Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is India’s most famous destination for white water river rafting. The holy Ganges transforms here from a calm spiritual river into a thrilling adventure playground filled with rapids, cliffs, and swirling currents.

Before booking your rafting adventure, it’s important to understand rafting points, river grades, rapids, difficulty levels, and safety guidelines. This guide covers everything you need to know.

🌊 River Rafting in Rishikesh – An Overview

River rafting in Rishikesh takes place on the Ganges, formed at Devprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge. As the river flows toward Rishikesh, it offers rapids ranging from Grade I to Grade IV+, suitable for beginners to experienced rafters.

💰 Rishikesh Rafting Price Spectrum

Rafting prices in Rishikesh depend on distance, difficulty, and inclusions.

• Starting price: ₹600 per person

• Maximum price: ₹3,500 per person

Prices usually include:

• Certified river guide

• Safety equipment (life jacket, helmet)

• Transport from finish point

💡 Prices may vary between operators, especially during peak season.

🚣 Riding the Rapids – What to Expect

Rafting in Rishikesh is not just about adventure—it’s a visual and sensory experience:

• Rapids rushing past forested cliffs

• Ancient temples lining the riverbanks

• Cliff jumping & body surfing (optional)

• Calm pools for floating and swimming

Each stretch offers a unique blend of thrill and scenery.

Suggested Read – 13 Experiences You Should Live in Rishikesh

📍 Rishikesh Rafting Starting Points (Distance & Difficulty)

• Difficulty: Grade I–II

• Best for: Families, beginners, non-swimmers

• Experience: Calm waters, gentle rapids

Shivpuri to Rishikesh (15 km)

• Difficulty: Grade II–III

• Best for: Beginners & families

• Highlights: 5 famous rapids, cliff jumping

Marine Drive to Rishikesh (24 km)

• Difficulty: Grade III

• Best for: Adventure seekers

• Experience: Long rafting stretch with mixed rapids

Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (36 km)

• Difficulty: Grade III–IV+

• Best for: Experienced rafters

• Experience: Powerful rapids, intense currents

⚡ Rishikesh Rafting Rapids & River Grades

In rafting, river grades indicate difficulty:

• Grade I: Easy, slow-moving water

• Grade II: Mild rapids, beginner-friendly

• Grade III: Moderate, exciting rapids

• Grade IV: Strong rapids, expert-level

River Grade by Stretch

• Brahmpuri: Grade I–II

• Shivpuri: Grade II–III

• Marine Drive: Grade III

• Kaudiyala: Grade III–IV+

🛑 Government-Permitted Rafting Stretches

The Uttarakhand government allows rafting only on specific stretches for safety and environmental reasons:

• Brahmpuri (7 km) – Family-friendly

• Shivpuri (15 km) – Beginner-level

• Marine Drive (24 km) – Moderate

• Kaudiyala (36 km) – Strenuous / expert

🧭 Choosing the Right Rafting Stretch

• First-timers & families: Brahmpuri or Shivpuri

• Adventure lovers: Marine Drive

• Experienced rafters: Kaudiyala

Even non-swimmers can safely raft on Shivpuri and Brahmpuri routes with proper safety gear.

Suggested  Read – 8 Top Most Popular Waterfalls in Rishikesh Dehradun And Mussoorie 

🦺 Safety Measures for Rishikesh Rafting

• Certified river guides on every raft

• Mandatory life jackets & helmets

• Safety briefing before rafting

• Rescue kayakers on difficult stretches

✔️ Always follow guide instructions and avoid rafting with unlicensed operators.

🗓️ Best Time for River Rafting in Rishikesh

• Rafting Season: 1st November to 30th June

• Best Months: March, April, May

• Closed During: July–August (monsoon season)

Winter rafting (Nov–Feb) is also popular for clear water and fewer crowds.

🏁 Conclusion

River rafting in Rishikesh is a perfect mix of thrill, nature, and spirituality. With multiple rafting points, varying difficulty levels, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, Rishikesh caters to everyone—from first-time rafters to hardcore adventurers.

Choose the right rafting stretch, prioritize safety, and let the mighty Ganges give you an unforgettable adventure.