Rishikesh Rafting FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the opening date for rafting in Rishikesh?
A:Rishikesh rafting activities opened in the month of October 2023. Rafting, Camping and other water sports activities are now opened in Uttarakhand. Check out the latest Travel Guidelines for Uttarakhand.
Q: Is there any age restriction for the river rafting in Rishikesh or it can be enjoyed by anyone?
A: River rafting in Rishikesh is fit for the people of all age groups except the minors. Rafting can be enjoyed from 12 years to 60 Years old in some selected rafting zones only with Grade I and II rapids. For longer rafting stretches minimum 18 years old are allowed for rafting in Rishikesh. Please follow the rafting age limit restrictions for kids and elderly people for their own safety.
Q: What is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh?
A:The best time for river rafting in Rishikesh starts from post monsoons (mid-September) till early summers (May). For crystal clear white water rafting November to March is a suitable time. During monsoons, it is not allowed to raft in the Ganges as the level of the river rises and is unsafe for rafting.
Q: Is paddling necessary during Rafting? What if that I do not want to paddle?
A:Rafting is team activity and paddling is required to enjoy the thrills with good velocity. However, there are 1 or 2 non-paddling positions in every raft, and you can discuss and choose those positions if you do not want to paddle during rafting, due to any reason.
Q: How far is Shivpuri from Rishikesh?
A: Shivpuri is just 19 km from Rishikesh and can be reached easily by road. The Shivpuri rafting is of 16 kms.
Q: How much it cost to do rafting in Rishikesh?
A: The approximate cost for per individual ranges between Rs. 1200-2000. The package offered for the rafting by the state costs around Rs. 1200 per individual.
Q:Is there any weight limit for river rafting?
A: Yes, Underweight and Overweight tourists are not allowed for rafting due to safety reasons. The minimum weight for rafting is 45 kgs and maximum weight should be not more than 100 kgs for rafting.
Q:Is pre-booking of rafting is required? How Can we book rafting in advance?
A: We recommend pre-booking so that you get your preferred time slot for rafting. During peak season and weekends, the rafting slots get sold out way in advance. And those who have few slots available tend to charge at premium rates. You can check all available rafting in Rishikesh here and book online as well: Kaudiyala rafting, Marine Drive rafting, Shivpuri rafting and Brahmpuri rafting.
Q: Can we do photography or Vlogging (videography) during rafting?
A: Yes, you can do photography or vlogging during rafting with the help of GoPro (Water Resistance Camera) by mounting it on the helmet or any other spot with the help of your guide which help you to fix it. One could also shoot a videos and pictures on mobile phones, but this can be done only in the peaceful stretches not during the rapids. Once you hit the rapids, you should stow your phone away in a waterproof bag with your guide which is available on the raft.
Q:Can we do rafting in groups?
A: Yes, you can do rafting in groups. Maximum 8 person are allowed in one raft.
Q: Can I do rafting from Devprayag to Rishikesh in one stretch?
A: No, it is recommended that you break your rafting journey at Kaudiayala. Complete details of Devprayag to Rishikesh rafting is given here.
Q: How many rafters are ideal for rafting? Can Rafting done in the group?
A:Rafting can be done with a minimum of 2 persons and it goes till 8 persons (depends on the size of the raft). More than 8 persons in a raft are not recommended and can have safety issues. Yes, rafting is the group adventure activity.
Q: What packages are available for Rafting in Rishikesh?
A:There are rafting only packages, rafting with camping, rafting with camping + other adventure activities, Rafting multi-day expeditions available. You can select the packages as per your skill, requirement, and budget.
Q: What about mobile connectivity in the area?
A:The mobile connectivity in the whole area is very good and all the mobile networks (Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, BSNL) work well during your rafting trip. Though there might be some stretches where the network might be weak as well.
Q: Do we have to carry the medication during the river rafting trip from our side?
A:Yes, it is highly recommended that you carry the necessary medications with you during your trip, which include insulin, inhalers, bee sting kits, etc. As there are no medical shops in the whole stretch neither near the river nor on the main Badrinath highway. It is always advisable to carry your first aid kit and medications you use on a daily basis as well.
Q: I do not know swimming, can I go for river rafting?
A:Yes, knowledge of swimming is not necessary for rafting. You can enjoy rafting if you do not know how to swim. you will be provided with the life jacket during the river rafting activity and it will help you to float for hours. Non Swimmers equally enjoy the rafting.
Q: Should I carry my camera during the rafting activity in Rishikesh?
A:Though it is not advisable, considering safety issues. But. Yes, you can, make sure it is compact and waterproof, and you are holding it tight. Gopro cameras are good for capturing the thrills, but use it during easy rapids and not on Grade III+ rapids. For general cameras or mobile phone, you can give them to your instructor, he will keep them in its dry pouch and will give you when water is still. Do follow the instruction from your rafting guide in regard to the use of the camera during rafting.
Q: Is it suitable to do rafting in winter months, when it is very cold?
A: Yes, Winters (November, December, January and February) is the best time of the year for White Water Rafting on Ganges. The water will be crystal clear, with more rapids due to low level of water. There is a common myth, that during winters the water of Ganga river will be very cold but it does not and with bright sunny days, you will enjoy the rafting in winters.
Q: What is the minimum age for rafting in Rishikesh?
A: A child should be minimum of 12 years of age for rafting and other water sports activities in Rishikesh. For rafting more than 9 kms, minimum age of eligibility is 18 years.
Q: Can Senior Citizens do rafting in Rishikesh?
A: No, Senior Citizens (above 60 years old), even if they are physical fit are not allowed to rafting in Rishikesh, as per Govt Rules.
Q: How should I select a rafting operator with so many options and price variations?
A:For rafting, safety should be the prime concern than the pricing. Always choose authorized rafting operators who have licensed rafts. Authorized rafting operators have certified guides with international certificates for rafting, kayaking, swimming, and life-saving skills. The cost of rafting will be higher if you are going with them. However, you might also see some cheap and low-cost budget rafting operators as well, offering rafting in Rishikesh on discounted rates. They compromise on the experience of guides, quality of rafts/paddles and life-saving equipment, doing multiple trips in a day, does not have certified guides (who charge more than the normal) and some even have minors as rafting guides. Choose your rafting guide in Rishikesh wisely and do not risk your life for a few bucks.
27 Oct 2022: “Rudrakesh”, a whitewater rafting expedition, was conducted by 21 army men of Bombers Regiment of Ambala Cantt-based Kharga Corps from October 24 to 27. The expedition that covered a distance of 152 kilometres from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh over the most difficult and dangerous rapids of the Ganga river, was flagged off by Major General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, Airawat Division, on October 20.
30 Sep 2022: Rafting has started for this season in Rishikesh. Initially Brahmpuri and Shivpuri rafting are open. Later Marine drive and Kaudiyala will open for adventure enthusiasts who want to to rafting in Rishikesh.
30 Jun 2022: Rafting is closed for this season for monsoons. Due to rise in water level the rafting is closed and will open from October this year.
