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The Himalayan rivers are unique in the world. They originate from dizzy heights and flow through amazingly 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. Such a steep fall from its heavenly abode results in unleashing of tremendous energy and fury which an increasing number of river-runners have been discovering and savouring in the recent years.
River running has been a late entrant in the water sports arena. But surprisingly, it is the most organised and developed water sport in the country. The term river-running encompasses rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Rafting is done on inflatable rafts made of special material, which is very light and strong. It can accommodate more people than canoes and kayaks.
 Graduating into the smaller vessels requires advanced skill level. Compared to the rafts, kayaks and canoes are smaller and hence easier to manoeuver. These sports may not considered dangerous if one has a competent professional guide.
It is important for river runners to know the grading of the river which 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 gradings also depends upon the time of the year i.e. monsoon or non-monsoon period.
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