Rafting Tours: White Water on the Ganges
Rishikesh is India's rafting capital for a reason — genuine Grade II and III rapids on the Ganges, riverside camping, and Himalayan foothill scenery the whole way down.
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group Size
Private, any size
Starting From
Price on Request
Best Season
Oct – Mar
Rafting Tours Itinerary
Rishikesh sits at the point where the Ganges leaves the mountains and becomes navigable, and the stretch of river above the town has become India's best-developed white-water rafting destination as a result. This trip centres on that — a full rafting run down the river's most popular stretch, a night camping on the riverbank, and a second, gentler session and a short waterfall trek to round out the trip, rather than treating rafting as a single afternoon add-on to a sightseeing itinerary.
Day 1 — Arrive in Rishikesh
Private transfer from Dehradun airport to Rishikesh, roughly 45 minutes. With the rest of the day free to settle in, an evening walk along the Ganges and across the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge introduces the town ahead of rafting tomorrow.
Day 2 — Shivpuri to Rishikesh Rafting & Riverside Camp
The main rafting run of the trip — the Shivpuri-to-Rishikesh stretch, roughly 16km with Grade II and III rapids including sections known locally as 'Roller Coaster' and 'Golf Course'. All safety equipment and a briefing are provided before setting off, with an experienced rafting guide in every boat. In the afternoon, transfer to a riverside camp for an overnight stay under canvas on the Ganges' banks.
Day 3 — Camp Morning & Back to Rishikesh
A relaxed morning at the riverside camp — optional cliff jumping or a swim in a calmer stretch of the river, depending on conditions and your comfort level, before packing up and transferring back into Rishikesh. The afternoon is free to explore the town's market lanes and ashram district at your own pace.
Day 4 — Brahmpuri Rafting & a Waterfall Trek
A gentler morning rafting session on the Brahmpuri-to-Rishikesh stretch, Grade I and II and considerably calmer than the previous run, well suited to anyone who'd rather ease into a second day on the water. In the afternoon, a short trek to Neer Garh Waterfall, a genuine change of pace from the river itself and a popular local walk through forest terrain.
Day 5 — Departure
A final morning at leisure before a private transfer to Dehradun airport for your onward or return journey, five days centred on the Ganges' white water behind you.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- 3 nights in a hotel of your choice in Rishikesh
- 1 night riverside camping (tented accommodation, with dinner and breakfast included)
- Two rafting sessions (Shivpuri-Rishikesh and Brahmpuri-Rishikesh stretches)
- All rafting safety equipment (helmet, life jacket) and a qualified rafting guide
- Daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
Not Included
- Flights (international and any domestic segments you choose to add)
- Lunches and dinners in Rishikesh (unless noted for the camping night)
- Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance
- Additional adventure activities (bungee jumping, flying fox) beyond the rafting sessions included
Why Choose Rafting Tours With Us
Two Rafting Sessions, Not One
A full Grade II-III run and a gentler Grade I-II session, rather than a single quick rafting add-on to a sightseeing day.
A Night on the Riverbank
Genuine riverside camping under canvas, part of the trip rather than a separate booking.
A Waterfall Trek to Round It Out
A short forest walk to Neer Garh Waterfall, a change of pace from the river for the trip's final full day.
October–March is Best, With One Exception
Rafting itself actually runs mid-September through end-June, closed only during the July-to-mid-September monsoon when the river runs too high for safety — a different window from the October-to-March guidance used elsewhere on this site. December and January bring genuinely cold water, so spring (March-June) or the immediate post-monsoon months (late September-November) tend to be the most comfortable choice for rafting specifically.
Related Destinations
Other Honeymoon Experiences
Common Questions About Rafting Tours
Can't find your answer? Our team responds within 2 hours on WhatsApp and within 12 hours by email.
No — the Shivpuri and Brahmpuri stretches included in this trip are both regularly run by first-time rafters, with a safety briefing and an experienced guide in every boat. You don't need to know how to swim, though comfort in and around water helps.
Yes, generally — most operators set a rough age range (commonly around 14 to 60) and restrict participation for pregnancy, recent surgery, or certain health conditions. We'll confirm the specific requirements and complete a safety briefing with you on the day, so let us know of any relevant health considerations when you book.
Shivpuri-to-Rishikesh is the longer, more exciting run at Grade II-III, with several named rapids. Brahmpuri-to-Rishikesh is shorter and gentler at Grade I-II, better suited to a second, more relaxed session or anyone less confident after the first day.
No — rafting runs from mid-September through the end of June, closed during the July-to-mid-September monsoon when the Ganges runs too high and fast for safety. This is the opposite season logic from most of India, so it's worth planning around specifically.
Yes — many guests combine a rafting-focused trip like this with time at an ashram or a yoga session, since both are based in the same town. Tell us if you'd like to extend this itinerary with more time for that, or see our dedicated Yoga & Wellness Tours if that's the main focus of your trip.
Start Your Journey
Your Honeymoon Awaits.
Let's Plan It Together.
Every honeymoon here is built privately around your dates and preferences — tell us what you have in mind and we'll reply within 24 hours.