescue.

Late September to June, with October to April being the clearest and most comfortable stretch of that window. The monsoon, roughly July to early September, closes rafting because the Ganga runs too high and fast.

Many families raft the gentler, shorter stretches with older children; exact minimum ages are set by the operator, typically in the range of 12 to 14. There is no fixed upper age limit, but general fitness and the health restrictions that apply to any water activity are checked at booking.

Yes — the three are commonly booked together, either back to back on the same trip or as a single overnight package that pairs a rafting run with a riverside camp and a bonfire evening.