River rafting in Rishikesh on the Ganga is one of the most popular adventure activities in India — and for good reason. The river runs cold, fast, and real through a stretch of the Garhwal Himalaya that is difficult to experience any other way. Routes range from 9 km beginner runs to a 36 km full-day adventure, with prices starting at ₹500 per person. Whether this is your first time on white water or you've rafted before and want a proper challenge, there's a route for you.
Check the pricing below, WhatsApp us your preferred date and number of people, and we'll confirm your booking — we respond within 2 hours.
9 km to 36 km Certified Ganga River Rafting
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Activity | White water river rafting |
| River | Ganga (Bhagirathi + Alaknanda confluence) |
| Routes | 9 km, 16 km, 36 km |
| Starting price | ₹500 per person |
| Maximum package | ₹2,500 per person |
| Private rafting | ₹3,000+ |
| Safety gear | Included (helmet + life jacket) |
| Guide | Included |
| Booking | WhatsApp or contact form — 2-hour response |
Includes Professional Life Jacket, Helmet & River Guide
Rafting rates in Rishikesh vary by route length and group type. Here is a clear breakdown:
The shortest and most beginner-friendly route. Starting at Brahmpuri, this stretch of the Ganga has gentler rapids and is the right entry point for first-time visitors, anyone nervous about white water, or families with older children who meet the eligibility criteria. The experience is real — you're on the Ganga in a raft — but the difficulty level is manageable even for complete beginners. A good budget option if you want to try rafting without committing to a longer session.
The most popular rafting route in Rishikesh and the one most travellers end up choosing. Starting from Shivpuri, this stretch includes a good mix of moderate rapids and calmer sections that give you time to take in the scenery between the action. A half-day experience that works for most ability levels. If you're unsure which route to pick, this one is the standard answer.
The longest and most demanding route — starting from Kaudiyala, this stretch covers the strongest rapids available on the Rishikesh rafting circuit. It is a full-day experience and is best suited to people who have rafted before or are genuinely looking for a challenge. If you want to know what the Ganga is capable of, this is the route that shows you.
A private raft for your group only — no sharing with other bookings. Works well for couples, families, or groups who want a more personal experience or have specific timing needs. Route options are the same as above. WhatsApp us with your group size and preferred route for an exact quote.
Clear, Honest Rates with Certified Rafting Gear and Guides
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri → Rishikesh | 9 km | Easy | First-timers, beginners, budget option |
| Shivpuri → Rishikesh | 16 km | Moderate | Most travellers, groups, couples |
| Kaudiyala → Rishikesh | 36 km | Challenging | Adventure seekers, experienced rafters |
| Private (any route) | Flexible | Based on route | Couples, families, private groups |
The starting point for the 9 km route — closest to Rishikesh town and the easiest put-in point on the rafting circuit. If you're a first-time rafter or have limited time, Brahmpuri is your starting point. The rapids here are rated Grade I–II, which means there's movement and excitement but nothing that requires prior rafting experience.
Shivpuri, approximately 16 km upstream from Rishikesh, is the starting point for the most popular rafting route on the circuit. The stretch from Shivpuri includes Grade II–III rapids with a good rhythm of action and calmer water between them. The road to Shivpuri runs along the Ganga the whole way — the drive is scenic before the rafting even begins. Most rafting packages in Rishikesh are priced around the Shivpuri route.
Marine Drive is a stretch of road and river between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala, named for its riverside scenery. Some rafting routes include the Marine Drive stretch as part of a longer run. It sits between the moderate difficulty of Shivpuri and the more demanding Kaudiyala section — a transition point on the longer river routes.
Kaudiyala is the furthest starting point from Rishikesh on the main rafting circuit — approximately 36 km upstream. The Kaudiyala to Rishikesh route covers the strongest and most sustained rapids available on this section of the Ganga, including several Grade III–IV stretches. This is a full-day commitment. If you're looking for the most demanding rafting experience available here, Kaudiyala is the answer.
Important note: Starting point names, distances, and rapid grades can vary slightly between operators and are subject to river conditions on the day. We confirm all details at the time of booking based on current conditions.
Put-In Points from Brahmpuri up to Kaudiyala
River rafting is an adventure activity with inherent risks. Operators use safety equipment and trained guides, but participants must follow instructions throughout the run and must meet applicable eligibility requirements.
