River Rafting
River
rafting is a truely exhilarating experience. It is not for the faint at
heart, nor for the relaxed nature lover. But for those who love the thrill and
rush that comes with challenging the elements of nature, rafting provides an
excellent source of satisfaction. If you like adventure, you will love the
splash of cold water on your face as you hurtle through the walls of
water that loom large in front of you. Each rapid provides a rush that will soon
have you asking for more, looking impatiently for that big grade wave, as
you pass the smaller ones with ease.
General Tips
You don't have to know swimming to go rafting, at least not on the easy
rivers. However, it helps if you are comfortable with water and don't mind
falling into it. Not knowing swimming can be a problem on
the more difficult rapids, so your guide will probably be cautious if the raft
has too many non-swimmers - that translates into less challenge for the
adventurous.
Some Definitions
Grades : The difficulty of each rapid is measured in terms of grades.
Each rapid is classified depending upon technical difficulty, from grade I (easiest), to
grade VI (suicidal). Rapids that involve significant risk of injury or fatality are
rated higher.
Body surfing : This involves jumping into the river with your life
jacket on, and letting the river current take you downstream. A relaxing experience,
this is possible on the calmer sections of the rivers, and on some of the smaller
rapids. There are several sections on the Ganges, where body surfing is possible.
Commercially run rivers
The main commercially run stretches in India are on the river Ganges (Ganga),
above Rishikesh. However, once you have done the entire Ganges, you will be
ready to graduate to the other rivers. The main rivers on which rafting is
available are:
The more remote rivers, such as the Mahakali, require longer expeditions and
can be fairly expensive (at least Rs. 8000/- per person). The Zanskar is a
so remote that not all operators run this river. Due to the extremely cold
temperatures in Ladakh, this river can only be run for a few months in the
summer and you must plan for it in advance.
Make sure you are comfortable with your river guides and operators
before you ask them to organize a trip on any of these rivers.
Operators
There
are several private operators that organize rafting on the Ganges. In fact, as
you raft, you will see innumerable small and large camps along the river banks.
Regardless of who you choose, check that your operator has planned for other
activities besides rafting, for you will have a lot of free time in the
evenings. Possibilities include kayaking, walks in the hills, bonfires, and rappelling.
It also helps to have a large camp as it gives you a lot more space to enjoy
yourself.
In addition to private operators, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN)
operates regular rafting courses on the Ganges and other rivers in Garhwal
(Bhagirathi, Alaknanda), while Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) operates
tours on the Mahakali.
My personal experience on both trips has been with Anil Bishth of Adventure
Trails. He and the other guides were well-trained and friendly. He now runs his
own operation and can be contacted at
pabishth@rediffmail.com.
Web Links:
GMVN : www.gmvn.com
KMVN : www.kmvn.com
