River Rafting in India
Paddling an inflatable raft through rapids with a guide steering, from gentle floats to big white water.
1 adventure to bookWater · Rivers, reefs and surf
Where in India
- Rishikesh (Ganga)
- Kolad (Kundalika)
- Dandeli (Kali)
- Coorg (Barapole)
- Ladakh (Zanskar and Indus)
- Sikkim (Teesta)
When to go
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Rishikesh from autumn to early summer (rafting stops in the monsoon); dam-fed rivers like Kolad in the rains; Ladakh in summer.
What it asks of your body
Hard paddling in short bursts, and staying calm if you end up in the water.
PowerWaterNerve
These are capabilities on the ACE™ scale. The Adventure Matchmaker builds your ACE™ profile in 2 minutes and rates every adventure for you: ready, a stretch, or not yet.
Take the MatchmakerWhat to check before you book
- Licensed river guides, and a safety kayaker on bigger rapids
- Life jackets and helmets that fit, and a proper safety briefing
- A rapid grade that matches your group
Rules and requirements change. Ask your operator for the current word before you go.
Your first time
Start with a grade II to III stretch, like a short Rishikesh run, before the bigger rapids.
It knows every adventure on the site.
River Rafting on Trail to Tides
Guides for river rafting
- River raftingWhat rapid grades mean, the safety briefing that matters, how to swim a rapid if you fall in, and what to wear.
- Choosing an operatorThe questions that separate a safe operator from a cheap one, for any adventure: guides, ratios, safety kit, certifications, turnaround rules and refunds.
- Insurance & emergenciesWhat your insurance has to cover for your adventure, how rescue actually works in the Indian Himalaya, and the rules on satellite devices.
- When to goThe Himalayan seasons, the monsoon question, and the best months for every adventure in India, from treks and rides to diving, surfing and skiing.
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