Rishikesh: 26km Rafting Trip with Safety Kayaker & Pickup

Summary

Rafting Rishikesh’s wild Ganges stretch with local guides

You’ll ride ten rapids along 26km of the Ganges near Rishikesh, with local guides who know every bend. Includes pickup, all rafting gear—even a safety kayaker paddling alongside—and a riverside chai break that’ll stick with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we signed up for the 26km rafting trip from Marine Drive down to Rishikesh. I’d seen photos of the Ganges before, but being there — well, it’s different. The river has this low roar that you can feel in your chest, and even the air smells a bit like wet stone and something green. Our guide, Anil, handed me a paddle and grinned, “You ready?” I wasn’t sure if I was, but I nodded anyway.

The drive out took about an hour — windows down, hair everywhere, everyone half-awake but trying to look brave. We started just past Glass House on the Ganges. Getting into the gear was a comedy of errors (I put my helmet on backwards at first), but nobody seemed to mind. There was a safety kayaker with us too — Rajiv — who kept cracking jokes about how he’d rescue us if we fell in. It made me feel better, honestly. The rapids came quick: some were big enough that my heart did that weird skip thing; others just splashed cold water right down my shirt. Somewhere around halfway, Anil pointed out a temple tucked into the trees — I almost missed it because I was busy trying not to drop my paddle.

We stopped for chai and biscuits on a sandy patch that looked like it had been made just for tired arms. My hands were shaking from paddling (and maybe nerves), but sipping hot tea while watching the river slide by felt strangely peaceful. The rest of the way was mostly laughter and shouting over the water — someone lost a sandal (it floated off like it had somewhere else to be). By the time we finished near Rishikesh town around 1pm, everyone was soaked and grinning at each other like we’d shared some secret joke.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting trip from office to river

• Drive 26km to rafting start point
• Prepare for rafting at start point
• Raft 26km on Ganges River
• Take short refreshment break
• Finish rafting around 1pm

Top questions

How long is the Rishikesh rafting trip?

The rafting covers 26km from Marine Drive to Rishikesh and takes about three hours on the river.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Private transportation from the operator’s office to the starting point is included; public transport is also nearby.

Are non-swimmers allowed on this rafting tour?

Yes, non-swimmers are welcome as long as they meet age requirements and wear provided safety gear.

What safety measures are in place during rafting?

A safety kayaker accompanies every raft to assist anyone who falls in; life jackets and helmets are mandatory.

What is the minimum age for this rafting trip?

This trip isn’t open to kids under 14 years old.

What should I bring for the Rishikesh rafting tour?

You’ll be given all necessary rafting gear—just bring comfortable clothes and maybe a change for after.

How many rapids are there on this stretch?

The route includes around ten rapids of varying size—some grade 3 or higher.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No full lunch is provided, but there’s a refreshment break with chai and biscuits during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Rishikesh to Marine Drive, all essential rafting gear like paddle, helmet, wetsuit, and life jacket, plus support from both your guide and a dedicated safety kayaker throughout the journey—along with a riverside refreshment break before heading back into town around midday.