Bhagirathi & Ganga Rafting Expedition

Our adventure begins as we assemble at Delhi Airport, ready to embark on a scenic drive to Shivpuri, near Rishikesh. Covering nearly 300 kilometres, this journey will take approximately 6 to 7 hours, offering a preview of the varied landscapes we’ll explore in the days to come. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch before continuing towards our pre-booked hotel or riverside campsite, aiming to arrive before sunset.

Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our accommodations and reconvene for a quick briefing session where we’ll go over the expedition plan and safety protocols. The evening concludes with an early dinner, allowing time to relax and prepare for the adventure that awaits.

Today marks the start of our rafting expedition. We rise early for a 95-kilometre drive to Koteshwar, where the Bhagirathi River reclaims its natural vigour after emerging from the Tehri and Koteshwar Dams. The drive, taking around 3.5 hours, offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Upon arrival at the put-in point, we’ll enjoy a quick breakfast before diving into the day’s adventure. After a thorough safety briefing, we’ll launch our rafts into the lively waters of the Bhagirathi, tackling a series of thrilling Grade 3+ rapids. As we navigate the challenging Confluence Rapid, we’ll reach the sacred junction where the Bhagirathi merges with the Alaknanda at Devprayag, giving birth to the mighty Ganga.

We’ll pause for a picturesque picnic lunch by the river before continuing downstream. The afternoon offers a more relaxed pace with a few smaller rapids to keep the excitement alive. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our first expedition campsite—a vast sandbar nestled in the heart of the jungle, accessible only by river. As the sun sets, we’ll set up camp and enjoy a peaceful evening under the stars.

Today’s journey begins with a series of gentle rapids, perfect for swimming, body surfing, and wildlife spotting. The morning is a great time to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the river. After a leisurely picnic lunch on the riverbank, we’ll continue our rafting journey, arriving at Kaudiyala by late afternoon. Here, we’ll set up camp and unwind, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

This is the most thrilling day of our expedition, offering an action-packed ride through some of the Ganga’s most famous rapids. The stretch from Kaudiyala to NIM Beach features a mix of Class III, III+, and IV rapids, totaling around 16 exciting challenges.

Among these are the renowned Daniel’s Dip, The Wall, Jhula Rapid, Hugs & Kisses, Three Blind Mice, Crossfire, Shivpuri, Return to Sender, Roller Coaster, Tee Off, Golf Course, Club House, Cash Flow, Jail No Bail, and Double Trouble. Each rapid offers a unique blend of excitement and skill, making this day an unforgettable highlight of the expedition.

Our rafting adventure concludes at NIM Beach, just before Laxman Jhula, where we’ll take a quick break to change before driving 15 minutes back to our base in Shivpuri. The evening is a celebration of our journey, with a gala dinner where we can share stories and relive the day’s thrills.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Himalayas and began our drive back to Delhi. As we retrace our steps, we’ll carry with us the memories of an unforgettable expedition, filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the timeless beauty of the Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers.