River Rafting Season in Rishikesh

River Rafting season in Rishikesh is 9 months long that starts in Mid-September and lasts till the end of June every year. River rafting remains officially closed during the monsoons, i.e. 1st July to 15th September. There are mainly four rafting stretches in Rishikesh. The smallest and the basic rafting stretch, Brahmpuri remains open for the longest duration during the year while the longest one, Kaudiyala which has Grade V rapid "The Wall" remains open for the shortest duration, from Mid-October to Mid-May. Below we have summarised season of each river rafting stretch.

Kaudiyala river rafting package, River Rafting Ganga
Brahmpuri Rafting Season in Rishikesh

This rafting stretch is the first one to open up each year and the last one to close. This stretch is a basic 9 kms rafting trip that mostly has Grade II rapids. If you are visiting Rishikesh in the beginning of the new rafting season, i.e.- Mid-September, or the end of the rafting season, i.e.- June, you are most likely to experience Brahmpuri Rafting only as all other stretches are closed.

Shivpuri Rafting Season in Rishikesh

This rafting stretch opens up almost 7-10 days after the opening of the Brahmpuri Rafting Season and gets closed around the first week of June. This stretch is a 16 kms rafting trip that mostly has grade III Rapids. Shivpuri Rafting is one of the most recommended rafting stretches in Rishikesh. If you are visiting Rishikesh in Mid-Septmber or beginning of June, you are most likely to be offered your bookings for this stretch subject to the water levels of the ganges.

Marine Drive Rafting Season in Rishikesh

This rafting stretch opens up almost simultaneously with the shivpuri rafting season around the first week of October and gets closed at the end of May. This stretch is 25 Kms rafting trip that mostly has Grade IV rapids, Marine Drive rafting is one of the most adventurous rafting trips in Rishikesh and is not recommended to first timers as one may complain of fatigue. Major rapids include Three blind mice, roller coaster, etc.

Kaudiyala Rafting Season in Rishikesh

This rafting stretch opens up in Mid-October and closes in Mid-May. This is the longest rafting stretch amongst all river rafting stretches in Rishikesh. This stretch also has the only Grade V rapid on the ganges. The stretch is ideal for extreme adventure lovers and River rafting enthusiasts seeking an upgrade from Grade III-IV river rafting.

SUMMARY OF RAFTING SEASON IN RISHIKESH FOR VARIOUS STRETCHES
  • Brahmpuri Rafting Season: Mid-September to June-end [Basic Stretch]
  • Shivpuri Rafting Season: Late-September to Early June
  • Marine Drive Rafting Season: First Week of October to Late May
  • Kaudiyala Rafting Season: Mid-October to Mid-May [Advanced Stretch]

Rafting season in Rishikesh is dependent upon the amount of rainfall received in a year and other factors. Commencement and end of each rafting stretch depends upon the level of water in the river ganges. Please check with us before making your reservations. Unfortunately, the holiday season in India is not the best time to enjoy river rafting in Rishikesh. The weather is hot in May-June, although the water is quite cold and makes for an enjoyable rafting experience. If possible, It is best to plan your trip in Mid-October and March as it is the peak of river rafting season in Rishikesh.