River Rafting in Rishikesh: 16 km or 26 km, Which Stretch Should You Pick?

Most people who raft in Rishikesh choose between two runs: the 16 km stretch from Shivpuri and the 26 km stretch from Marine Drive. Both end in Rishikesh and both run through the best-known rapids on the Ganga. The difference is how long you are on the water and how many big rapids you hit.

The two stretches at a glance

What the rapids are like

Rapids are graded from I (gentle ripples) to VI (not runnable). Grade III rapids on the Ganga have big waves and strong currents, but a trained guide steers the raft and tells you exactly when to paddle and when to hold on. You do not need to know how to swim, but you do need to follow instructions and stay calm if you fall in. Your life jacket will keep you afloat.

On the way you will usually stop at a calm stretch where the guide lets people float in the river or jump off a rock (only if you want to, and only where it is safe).

How to choose

• Pick 16 km if it is your first time, you have only half a day, or your group has mixed fitness. It covers the most famous rapids.
• Pick 26 km if you have done rafting before or want more time on the river. It is a longer, more tiring day, so eat a proper breakfast.
• Age and health: operators set a minimum age, usually around 12 to 14 years for these stretches, and do not take people with serious heart or back problems or pregnant women. Check the limits on the adventure page before booking.

What to wear and carry

• Quick-dry shorts or track pants and a synthetic T-shirt. Avoid cotton jeans.
• Footwear with straps, such as sports sandals or old sneakers. Flip-flops come off in the water.
• Sunscreen and a cap for the ride to the start point. Glasses need a strap.
• A dry change of clothes and a towel for after.
• Leave valuables at your hotel. Phones are at your own risk on the raft.

Safety: what to expect from the operator

Before you get in the raft, the guide gives a safety briefing on the bank: how to sit, how to hold the paddle, the commands (forward, back, stop, get down) and what to do if you fall in. Every rafter gets a life jacket and a helmet, and they should be fitted snugly. A safety kayaker often follows the rafts through bigger rapids. If something looks wrong, ask before you start.