River Rafting in Uttarakhand

River rafting in Uttarakhand will be a perfect getaway for you, if you crave some adventure in life. Most part of the state lies in the Himalayas, and several small and big rivers flow through it. Certain stretches of Yamuna, Saryu, Kali, Ganga, Gori Ganga, Kosi and Ramganga are utilised by tour organisers for conducting this exciting water sport. The state has a good road and rail connectivity to the rest of India, so all rafting locations here are within your reach with ease.

About Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand welcomes you to experience its utter piety, and live amidst pristine and picturesque surroundings. The majority of its land area consists of the Himalayas, which act as the prime reason behind its scenic beauty. They give rise to hordes of major and minor rivers, which together irrigate one of the most densely cultivated regions in the world. Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda, Mandakini and Bhagirathi are the main rivers originating from the glaciers of Uttarakhand.

About River Rafting

• Introduction to Rafting: By definition, rafting means travelling on a water body on rafts. These are inflatable boats made of strong and stretchable rubber fabric.

• Location: As an adventure sport, rafting is done on rivers, especially in the mountains as the riverbeds there are rocky and the currents strong.

• The Activity: An important part of the activity involves controlling the direction of the boat to overcome the rapids. This high-thrill sport will test your rowing skills and manoeuvring techniques.

• For Participants: Before you engage in river rafting in Uttarakhand, you will be given a short briefing. Your instructors will also provide you with all necessary equipment like rafts, paddles to row, life jackets and helmets.

Grades of Rapids

Rapids are formed where sections of the river have a high gradient of drop, thus increasing the velocity of flowing water. They are rated from I to VI, depending on how difficult it will be for you to overcome them.

• Grade I: These sections are classified as easy, and the currents here are of low velocity. Small ripples and waves are formed here, and novices will find them easy to cross.

• Grade II: Such rapids are of medium difficulty, and have moderately big waves. They are easily visible to the naked eye, and those who know basic paddling techniques will not even notice them.

• Grade III: They have strong currents, irregular waves, white waters, rocks and small drops. Inexperienced participants will find these spots difficult to negotiate, and the help of experts will be required.

• Grade IV: An advanced level of rafting skills is required to overcome such rapids as they usually contain significant drops and powerful currents, and require sharp turning and rowing of boats.

• Grade V: Only experts are advised to sail on these sections because they consist of huge drops, highly powerful currents and large boulders, and the route to follow is always unclear.

• Grade VI: This is the ultimate class, and is almost unnavigable.

Thankfully, you will not encounter Grade V or VI sections while river rafting in Uttarakhand as the highest class here is Grade IV.