Rafting in Rishikesh: 26 km Ganga River with certified guides

Run seven named rapids and swim in the Ganga before lunch

Half-day white-water rafting on the Ganga River in Rishikesh covers 26 km of Grade I–III+ rapids with a professionally certified guide, all equipment, transport to the start and back to the office, and a safety kayaker on the water. Guides are trained in White Water Rescue and First Aid. Minimum age is 13. The trip runs 4 hours including transport.

The experience

You meet at White World Expeditions to register, then transfer to Marine Drive for your safety briefing and equipment check. The raft holds your group and a guide who has trained in rescue and first aid. The Ganga here runs Grade I–III+, which means fast water with waves and holes but no portages. You paddle through, not around. The 26 km stretch includes named rapids: Hugs & Kisses, Three Blind Mice, Body Surfing, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Jail No Bail, and Double Trouble. The pace is steady. You spend roughly 4 hours on the water and in transit.

Body surfing and swimming happen at designated points. The river is warm enough and the guide picks safe sections. Between rapids you get soft drinks, cookies and chips. In winter, tea and cookies at the end. A dry bag keeps your phone and keys safe. The trip finishes at NIM Beach before Lakshman Jhula Bridge, then a 15-minute drive back to the office. GoPro rental and trip videos are available for an extra cost if you want footage of the day.

Rafting closes from July 1 to September 20 during monsoon. Bring quick-drying clothes (shorts and a t-shirt or long sleeves), and floaters. Leave valuables at the office. A water bottle is essential. Minimum two participants are required to run a trip, so book with at least one other person or confirm availability before paying.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment including PFD, helmet, paddle, wetsuit and dry bag.
• experienced guide and safety kayaker certified in White Water Rescue and First Aid.
• 26 km paddle on the Ganga River.
• body surfing and swimming at designated points.
• soft drinks, cookies and chips (tea with cookies in winter).
• transport to Marine Drive and back to White World Expeditions office.

Before you book

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 08:30, from US$ 22 per person, with a live guide in English and Hindi and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 35 years) · Senior (55 to 60 years) · Child (13 to 15 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by White World Expeditions

Is this one for you?The 4-hour commitment includes paddling Grade I–III+ rapids and swimming in the river, so you need a moderate level of fitness and comfort in moving water. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Children must be at least 13 years old.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (13 to 15 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

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 26 km route includes seven named rapids: Hugs & Kisses, Three Blind Mice, Body Surfing, Roller Coaster, Golf Course, Jail No Bail, and Double Trouble. They range from Grade I to III+, meaning fast water with waves but no portages. You paddle through each one with your guide and crew.

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

The total time is approximately 4 hours, including the transfer to Marine Drive, the safety briefing, the 26 km paddle on the river, and the 15-minute drive back to White World Expeditions office.

What equipment and safety gear do I get?

All equipment is provided: personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, paddle, wetsuit, and a dry bag for valuables. Your guide is certified in White Water Rescue and First Aid, and a safety kayaker stays with the group on the water.

Can I bring my phone or camera on the raft?

Use the dry bag included with your equipment to keep your phone and keys safe during the paddle. GoPro rental and trip videos are available for an extra cost if you want professional footage of the rapids.

When does rafting operate, and is there a minimum group size?

Rafting runs year-round except from July 1 to September 20, when monsoon closes operations. A minimum of two participants is required per trip. Contact the operator through the booking platform the day before your booking to confirm.

What should I wear and bring for the day?

Wear quick-drying clothes (shorts and a t-shirt or long sleeves), and bring floaters. Carry a water bottle. Leave valuables at the office before you head to Marine Drive. Soft drinks, cookies, chips, and tea (in winter) are provided at the end.