1. Rishikesh – The Classic & Most Popular
River: Ganga
Patch Length: Multiple options – 9 km (Brahmpuri), 16 km (Shivpuri), 24 km (Marine Drive), 36 km (Kaudiyala)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Location: Rishikesh is in Dehradun district, Garhwal region.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (24 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (21 km)
From Delhi: Around 240 km (6-7 hours by road)
Why famous: It is the rafting capital of India. Rafting on the Ganges, passing through thrilling rapids like Roller Coaster, Golf Course, The Wall etc., is a must-do experience.
2. Devprayag – Rafting Where Alaknanda Meets Bhagirathi
River: Alaknanda till Devprayag, then Ganga
Patch Length: Approx 35 km stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Location: Devprayag is in Tehri district, where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga.
How to Reach:
From Rishikesh: 75 km (2.5-3 hrs by road)
Nearest railway station: Rishikesh
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (90 km)
Why special: Devprayag rafting offers a peaceful start in scenic surroundings. As the river flows downstream, the thrill increases. The patch is long and ideal for full-day adventure.
3. Kaudiyala – For Experienced Rafters
River: Ganga
Patch Length: 36 km till Rishikesh
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
Location: Kaudiyala is around 36 km upstream from Rishikesh on Badrinath highway.
How to Reach:
By road: 1 hour drive from Rishikesh
No railway or airport, use Rishikesh as base
Highlight: The stretch from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh is considered the most adventurous. You will face Grade IV rapids like “The Wall” – not for beginners!
4. Alaknanda River Rafting – From Chamoli Region
River: Alaknanda
Patch Length: Multiple stretches – Chamoli to Rudraprayag (approx. 75 km)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Tough
Location: The upper Alaknanda river stretch between Chamoli and Rudraprayag
How to Reach:
Start from Karnaprayag or Chamoli
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (but a long drive from there)
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (about 200+ km)
Why exciting: This is one of the toughest multi-day rafting routes in India. Remote valleys, continuous rapids, and scenic beauty make it a thrilling journey.
5. Tons River Rafting – Hidden Gem in Jaunsar Region
River: Tons (a tributary of Yamuna)
Patch Length: 10–30 km, depending on start point
Difficulty Level: Tough
Location: Purola, Mori, and Netwar in Uttarkashi district
How to Reach:
From Dehradun: Around 170 km (6-7 hours by road)
No railway in the valley, use Dehradun as base
Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Why unique: The Tons river rafting is known for Grade IV and V rapids. Surrounded by pine forests and remote villages, this spot is untouched by crowds. Only done by professionals or adventure tour companies.
6. Kosi River Rafting – Kumaon’s Calm Adventure
River: Kosi
Patch Length: Short stretches near Almora and Betalghat (10–15 km)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Location: Almora district, Kumaon
How to Reach:
Nearest railway: Kathgodam (90 km)
Nearest airport: Pantnagar
Almora is well connected by road from Haldwani, Nainital, and Bageshwar
Why different: This is for those who want scenic rafting in peaceful surroundings. Kosi river has gentle rapids and shallow depth – best for beginners or families.
7. Dhauliganga & Kali River Rafting – Indo-Nepal Border
River: Dhauliganga and Kali
Patch Length: Approx. 25–30 km stretches near Jauljibi, Dharchula
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Location: Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
How to Reach:
Base point: Dharchula or Jauljibi
Nearest railway: Tanakpur (260+ km away)
Nearest airport: Pantnagar or Pithoragarh (Naini Saini)
Why exciting: These rivers flow along the Nepal border. Rafting here is raw and wild, with green mountains, border villages, and peaceful surroundings. Not commercialised yet, but a thrilling opportunity for true adventure lovers.
Final Words
So yes, rafting in Uttarakhand is not just about Rishikesh. From Tons in Jaunsar, to Alaknanda in Chamoli, to Kosi in Kumaon, each place offers a unique vibe.
If you are planning rafting as part of your trip to the Himalayas, explore these lesser-known options too. Some are good for beginners, others for thrill-seekers.
Quick Comparison Table
| Place | River | Patch Length | Difficulty | Nearest Town |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | Ganga | 9–36 km | Easy–Moderate | Rishikesh |
| Devprayag | Ganga | 35 km | Moderate | Devprayag |
| Kaudiyala | Ganga | 36 km | Tough | Rishikesh |
| Alaknanda | Alaknanda | 75+ km | Tough | Chamoli/Rudraprayag |
| Tons Valley | Tons | 10–30 km | Very Tough | Mori/Netwar |
| Kosi River | Kosi | 10–15 km | Easy | Almora |
| Dhauliganga/Kali | Dhauliganga/Kali | 25–30 km | Moderate | Dharchula |
