River Rafting in India

The River Rafting also referred as White Water Rafting, is the extreme and never ending adventure in untamed Indian rivers. India has a plenty of rafting places, which is suitable for both amateurs and professionals. The rivers of the upper Himalayan ranges are one of the best in the world for river rafting, which passing through densely forested mountains and steep gorges. The river rafting sports in India full of thrills, enthusiasm and exhilaration, which draws adventure seekers from all parts of the world. The rivers having many staircase rapids, offer a big challenge to the spirit and stamina of the rafters. The foamy, swirling and thunderous waters of Indian rivers, provide an above the world feeling.

River Rafting Regions in India

River Rafting on Ladakh:
Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most popular rafting locales in India. The Indus River and its major tributaries offer several rafting options. The water rafting stretch between Spituk and Saspol, is best for professionally guided rafts. Beyond Saspol, Beyond Saspol, the rafting becomes tough and it needs technically skilled participants and careful organization.

River Rafting on Zanksar River Situated between Padum and Nimo regions, the Zamksar river offers the most difficult and thrilling water rafting options. The Zanksar river rafting stretch is suitable for well-organized water expeditions. The river rafting on Zanksar river can take several days, the rafters must be well-prepared for several days running and camping in the wilds of Zanksar region..

River Rafting on the Ganges The river Ganges has always been a mystery for explorers and full of adventures for the rafters. The Ganges near Rishikesh in Uttaranchal is now a famous locale for river rafting. The river rafting stretch of 36 Kms between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, has 12 major rapids, which needs expertise.

River Rafting in Himachal Pradesh The snow-fed rivers of Himachal offer enough opportunities for the challenging river rafting sports. The famous rivers which provide tremendous rafting opportunities are Chandrabhaga in Lahaul, the Sutlaj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu. The 20 Kms long water stretch between Shamshi and Aur on the Beas is a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts, as it provides plenty of river rafting expedition opportunities.

River Rafting on Teesta River The river Teesta in Sikkim, has the most challenging rafting routes in the eastern Himalayas. The Teesta river has many white water rapids, with varied intensities at regular intervals. Moving down the rough and rugged mountain river, is a great fun and delight.

River Rafting on Brahmputra River The mighty river cascading down the high Tibetan land to the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, is a famous rafting destination for rafters.

River Rafting on Kali Ganga (Sharda) The river enters India from the neighboring country of Nepal. The Kali Ganga river moves down from the foothills of the Kumaon region and meets the river Gori at Jauljibi. The long rafting stretch providing a pleasant experience to the adventure lovers.

Essentials for River Rafting

The rafting is advisable to only those people who are healthy and have no any fear of water. The training of a few hours makes one a skilled rafter. In India the rafting training facilities are available in different parts of the country. Several tourist agencies and state departments offer training courses in river rafting. The essentials items which a rafter must not forget are the bee-sting kit, disposable camera, swim suit, nylon shorts, tennis shoes, wind-proof jacket, towels, a flashlight, a light sweater, sandals and a hat and prescribed medications like inhalers and insulin. Except summers, the rafters should not wear cotton clothes, as cotton clothes take away the body warmth. The Polyester fleece or synthetic fabric are ideal for rafting, the keep the body warm and drying faster than the cotton clothes. Carry dry bags or boxes to bring small personal items and it also have space to accommodate an extra layer of clothing. The rafters should keep in mind that river rafting in some areas may require special permits, from the Government. Permits can be obtained from District Commissioners, District Magistrates or other officials. The foreigners need a valid permit to access the rafting areas close to the International borders like Sikkim, Spiti, Lahaul and Nubra.

Best Time for River Rafting

The experienced and the skilled rafters can go for rafting in summers. The amateurs should go for rafting in between August to September. The Himalayan river, are usually inaccessible during the winters, as some rivers are frozen over, and others are too cold. During the winters the rafting in the Himalayan rivers, may also lead to Hypothermia or worse. Teesta is the alone river that allows rafting in the winter months between October and April. Spring and early summer is the best time for river rafting.