My First River Rafting in Rishikesh: Thrills, Costs & Best Time to Go

River Rafting in Rishikesh isn’t just a sport—it’s a full-blown rollercoaster on water. One minute you’re soaking in the calm beauty of Maa Ganga, and the next she’s splashing you with icy waves like, “Welcome to Rishikesh, buddy!” Whether you come for the thrill, the scenery, or just to scream louder than your friends, rafting here never disappoints.

India is blessed with some of the best rivers for rafting—Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Coorg, Sikkim, and many more. But let’s be honest, when people think of rafting in India, Rishikesh always comes first. Every year, it pulls in hundreds of people from across the world—some searching for spirituality on the ghats, others ready to scream their lungs out on the rapids. And only in Rishikesh can both kinds of travelers find exactly what they’re looking for.

My first river rafting experience in Rishikesh..

Last March, I decided—on a whim—to go river rafting in Rishikesh for the first time. It wasn’t even on my schedule! I was out for a morning walk near Tapovan when I spotted a rafting office. Curious, I asked about the next trip, and the manager said the next group was leaving for Shivpuri in an hour. No second thoughts—I booked my slot on the 16km stretch right then and there.

After wandering around Laxman Jhula for a bit, I reached the rafting office at 9 a.m. From there, we were driven to Shivpuri. Once there, we got our gear—paddles, life jackets, helmets—and the leader explained how everything worked, along with some basic rafting do’s and don’ts.

Finally, the moment arrived! We hopped into our boat, all geared up. My excitement was through the roof. Paddling along the calm, clear waters of Maa Ganga, every stroke made me feel pure joy. We even raced other rafts, shouting “Ganga Maiya ki Jay!” like absolute maniacs.

Then came the rapids. Our leader told us not to panic and just keep paddling—and wow, what a rush! I even jumped out of the raft at a shallow spot—cold water, heart racing, but incredibly refreshing. Rafting felt almost meditative, letting me forget all the hustle-bustle of daily life while soaking in nature and the river’s power.

Halfway through, we stopped at Maggi Point for a short break. I devoured some Maggi, sipped chai, and chatted with fellow tourists. Some brave souls even dived off a nearby cliff—I stayed on land, pretending to be sensible. 😅

After refueling, we set off for the return trip. Three hours later, we pulled the boat ashore, collected our trip photos and videos, and headed back to the office. Honestly, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I can’t wait to do it all over again!

Best Time for River Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is pleasant pretty much all year, but if you want the perfect rafting experience, timing matters. The best period for River Rafting in Rishikesh is right after the monsoons (mid-September) up to early summer (May).

Heads-up though: December and January are pretty chilly, so rafting can feel a bit… bracing. 😅 And during the monsoon, rafting is completely off-limits because the river gets wild and dangerous—Maa Ganga isn’t messing around then!

If you want the smoothest, most fun ride, aim for October–November or February–March. That’s when the weather is just right, the rapids are exciting, and you can actually enjoy the whole adventure without freezing your toes off.

The best month for river rafting in Rishikesh: are October – November, and February – March

Best Time of the Day for Rafting

Rafting trips in Rishikesh usually run from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you’re a morning person (or just love a bit of cool air and peace), I’d recommend the morning slots. The river is calmer, the skies are clear, and you get to enjoy the rapids without too many rafts around. Afternoon trips are fun too, but expect a slightly busier river and warmer weather.

Try to go rafting in the morning before 10 am.

Rishikesh river rafting cost/ price

Rafting in Rishikesh doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket! There are plenty of packages depending on how far and how long you want to raft. Prices start at around ₹600 for the 9 km stretch from Brahmapuri to Laxman Jhula and can go up to ₹2,500 per person for longer, more thrilling rides. Just a heads-up—the cost can vary a bit depending on whether it’s peak tourist season or the quieter months.

Why Should You Go for Rafting in Rishikesh?

Rishikesh has been attracting kayaking and rafting lovers from all over the world for years—and for good reason! Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas and blessed with the sacred waters of Maa Ganga, it’s not just a rafting spot—it’s an experience. The river here is clean, pure, and absolutely refreshing.

If you want to explore other thrilling experiences like trekking, paragliding, and more, check out my guide on Adventure Tourism in India Explained: Types, Trends & Top Places.

As you ride the rapids, you’re treated to stunning views of temples, ashrams, and yoga centers lining the riverbank. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and scenery—a thrill for your heart and a feast for your eyes!

The rapids in Rishikesh range from easy (level 1) to challenging (level 5), making it ideal for both first-timers and seasoned pros looking for a bigger adrenaline rush. Plus, rafting is a great way to meet like-minded adventurers, make new friends, and even brush up on teamwork, courage, and a healthy dose of fighting spirit.