Here is what is in place on every run:
every group receives a briefing on shore before the raft enters the water. Paddle commands, what to do if you fall in, body position in the water, and when to hold on are all covered. This is not optional — the guide will not launch until the briefing is complete.
both are mandatory and provided with every booking. They must be worn correctly and remain on for the duration of the run.
your guide is in the raft with you and directs paddle commands through every rapid. Following those commands is the most important safety factor on the water.
the right route for your group's ability level is not just about enjoyment, it is a safety consideration. Beginners on a Kaudiyala run is not the right choice; first-timers on the 9 km route almost always have a good experience.
water levels, flow speed, and rapid intensity change with the season and recent weather. We check conditions before every booking and will advise honestly if conditions are not suitable on your preferred date.
Certified Helmets, Life Jackets & Shore Briefings on Every Run
Yes — with the right route. The 9 km Brahmpuri route is specifically suitable for first-time rafters. The rapids are manageable, the guide is with you the entire way, and the safety briefing before the run prepares you for everything you'll encounter.
The 16 km Shivpuri route is also completed successfully by beginners every day during the rafting season — the moderate Grade II–III rapids are exciting without being overwhelming for most people who are reasonably comfortable in the water.
The 36 km Kaudiyala route is not recommended for first-time rafters. The sustained Grade III–IV rapids require participants to respond quickly to guide commands and are best suited to those with some prior rafting experience.
If you're unsure which route is right for you, WhatsApp us honestly — tell us your experience level and any concerns, and we'll give you a straight recommendation.
📲 Ask on WhatsApp: +91 76682 30086
Safe, Fun & Fully Guided Entry-Level Rafting
Age and weight requirements for river rafting in Rishikesh can depend on current local regulations, river conditions, the specific route, and operator policy — and these can change seasonally. Rather than publish a number here that may be outdated by the time you read it, we'll confirm the current eligibility requirements when you WhatsApp us your booking details. Please do this before arriving at the starting point, especially if you're enquiring on behalf of younger participants or senior travellers.
Message us with your group's ages and preferred dates for an immediate, updated check before heading to the river.
Current Seasonal Eligibility Confirmed Direct on Booking
Quick-dry clothing — shorts and a t-shirt in summer; a light layer that dries fast in cooler months. You will get wet.
Secure footwear — sports sandals with a strap, water shoes, or old trainers that can get wet. Nothing loose that could come off in the water.
Sunscreen — applied before you get on the raft; reapply if you have time before launch
Sunglasses with a strap — so they stay on your face
Change of clothes — keep a dry set in a bag at the takeout point or in the vehicle
Minimal valuables — leave your phone, wallet, and any loose jewellery secured before getting in the raft. Waterproof pouches are available but valuables on a raft are always a risk.
Quick-Dry Layers, Strapped Footwear & Secure Storage
Simple. Two options:
Message us on +91 76682 30086 with your preferred date, number of people, and which route/package you want. We'll confirm availability and final price and get back to you within 2 hours.
Fill out the contact form on our website with the same details. We respond within 2 hours during operating hours.
That's it. No app, no account, no advance payment required to get a quote.
Direct WhatsApp or Website Form Booking Confirmation
Rafting availability on the Ganga changes through the year — river conditions, water levels, weather, and local regulations all affect when and which routes are open. As a general guide:
October–November: Excellent — post-monsoon water levels are strong, weather is clear, and the river is at its most photogenic
February–May: Very good — water levels are manageable, temperatures are warming, and this is one of the busiest rafting periods
June: Check conditions — pre-monsoon water levels are rising; shorter routes may still be open
July–September: Monsoon season. Rafting is typically suspended on most or all routes due to high and dangerous water levels. Always verify before planning a monsoon-period visit.
December–January: Possible on some routes in good conditions; cold water and air temperatures. Confirm availability with us.
Current conditions change fast — especially around the monsoon margins. Always confirm that your preferred route is open before making travel plans around it.
Post-Monsoon (Oct–Nov) & Spring (Feb–May) Runs
9 km Brahmpuri route — easier rapids, proper guided experience, the right starting point if you've never been on a raft before.
16 km Shivpuri route — the most popular choice for a reason. Enough excitement to be genuinely fun, manageable enough that everyone in the group can enjoy it regardless of experience level.
36 km Kaudiyala route — the full experience. A whole day on the river, the strongest rapids on the circuit, and the most complete picture of what the Ganga through the Garhwal Himalaya looks like from water level.
Private rafting — any route — your raft, your group, your timing. Works well for families who want their own experience, corporate groups, or anyone who simply doesn't want to share a raft with strangers.
Tailored Ganga River Rafting for Beginners, Couples, Groups & Adventure Seekers