Adventure · Rishikesh, Garhwal
Rafting the Ganga from Shivpuri
The 16 km Shivpuri run is Rishikesh's classic half-day on the river: grade II–III rapids, a cold swim in a calm stretch, and a finish near the town. Licensed operators supply rafts, helmets, life jackets and a guide.
Photo: Ritikamaheshwari58 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe Ganga between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh is the busiest rafting river in India. Most first-timers take the 16 km stretch from Shivpuri, which passes named rapids such as Roller Coaster and Golf Course before ending near Rishikesh. Longer runs start at Marine Drive (about 25 km) or Kaudiyala (about 36 km) and add bigger water. Rafts carry six to eight people with a guide steering from the back.
Operators collect you from Tapovan or Lakshman Jhula and drive you to the put-in. You get a safety briefing, a helmet and a life jacket, and you are expected to paddle. In calmer stretches guides may let you float in the water with your jacket on. Cliff jumping is sometimes offered; skip it if you are unsure. Phones go in a dry bag or stay behind.
Commercial rafting is allowed from mid-September to 30 June and stops for the monsoon, when the river rises and turns brown. October, November, March and April have the most comfortable weather; the river is cold all year. Book only with operators licensed by the state, and ask what the price includes. Children usually need to be at least 14 for the Shivpuri stretch; check with the operator.
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Trips through Rishikesh
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Sleep nearby
Stays in Rishikesh
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Budget
Zostel Rishikesh (Tapovan)
A backpacker hostel in Tapovan, between Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, with dorms, private rooms, a rooftop cafe an…
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Mid
Aloha on the Ganges
A riverside hotel on the Badrinath road in Tapovan, near Lakshman Jhula, with rooms and apartments facing the Gang…
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Luxury
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa
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Questions
Before you book
When is the rafting season in Rishikesh?
Commercial rafting runs from mid-September to 30 June. It closes for the monsoon in July and August because of high, silty water. The exact reopening date depends on river levels and state orders, so check current status before you travel.
Do I need to know swimming for rafting in Rishikesh?
No. Everyone wears a life jacket and helmet, and guides brief you on what to do if you fall in. Swimming ability helps you feel calmer. People with heart conditions, back problems or pregnancy should not raft; talk to your doctor if unsure.
How much does rafting cost in Rishikesh?
Indicative 2026 prices: about ₹600–800 for the short Brahmpuri stretch, ₹800–1,200 for Shivpuri (16 km), ₹1,200–1,800 for Marine Drive and ₹2,000–3,000 for Kaudiyala. Prices rise on long weekends. Check that transport back from the take-out is included.