Rishikesh: 26km Ganga Rafting Trip with Pro Crew & Pickup

Summary

Rafting Rishikesh’s wild Ganga stretch with real river legends

You’ll raft 26km down Rishikesh’s Ganga stretch with pro guides who know every rapid by name. There’s laughter during safety drills, cold splashes on your face, and time to just float under open sky. Snacks at NIM Beach taste better after paddling hard — it all feels real out there.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous when I first saw the Ganga that morning in Rishikesh. The river looked calm from a distance but you could hear it — this low, rolling sound like it was clearing its throat. At White World Expeditions, our guide Manoj grinned at us and said something about “Double Trouble” rapid ahead. He handed me a helmet and paddle. My hands were already sweating a bit (I pretended it was just the sun).

The drive up to Marine Drive (not the Mumbai one — everyone jokes about that) took maybe half an hour? I lost track because we all started swapping stories in the van. Once we got there, Manoj gave us this proper safety talk — not just ticking boxes but making sure we actually listened. He had us practice falling out and pulling each other back in. I swallowed a mouthful of river water right away. Cold, sharp, almost sweet somehow.

The first few rapids were honestly easier than I expected — names like Hugs & Kisses or Three Blind Mice sound cute but they still jolt you awake. Then came Roller Coaster and Golf Course (that one really does toss you around). Somewhere between Club House and Jail No Bail, I realized I’d stopped thinking about work or emails or anything except the next wave coming at us. There were these moments when we’d float quietly for a minute and all you could hear was birds and the splash of someone’s paddle hitting wrong.

Near the end, just before Laxman Jhulla bridge, we pulled up at NIM Beach for snacks — cookies and chai if you wanted it (I did). My arms felt like noodles but in a good way. Everyone laughed about who screamed loudest on Double Trouble (it wasn’t me… probably). The van ride back was quiet; people staring out at the hills or checking their phones for soaked photos that might survive. Sometimes you finish something like this and feel lighter than when you started — I still think about that feeling sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day rafting on Ganga river

• Meet at White World Expeditions
• Sign up and meet trip leader
• Travel to Marine Drive starting point
• Receive rafting gear and safety briefing
• Practice rafting techniques on river
• Raft down Ganga through 14 rapids
• End trip before Laxman Jhulla bridge
• Change at NIM Beach
• Drive back to starting point

Top questions

How long does the Rishikesh rafting trip take?

The rafting trip covers about 26 km and usually takes around 4 hours including transport to the starting point.

Is pickup included for this rafting tour?

Yes, transportation from White World Expeditions to Marine Drive (start point) and back from NIM Beach is included.

What is the minimum age for rafting in Rishikesh?

This trip is not recommended for children under 14 years old.

Are snacks provided during or after rafting?

Yes, soft drinks, cookies, juice, chips are offered at the end; tea with cookies is served in winter.

What should I wear for rafting on the Ganga?

Bring quick-drying clothes such as shorts and t-shirts or long sleeves; floaters are recommended.

Is video or GoPro footage included?

No, GoPro or video costs extra if you want it recorded.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This trip isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; moderate fitness is needed.

When is rafting not available in Rishikesh?

No trips run from July 1st to mid-September due to monsoon season.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from White World Expeditions office to Marine Drive where your guide outfits you with helmet, paddle, wetsuit and dry bag for valuables before hitting 26km of Ganga rapids together; after paddling there’s soft drinks, cookies or tea at NIM Beach plus return transport back to base — all led by certified river crew with a safety kayaker alongside.