Uttarakhand is widely known for various tourist attractions be it the tiger safaris at Jim Corbett, the pilgrimages to sacred shrines like Kedarnath and Badrinath or be it the getaways to the hill stations of the state like Mussoorie and Dehradun. Uttarakhand is also a great spot for the adventure lovers, the ones seeking thrill during their travel. Beyond the serene temples and scenic valleys, the state offers a wide range of adventure sports best known for River Rafting.
Rivers like Ganga, Alaknanda, Yamuna etc. originate from the Himalayan ranges falling in the state, carving their way down the valleys and rocky terrains which have become hotspots for River Rafting. It’s not just a sport- rather an exclusive experience, for age groups between 14-60 years of age. River Rafting also consists of ‘Rapid Grades’ which refers to the level of difficulty of the track, it ranges from 1-6 (1, being the easiest and 6 the most difficult)
Top 5 Location For River Rafting In Uttarakhand
Rishikesh
Rishikesh, perhaps the most popular place all over the country when it comes to River Rafting. It is one of the major tourist attraction places in Uttarakhand, with the holy river Ganga tracing down its path through the hills creating the perfect course of rafting.
Rapid Grades in Rishikesh range from 1 to 4 based on the flow of Ganga in those regions. Tourists can choose from 9 km runs to about 26 km long stretches depending on one’s choice. A few well known Rapids in Rishikesh include The Wall, Roller Coaster, Three Blind Mice, Golf Course etc.
Risikesh is never not crowded by travellers seeking solace in the hill station especially during the months of April – June, when the whole country’s swept by heat wave and thus its the peak time for river rafting too. However during the monsoon season, River Rafting is shut throughout Rishikesh because of the increase in the water levels of River Ganga and its fastened flow.
Nainital
While Rishikesh pumps the blood, Nainital is the ideal interlude, surrounded by lakes, nature, and serene tranquility. Situated in the Kumaon hills, this idyllic hill station revolves around the Naini Lake, providing a mixture of colonialism and the Himalayas.
Nainital is the place for those who enjoy scenic experiences more than adventure sports. The peaceful aura of the town makes it an ideal place for families, couples, and independent travelers looking for a tranquil getaway. Rafting over the lake, walk along Mall Road with a or ride the cable car to Snow View Point for panoramic views of snow-covered summits.
Because of the tranquil nature of the Naini Lake, it proves perfect for novice rafters, while the surrounding hills offer spectacular Paragliding Spots In Uttarakhand for aerial views of the same pristine landscape
Its the ideal place for all those who are seeking relaxation from the stressful city life, taking a break and enjoying the peaceful way of life in the hills as well as getting to experience the adventurous aspect of the destination in the form of different adventure sports be it River Rafting, Paragliding etc.
Ranikhet
Covered with lush forests, fresh breeze of the mountain with the perfect blend of adventure, Ranikhet is the spot. This beautiful hill station in the Kumaon region offers a serene, offbeat charm with panoramic views of the Himalayas, along colonial-era architecture, and a calming rhythm of life.
Kosi River, (also referred to as Ramganga) tracing down its path through the town offers a great spot for river rafting. Due to the slow pace of the river, river rafting at Ranikhet only offers a rafting grade of 1-2 which is in fact great for the people who are trying it for the first time.
Unlike Rishikesh and Nainital, rafting here is not only shut during the monsoon season but also during the peak winter months and thus the best time to visit is around either, March to June or September to November
Ranikhet isn’t about high-adrenaline sports—it’s about slowing down. Whether it’s walking through pine-covered trails, sipping tea with a view of Nanda Devi, or exploring quiet temples like Jhula Devi, the town invites you to breathe easy. It’s perfect for travellers looking to disconnect, reflect, and rejuvenate.
Devprayag
Renowned for its sacred confluence and scenic river views, Devprayag is the site where rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi merge to form the sacred Ganga. While spiritually rooted, Devprayag is also an adventure-seeker’s treat—white-water rafting on one of the most scenic and wild reaches of Uttarakhand.
When it comes to Rapid Grades, Devprayag has grades 2-4 and it also has a 70 k m section built on the River Ganga from Devprayag to Rishikesh, which is a multi-day trip.
The best time to go to Devprayag to have the best rafting experience is from April to October.
Devprayag is ideal for those looking to combine meaning with momentum. Rafting here offers long, uninterrupted stretches with strong-hitting rapids, less crowd, and unspoiled natural beauty. This section is typically chosen for multi-day runs, and camping near the river under starry skies making it a part of the experience also makes it best for solo travelers.
Pithoragarh
Nestled away in the northeastern corner of Uttarakhand, far from the bustle of Rishikesh and the tourist appeal of Nainital, is Pithoragarh—a wild, raw, and absolutely astonishing landscape where the adventure meets unspoiled nature. Known as the “Mini Kashmir” of Kumaon, this Himalayan paradise is much More than only snow-capped mountains or villages. It is one of the most adventurous and unique river rafting trips in India.
The Dhauliganga and Kali (Sharda) rivers create some of the weirdest and technical and passionate rapids between sheer gorges and forests in Pithoragarh. Rafting is not just an activity—it’s more like an adventure through borderland and tribal routes through unspoiled wilderness.
The grades of rafting here varies with the rivers, none withstanding if one raft the Dhauliganga the grade is around 2-4 while on Kali river it’s around 2-5.
Similar to Rishikesh, the best time to get on the waters of Pithoragarh would be before or after the monsoons since the water levels are much lower, and the flows on the two rivers are much more mellow.
The river rafting route here is perfect for people who love to spend long stretches of time paddling through remote little villages, smartly-dressed forests, and pristine valleys. With not a lot of commercial operators, this river rafting route would be ideally suited for experienced rafters and organized groups wanting a true wilderness experience.
A river rafting trip in Uttarakhand is not just about that adrenaline high; it’s about the tales between those splashes, and the reprieve before the next big rapid, and the emotional high of the mountains cheering you on in your mind. Whether floating with the gentle, flowing bends of the Kosi, or in the bumps and grinds of Dhauliganga, every river here will take with you something that is unforgettable.
As you organize your 2025 journey among the hills of Uttarakhand, the Solis Nature team ensures that you get the best experience possible by providing the finest stays in the midst of nature, whether in the hills or by the river. Since the best type of adventure? The kind that lingers with you far beyond the time when you’ve parted ways with the raft and the waters have smoothed out.
FAQs
Best time for river rafting in Uttarakhand is March to June and September to early November, when the water is ideally suited and weather is pleasant. Rafting during monsoon is stopped (July-August) due to safety issues as well as since the river is in full flow.
Yes. A number of other rafting sections in Uttarakhand, notably in Nainital, Ranikhet, and parts of Rishikesh, consist of Grade 1-2 rapids and are suitable for beginners. Personal safety equipment, trained and certified guides, and an orientation briefing are included
Yes. Devprayag to Rishikesh offers multi-day rafting trips, with the option of camping and meals by the river. The Kali River near Pithoragarh offers similar options for multi-day rafting trips. For the most part, these trips are suitable for advanced whitewater rafters or guided adventure groups.
Yes, certainly. Soft adventure options also prevail in most of the places like Nainital, Ranikhet, and Devprayag providing breathtaking views, cultural immersion, relaxed treks, and towns and accommodations which are relaxed enough to support families and travelers who enjoy traveling for light adventure options.
