White Water Rafting in India

Gulmarg

Go canoeing, kayaking or rafting in the wild river of Uttar Pradesh. Pit your will and skill against nature as you race the rapids, maneuver the bends, speed along gorges and break into sparkling surf.

The challenge of the hard turbulent rivers is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids. With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills provide ideal locales for the perfect water adventure.

The sport of white water river rafting calls for a triumph over the swift swirling river as it gushes past spectacular mountains. It is practised mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it frothes & foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients.

As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. The river must first be carefully studied from the land route.

The equipment for white water river rafting is an oarframe raft which usually accommodates a maximum of eight persons. It is navigated by an experienced guide using two large oars. Sometimes all persons on board use paddle for greater power to match the river. However, keen coordination is necessary and it is important not to fight the current if adrift. The rafts have inflatable compartments with vulcanised rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric beneath an exterior of neoprene. This degree of strength for the raft is necessary for It to tolerate battering by waves and rocks. Generally, the greater the drop in gradient and the narrower the gorge being negotiated, the smaller would be the viable raft size. Provisions are carried on board. In order that the maximum enjoyment be derived from river running, particularly on white water, it is essential that safety measures be taken. Primarily, the helmsman on board should be familiar with the topography of the river and its obstacles. Life jackets and crash helmets should be worn by all with back up arrangements for rescue, evacuation and medical attention on the river bank. Most important of all, the guide should be suitably qualified so that panic is avoided if there is a mishap.

Garhwal

The sacred RIVER GANGA offers the professional as well as the amateur the exhilaration of white water rafting. The rivers Alaknanda & Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are Grade IV to V, challenging the expert to survive the thrill.

Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes Into a pool drop river. This stretch of almost 70 kms. is perfect for the amateur and the novice, for here the river offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade IV rapids, the 'WALL' at Bysi and the 'GOLF COURSE' 4 kms. below Shivpuri village; each followed by deep and placid pools.

Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife can be sighted at a distance, especially spotted deer, monkeys, leopard, while multi-hued butterflies flit among flowering bushes. Spiritual retreats and ashrams overlook the river and add to the spiritual experience.

Kumaon

In Kumaon, the Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border through Kumaon hills. The Kali and the Gori rivers meet at Jauljivi where the water volume increases, offering adventure to professionals. For over 110 kms. from Jauljivi to Tanakpur its rapids are Grade IV and more. The tough 3 days of rafting should be done by professionals.

Lower down among the forested slopes, the river become calmer, offering the amateur a sporting challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttar Pradesh.