WHITE WATER RAFTING

The challenge of the daunting, 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.

An intricate network of thundering mountain rivers, flowing through an amazing landscape of thrilling gorges, forests, and remote villages, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, provide ideal settings for some dramatic water adventure.

Rafting in the Garhwal region

The sacred river Ganga, or the Holy Ganges, offers the professional as well as the amateur, the sheer exhilaration of white water rafting. The Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga, and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are Grade IV and Grade 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 II 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, for a spot of relaxation. The slopes on either side, are covered with oak, pine, spruce, and fir, with an occasional village and its terraced fields, dotting the landscape. Wildlife can be sighted at a distance, especially spotted deer, monkeys and leopards. Spiritual retreats and ashrams (hermitages) overlook the river, and add a spiritual flavour to this fantastic experience.

Rafting in the Kumaon region

In Kumaon, the Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border, through the Kumaon hills. The Kali and the Jori rivers meet at Jauljivi, where the water level increases, perfect for ace professionals. For over 110 kms from Jauljivi to Tanakpur, its rapids are Grade IV, and more. The tough three days of rafting should be attempted only, by professionals. Lower down among the forested slopes, the river becomes calmer, offering the amateur a sporting challenge, before flowing out into the plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Kaudiyala Rafters Camp

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), an Uttar Pradesh government undertaking, conducts river rafting courses at Kaudiyala, 38 kms from Rishikesh. It provides rafts, equipment, and camping items, besides safety precautions and trained guides. Amidst the dense forest cover, on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway, at an altitude of 480 mts, the mighty waters of the Ganga, are ideal for white water rafting. There is also ample opportunity, to view wildlife in its natural habitat. Nature walks along the river are a real treat, and rock climbing is specially arranged for avid adventure lovers.

Accomodation

GMVN has developed Kaudiyala as a rafters camp. Tented accomodation for 40 persons, is available with dining hall/ restaurant. For reservations, contact: The Manager, GMVN, Tourism and Rafting camp, Kaudiyala, District Tehri Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Access by Road

Local Transport Union and State Transport buses ply regularly to Kaudiyala from Dehradun (80 kms), Haridwar (57 kms), Rishikesh (38 kms), and Delhi (260 kms).

Access by Rail

Rishikesh is the nearest railhead.

Access by Air

Jolly Grant (55 kms from Kaudiyala) is the nearest airport.

First Aid

Every raft is equipped with a first aid box and other life saving devices. All rafting companies have a panel of doctors, in case of any emergency.

Sites for Rafting, Canoeing,and Kayaking

River	Route	Distance	Professional/ Amateur
Yamuna	a) Barkot to Lakha Mandal (b) Damta to Yamuna Bridge	---- ----	Both
Tons	Mori to Tuni	----	----
Alaknanda	(a) Kaliasor to Srinagar (b) Srinagar to Bagwan	(a) 16 kms (b) 20 kms	Amateur
Bhagirathi	a) Matuli to Dunda (b) Dharasu to Chham (c) Jangla to Jhala (d) Bhaldyana to Tehri	(a)12 kms (b)12 kms (c)20 kms	Both
Bhilangana	Ghansali to Gadolia	32 kms	Professional
Mandakini	Chandrapuri to Rudraprayag	30 kms	Professional

River Rafting Agency

River Rafting Agency	Tel / Fax
Trekking and Mountaineering Division, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd, 74/1, Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh, India	Tel: 656817 / 654408 Fax: 0135-654408
Indian Rafting Company, 606-Akashdeep, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, India Tel: 3313229 / 2312773 Himalayan River Runners Pvt. Ltd. F-5, Hauz Khas Enclave (FF), New Delhi 110016, India	Tel: 6852602 Fax: 4631747
Snow Leopard Adventure Pvt. Ltd. Post Box No. 4210, New Delhi 110024, India	Tel: 6898654 Fax: 6895905
Tiger Adventure (India) Pvt. Ltd. D-383, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024, India	Tel: 4624879 Fax: 4626778
Markhor Adventure Pvt. Ltd. A-13, Sector 30, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India	Tel: 011-89-58352 / 011-89-34148
Mercury Himalayan Explorations Jeevan Tara Buiding, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001, India	Tel: 3346209 Fax: 3732013
Garhwal Himalayan Explorations Pvt. Ltd. G.P.O.P. Box No. 29, Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh 249201, Uttar Pradesh, India	Tel: 31654 / 61167 / 31558 , Fax: 31654
Apex Adventure Tours G.P.O Post Box No. 34 Muni-ki-Reti, Rishikesh 249201 Uttar Pradesh, India	Tel: 31503 / 32804 Fax: 31501