Rafting in Rishikesh: Ganga River rapids with guide

Paddle through Himalayan rapids on the sacred Ganga

River rafting on the Ganga in Rishikesh is a 3-hour activity where you navigate whitewater rapids with an experienced guide, safety gear and transport to the rafting base. You choose between a 9 km or 16 km section of river, each with different rapid grades to match your skill level. The camp sits about 30 minutes from Rishikesh. A safety briefing and paddling instruction happen before you launch.

Step-by-step itinerary

River rafting adventure in Rishikesh

• Arrive at rafting camp in Shivpuri
• Complete registration and paperwork
• Attend safety briefing with guide
• Gear up with life jackets and helmets
• Start rafting from Shivpuri
• Navigate rapids like Roller Coaster and Double Trouble
• Enjoy scenic views of Ganges and Himalayas
• Paddle downstream towards Ram Jhula
• Listen to guide's commentary about river and region
• Reach NIM Beach and end rafting
• Disembark and return equipment

The experience

The rafting camp at Shivpuri is where the day starts. After a 30-minute drive from Rishikesh, you'll complete registration and attend a safety briefing led by your guide, who covers paddling technique, emergency protocols and how to handle the river. You get fitted with a life jacket, helmet and paddle, then push off into the Ganga. The rapids have names (Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Double Trouble), and the guide navigates you through each one while pointing out the Himalayan foothills and the river itself.

You choose your distance at checkout: 9 km or 16 km. Both routes end at NIM Beach, where you hand back the gear. The difference is the number of rapids and how long you spend on the water. The operator structures the grades so you can pick based on your comfort with whitewater. A guide who speaks basic English paddles with you the whole way, not just steering from the back.

Transportation from the meeting point to the rafting base is included. Meals and hotel pickup are not. Children under 15 cannot participate. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Transportation from the meeting point to Shivpuri rafting camp.
• safety briefing and paddling instruction from an experienced guide.
• life jacket, helmet, paddle and dry bag.
• guide services throughout the rafting run.

Options for this experience

2 options

Rishikesh river rafting covering 9 KM08:00Rafting at Grade I level lasting 2.5 hours

Rishikesh river rafting covering 16 KM08:00Rafting at Grade II level lasting 3.5 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (15 to 65 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Sun Leisure World India

Is this one for you?Choose the 9 km route if you want a shorter, less intense introduction to Ganga rapids. Pick the 16 km section if you're comfortable with more time on the water and steeper whitewater. Minimum age is 15, and the activity isn't suitable for anyone with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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.

What rapids will I paddle through on the Ganga in Rishikesh?

The route includes named rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Double Trouble. Which ones you encounter depends on whether you book the 9 km or 16 km section. Both follow the same river but cover different stretches of whitewater.

How long does the rafting activity take from start to finish?

The full experience is 3 hours, including the safety briefing, gear setup and paddling time on the water. Add the 30-minute drive to the Shivpuri camp before that.

What safety gear do I get for rafting the Ganga?

You receive a life jacket, helmet, paddle and dry bag. The guide conducts a safety briefing before launch and stays with your raft throughout the run.

Do I need rafting experience to book this activity?

No. The guide teaches fundamental paddling technique during the safety briefing, and the operator offers different rapid grades so you can choose a section that matches your skill level.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the rafting trip?

Meals and beverages are not included in the rafting package. Bring what you need or arrange food separately before or after the activity.