Facts About River Rafting
 
River Rafting Camps at Shivpuri, Kaudiyala, (Rishikesh)
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Whitewater River Rafting in Shivpuri,
Near Rishikesh on the Ganges
 

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What is white water river rafting ?
River Rafting is journeying on the torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat. A river trip is often an adventure but not always. An amateur with a little sense of adventure can equally enjoy it. You are provided with a life-jacket to put on all the time while on the river. You are also provided with a crash helmet. A trained professional river guide heads the rafting team. All camping equipment and meals are provide by the outfitter.

 Where and when can rafting be done ?
Rivers where rafting is possible in India:
Ganges (Rishikesh), Indus (Leh), Teesta (Sikkim), Beas (Kullu), Brahamputra (Assam).

The early stages of the Ganga offer the exhilarating Alakananda and the Bhagirathi rivers. While the Indus snaking through Ladakh and the Zanskar and Chenab in Kashmir are very different river running experiences, other rivers like the Sutlej, Beas and Yamuna are also a sporting challenge.
The best and most popular river is the Ganges - particularly the stretch between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh. Rafting can be done here from Mid September upto Mid May.

 Who provides the equipments and guide ?
High quality rafts, safety equipment (life jackets, helmets etc) and internationally trained guides are provided by the Company organising the river rafting trips and running the camps.

I have never done rafting before !
The Ganges at Shivpuri (all the year round except the monsoons) and the Beas at Kullu (in the summers) is the best place for first timers. From the novice to the most intrepid of adventurers, there is most certainly a package suited for each experience level even for beginners, amateurs, novices and first timers. You can choose from the  more technical river sections of class IVs for a true adrenaline rush, or simply opt for less strenuous, and milder trips that are perfect for beginners and families.

I do not know swimming !
River rafting on Grade 2 and 3 rapids does not require swimming ability. A personal flotation device which is provided will keep you buoyant if you happen to swim from the raft. There are plenty of calm "recovery pools" to keep you from floating down river. Each raft has a trained river runner and guide alongwith. Class 4 requires good swimming ability since participants must be able to swim back to the raft or shore before the next rapid.

What do I need to carry for a rafting trip ?
You need to bring shorts, swim suit, cap, t-shirt, keds, sneakers, beach sandals, windcheater, sun block, sun shades, flashlight,  and a dry set of clothes for your ride home. Prepare to have everything that you wear to get wet. Also please do not bring valuable items (i.e. expensive clothes or shoes, jewelry, non-waterproof cameras or other items) on the raft.

Do I need to be in a group ?
It is always more fun if you have your own group of at least four people. Otherwise you can always come alone or as a couple and you will get to join a group at the Camp.

What are the safety standards ?
White water rafting expeditions in India are organized and managed by professional Indian teams who have trained abroad in some of the most difficult water stretches of the world. The helmsman on board is familiar with the topography of the river and its obstacles. Life jackets and crash helmets are  worn by all with back up arrangements for rescue, evacuation and medical attention on the river bank. Most important of all, the guide is suitably qualified so that panic is avoided if there is a mishap. The rafts are imported and have inflatable compartments with vulcanised rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric beneath an exterior of neoprene. This degree of strength for the raft makes it tolerable to battering by waves and rocks.
 
 

 

 

Heart throbbing excitement of rafting on the Ganges
River Rafting Camps at Shivpuri, (Rishikesh) Fast Facts about Rafting Camps
MORE QUESTIONS
What is the rafting stretch like along the Ganges ?
The River Ganga offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of white water rafting. The rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are Grade IV to V, challenging the expert to survive the thrill.
Downriver from Devprayag to Rishikesh, the Ganges becomes milder. This stretch of almost 70 kms. is perfect for the amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade IV rapids, 'The Wall' at Byasi and the 'Golf Course'  4 kms. below Shivpuri village; each followed by deep and placid pools. Other interesting rapids on this stretch are Three Blind Mice, Daniel's Dip, Sweet Sixteen, Marine Drive, Cross Fire and Roller Coaster.
Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak and conifers with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Spiritual retreats and ashrams overlook the river, at the end of the journey, and add to the spiritual experience.

What is a rapid ?
A rapid is a white patch of foam on a flowing river. It is caused by sudden gradient or by the river breadth getting constricted while flowing through a gorge between rocks or by a sudden increase or decrease in the volume of the water.

Can all rapids be negotiated easily ?
A rapid's level of difficulty is categorised by its grade. Grade 1 is any flat moving portion, Grade 2 is the mildest, most gentle rapid such as a bunch of school children could negotiate - guided of course. Grade 3 is tougher but still manageable by amateurs and beginners. Grade 4 is the hardest rapid to be included in a commercial trip. Grade 5 is for a group of experienced professionals with high levels of expertise; Grade 6 is suicidal !

Can children do river rafting ?
12 years and older children can go along with the adults while the smaller children can do the Grade 1 and 2 float trips. Even if the child or for that matter even an adult doesnot want to try out rafting they can still enjoy the river beach, the camping experience and the other activities.
 
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Whitewater River Rafting on the Ganges, near Rishikesh, India.
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