“Rafting” is one of the well known adventure activity in India however Rafting Expeditions in India are lesser known to people. The nature of the activity is such that it involves teamwork, planning and coordination. This aspect of rafting expeditions makes it all the more exclusive and exciting. In India there is a plethora of rivers and huge potential of multi day river rafting expeditions. Rishikesh being the hub of whitewater sports sees the largest footfall of rafting participants. Most of the people experience rafting as day trips. Which is in itself bound to be full of thrill and entertainment itself but not as much as a rafting expedition.
Rafting Expeditions in India
Expedition style rafting gives a wholesome experience of the activity and the surroundings. It is like exploring the gorges and valleys through a different perspective. After hours of paddling, you get to camp at riverside beaches, woods, amidst boulders depending on the the terrain. Rafting Expeditions in India are amidst the remotest of landscapes which makes it all the more special. You are far off from the hustling civilization, adventuring out in the wild and resting and contemplating at secluded campsites.
We’ve come up with a list of such rafting Expeditions in India that you should go on at least once in your lifetime.
Kali Sharda River Rafting Expedition – Indo-Nepal Border
- Duration – 3D/2N
- Difficulty – Moderately Difficult
- Season – October to April
Kali Sharda also called as Mahakali, Kali Gad or Kali Ganga is the natural border between India and Nepal. It is a moderately difficult trip with the challenging rapids touching the Class IV mark. It has some epic whitewater and even better campsites which are just surrounded by some dense forests and tigers and leopards. Adventurous enough eh?
Brahmaputra/Siang River Expedition – Arunachal Pradesh
- Duration – 10D/9N
- Difficulty – Demanding
- Season – November – January
Brahmaputra is one of the highest volume rivers in the world. It is unarguably one of the grandest and longest rafting expeditions in India. The waves are so high, you literally have to paddle hard to reach the top. Rapids are challenging and constantly range from Class IV- V. There are some huge white sand beaches overseeing dense foliage which is mostly covered in mist. The views are to die for and the overall experience is rated as most exotic and supreme. There are only a few trips as grand as this one.
Bhagirathi-Ganga River Expedition – Uttarakhand
World’s highest whitewater river rafting is commercially done in Ladakh. This in itself is a significant adventurous factor. Extremely low temperatures of the water, low oxygen levels and icy cold winds are definitely not the most pleasant things. All these things combined make Zanskar as one of the hardest rafting expeditions in India. The strong boils and whirpools are hard to navigate along with the muddy waters and harsh climate. The Zanskar gorge is a piece of art with barren pointy mountains rising thousands of feet in the air.
Alaknanda River Expedition – Uttarakhand
- Duration – 5D/4N
- Difficulty – Moderately Difficult
- Season – February – May & October – December
Alaknanda constitutes one of the most beautiful river sections in Uttarakhand. River Alaknanda is beautiful in its own sweet ways. This expedition is not only about navigating cascading whitewater through deep gorges and dense forests. It involves starry nights, one of the best beaches and loads of peace. You can sense the magic in the air as you head towards the holiest river of India.