Rafting Stretches & Rapid Levels

If you’re heading for River Rafting in Rishikesh, knowing the stretches and rapids is a game-changer. The two most popular stretches are:

1. Brahmapuri to Laxman Jhula (9 km)

Time: Around 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Mostly level 2–3 rapids
Vibe: Chill and scenic, perfect for first-timers or those who want a mix of fun and views of temples, ghats, and the lush riverside. You’ll get a taste of rapids without feeling like you’re battling the river.

2. Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km)

Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Level 3–4 rapids
Vibe: The longer adventure! This stretch gives you more thrilling rapids, a few tricky bends, and lots of adrenaline. You might even end up drenched head to toe (in a good way).

Now, about the rapids—these are classified Level 1 to Level 5:

Level 1: Calm waters with tiny waves. Perfect for selfies and getting the hang of paddling.
Level 2: Gentle rapids, some splashes—enough to make you laugh but not flip the boat.
Level 3: Medium rapids. Expect more action and a little heart-racing fun.
Level 4: Big waves and strong currents. Hold on tight—this is where you feel the thrill!
Level 5: The wild ones. Only for pros or super-adventurous first-timers under guidance. If you survive these, you get bragging rights for life. 😎

The cool part? On any stretch, you’ll usually face a mix of levels—so beginners get comfortable, and thrill-seekers get their adrenaline fix. It’s like the river designed the ride to keep everyone happy!

Safety Tips for River Rafting in Rishikesh

afting is super fun, but a few safety tips will make sure you enjoy it without any worries:

Wear your gear: Life jackets and helmets aren’t just for show—they actually keep you safe. Make sure they fit properly.
Listen to your guide: They know the river well. Follow their instructions and you’ll have a smooth ride.
Paddle together: Rafting works best when everyone rows together. Otherwise, the boat can spin around! 😅
Hold on and stay seated: Don’t try tricks unless the guide says it’s okay. Keep hands and feet inside the raft.
Dress smart: Quick-dry clothes and shoes that stay on are the best. Swimsuits underneath help too.
Know your limits: Start with easy stretches if you’re new or not confident in water. No shame in taking it slow!

A little care goes a long way—and you’ll have the most fun riding the rapids safely.

FAQs

Is river rafting in Rishikesh safe?

Absolutely! As long as you wear your life jacket and helmet, follow your guide’s instructions, and stay alert, rafting is totally safe. Maa Ganga likes to thrill, not harm.

Do I need prior experience to go rafting?

Not at all! Beginners are welcome. The rapids are graded from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone.

Is there an age limit for river rafting in Rishikesh?

The best age for rafting actually depends on the difficulty of the rapids. Rafting can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from 14 to 65.

What is the weight limit for river rafting in Rishikesh ?

Due to safety precautions, underweight and overweight people are not allowed to go rafting. For rafting, the minimum weight limit is 45 kg, while the maximum weight limit is 100 kg.

Can I carry my phone or camera?

Yes, you can! Don’t worry about it getting wet—the guide will keep your phone or camera safe in a waterproof bag while you enjoy the ride. Or, if you have a GoPro, you can use it to capture your rafting moments hands-on.

Is rafting safe for non-swimmers?

Yes! You can go whitewater rafting at Rishikesh even if you don’t know swimming. You’ll be wearing a helmet and a life jacket, so don’t panic if you fall into the water; you will not drown. The raft is equipped with a rope to get back into the boat.

Is it necessary to pedal when rafting?

Rafting is a team sport; pedaling is essential to experience the thrills at high speeds. However, there are 1-2 non-paddling positions in every rafting, which you may discuss and select due to reason.

does rafting in rishikesh need advance booking?

No, it’s not necessary to book river rafting in advance, and you can head straight to the rafting office and enquire about the next available session. However, it is best to book your rafting trip in advance during peak season.

How many people in a group can go rafting?

Rafting can be done with a minimum 2 people and a maximum 8 people in a group

What an Unforgettable Ride!

If you’ve ever wondered whether River Rafting in Rishikesh is worth it—take it from me, it totally is! From the calm stretches where you can soak in the beauty of Maa Ganga, to the heart-pumping rapids that make you scream and laugh at the same time, it’s a full-on adventure.

It’s not just about the thrill, though. You cheer each other on, paddle like pros (or pretend to), and have the kind of fun that makes you forget everything else. And trust me, no matter how many photos or videos you take, nothing beats the feeling of actually being out there on the river.

So pack your gear, grab your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. Maa Ganga is waiting to give you splashes, laughter, and memories that’ll stick forever. And yes, I’ll definitely be going back for round two… or maybe three! 😄

Have a Happy and Safe Rafting!!