Where to go
When to go

river running in India Water sports in India are certainly not limited to the coastal areas and the islands. Most of the high action takes place in the boisterous, swift Himalayan rivers, where avid river runners go to satisfy their craving for white waters. River running encompasses rafting, canoeing and kayaking. However, the experience of river-running on any of the Himalayan rivers goes beyond the mere physical, and can be a very profound one indeed. Multi-day trips provide for night halts in tented camps along the ancient river valleys that are the perfect setting to renew your body and soul.

Tented base camps in the foothills are ideal for relaxation through yoga and meditation in serene surroundings on a pristine white sand beach, bird watching or hiking in thick forests of Sal trees that abound in a variety of bird and animal life. Or by exploring a choice of challenging activities designed to bring you in communion with an environment that is as old as time itself. Discover the myths and legends of the river retold every evening around your campfire. Then watch them come alive as you visit two of its sacred cities - Haridwar and Rishikesh. Witness the Ganga’s descent from the Himalayas and observe hermits and pilgrims performing religious ceremonies on its banks. Visit famous yoga centres and ashrams, participate in the evening aarti on the ghats by lighting a leaf boat lamp to float down the river and send your prayers heavenwards.

The Himalayan rivers are unique in the world. They originate from the eternal melting snows that give the Himalayas their name, “The abode of the snows”, and flow through extraordinarily steep gradients. The fiery Bhagirathi, India’s most sacred river, rises from Gomukh at an elevation of 12,500 ft. It tumbles down to Rishikesh, barely 200 km away, after falling for more than 10,000 ft. The steep gradient results in the river unleashing a tremendous amount of energy as it cascades down the Himalayan gorges and valleys in its journey to the vast plains below. An increasing number of river runners have been discovering the rush of riding the fury of India’s Himalayan white waters, in recent years.

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

There are trips for the first timer as well as the more experienced outdoors person in the western and Trans-Himalayan regions. Multi-day trips are self-contained, wherein all equipment, food etc. is carried on the rafts. The river becomes the means of travel and the raft becomes the mode.

FITNESS LEVELS

It is not necessary to be a fitness freak to enjoy the thrills of riding the wild Himalayan white waters. Beginners would however be well advised to join one of the various established operators to learn the rudiments of river running, or white water rafting as it is popularly called. Going on a raft with an experienced river guide is akin to hopping a lift on a space shuttle. With sturdy helmets, buoyancy aids and instructors at the controls, you have little to worry about. River guides are also trained for rescue and to provide emergency first aid in case of injury.

RISK/SKILL FACTOR

With competent professional guides, these sports should not be considered dangerous. At the same time you must appreciate the element of risk inherent in all adventure sports. It is important for river runners, to know the grading of the river that they intend running. All rivers could be graded on a scale varying from grade 1 to grade 6. The grading indicates the state of water stretches and the skill level required to negotiate them. The same river could be graded differently at different places and grades also depend upon the time of the year, i.e. monsoon or non-monsoon period. Rivers rapids are graded as follows, and it is a good idea to check the scale with your guide before setting off:

Grade I – Easy, small waves. No obstacles.

Grade II – Moderate difficulty with clear passages.

Grade III – Difficult, high irregular waves, narrow passages, requires precise maneuvering.

Grade IV – Very difficult, powerful waves, very precise maneuvering.

Grade V – Extremely difficult, long, violent, highly congested. Team of experts only.

Grade VI – Unrunnable. Suicidal.

WHERE TO GO

The river Bhagirathi, in the western hills of the state of Uttar Pradesh, is the Mecca for Indian white water enthusiasts. Most of the organised activity is concentrated on the stretch between Devprayag and Rishikesh. Packages are available for the beginner and the experienced enthusiast alike. While there are exciting and safe stretches available to beginners, there are also daunting passages which only experts can negotiate.

Though organised river running has been restricted mainly to stretches of the Bhagirathi, river running has also been introduced on other Indian rivers like some tributaries of the Ganges (the Mandakini, Alaknanda). In the east the Rangeet and Teesta, and the Beas, Indus and Sutlej in the north have very interesting possibilities. Those interested in running these uncharted waters could launch their own expeditions with the help of Indian professionals.

Most river running operators have their offices in New Delhi, which is well connected by air and rail. Tours beginning from Delhi last an average of one week, including the travelling time to the base camps in the hills.

WHEN TO GO

The best time to capture the thrill of the Himalayan white waters is from February to April, and September to December.

Rafting: A Fact Sheet

Questions commonly asked while rafting:

How Deep is the River? Must I know how to swim?
It is not a necessity as long as you don’t fear the water. You are provided a life jacket that will keep you afloat even if you do fall overboard – which isn’t common.

What kind of experience and participation is required?
No previous experience is necessary. You may participate by ‘paddling’, and so help power the raft. Complete control rests with your professional and very experienced river guide. He will tell you exactly what to do. Safety procedures are detailed prior to every trip.

What are the requirements for running the different expeditions?
First timers may do the Alaknanda river expedition. The Bhagirathi river expedition is for people with some previous white water experience.

What do I need to bring for a rafting trip?
A note for the expedition trips – all the gear is carried aboard the raft, so it’s essential to carry just necessities to keep the raft light and maneuverable: wind proof jacket, dry change of clothes and shoes, sleeping bag, cameras, binoculars, all equipment is stored in dry bags and strapped into the raft so it remains dry.

What kind of temperatures can we expect?
Water temperature: varies between 10oC to 15oC from winter to summer.

Outside temperature:
Day Night

20o C-25oC 8o C-10oC October-mid November
15o C-20oC 2o C-8oC Mid November-end February
25o C-35oC 15o C-20oC Mid February-end April

Can children go rafting?
The minimum age for a complete rafting trip is 14 years. Children below 14 may be given certain stretches of the river, but this totally depends on the discretion of the river guide and the existing water levels.