Kaudiyala Rafting in Rishikesh: 35km down the river

The Wall rapid flips rafts upside down, and you paddle through it anyway.

A full-day rafting trip down the Ganges from Kaudiyala covers 35 kilometers with 12 rapids, including the grade IV Wall and grade III+ Three Blind Mice, plus a cliff jump accessible only on this longer stretch. The upper river sees few commercial trips, so solitude is part of the day. Transport from Rishikesh, safety briefing, all gear, lunch and a guide in English or Hindi are included. Minimum group size is six.

The experience

You meet at the office in Rishikesh and drive an hour to Kaudiyala, the put-in point. After a 30-minute safety briefing and gear check, you're on the water for 5 to 6 hours of paddling. The stretch runs grade III and III+ rapids most of the way, with one grade IV rapid, the Wall, that can flip the raft. Other named rapids include Three Blind Mice, Crossfire, Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Club House. Between rapids you stop for snacks and water. The cliff jump sits partway through and is one of the reasons this 35-kilometer run is worth the full day. Shorter rafting trips on the lower river don't reach it.

The upper section of the Ganges sees fewer commercial operators, so the river feels quieter than the crowded lower stretches near town. That solitude is real. You're paddling through a less-trafficked part of the river, not just being told you are. When you finish, the jeep takes you back to Rishikesh near Laxman Jhula, where you get a hot lunch before the short drive back to the office.

Gear is provided: NRS Big Water life jacket, Protec helmet, paddles, raft and splash jacket (in winter months). A safety kayaker travels with the group. The trip works only with a minimum of six people, so solo travelers or pairs need to join an existing group or book with others.

What’s included

• All rafting gear including NRS Big Water life jacket, Protec helmet, paddles and splash jacket (December through March).
• a safety kayaker.
• a guide in English or Hindi.
• shared transport by jeep or minivan to and from the put-in.
• hot lunch after the trip.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to15h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Red Chilli Adventure

Is this one for you?This is a full-day commitment on moving water with 12 rapids and a cliff jump, so it suits paddlers comfortable with sustained effort and the risk of flipping. The upper river is quieter than lower stretches, which rewards the longer day if solitude on the water matters to you.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many rapids are in the 35km Kaudiyala run?

The stretch covers about 12 rapids overall. The Wall is grade IV and can flip the raft. Three Blind Mice is grade III+. The rest range from grade III to III+, and the cliff jump sits between them.

What happens if the raft flips?

A flip means the raft turns upside down and throws paddlers into the water. The Wall rapid is known for flipping rafts sometimes, but the rapids are safe despite the big waves. A safety kayaker travels with the group.

How long does the full day take from start to finish?

The drive to the put-in takes about an hour, the safety briefing another 30 minutes, then 5 to 6 hours on the water, plus the drive back to Rishikesh and lunch. Plan for most of the day.

What's included in the price?

The package includes all gear (life jacket, helmet, paddles, raft, splash jacket in winter), a guide in English or Hindi, a safety kayaker, hot lunch after the trip, transport by shared jeep or minivan, and all fees and taxes.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes, the trip requires a minimum of six people. Solo travelers or smaller groups need to join an existing booking or arrange one with others.