River Rafting in Himachal
River rafting is one of the extreme adventure sport which both mentally and physically challenging. There are many rivers which originates in Himachal Pradesh and some of them are apt for river rafting. The untamed rivers here are magical, and you need to feel the rush and enjoy it.
The Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and the mighty Beas, in Lahaul, Chamba, Shimla and Kullu respectively, constitute the four river rafting circuits and the best places for river rafting in Himachal Pradesh.
River rafting is the most popular adventure activity of Himachal along with trekking, skiing and paragliding. You need to experience rafting in Himachal to understand why it is so famous. Himachal is one of the most appropriate places to indulge in river rafting after Uttarakhand. You can check Rafting in Rishikesh.
Get complete details of Himachal River Rafting Activities, Location, Price
Rafting Locations in Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Manali Region (River Beas)
Kullu and Manali is an excellent destination for all river rafting enthusiasts on River Beas. The clear waters of this river and its mild turbulence make this place a perfect destination for stream rafting.
River rafting is one of the best adventure activities to try in Manali. With more than 6 rapids, paddling along the stream in highs and lows of the river Beas is an amusing treat for every adventure enthusiast. It offers rapids of Grade 1, 2, and Grade 3 intensity. As you maneuver your raft in the bubbly waters of Beas river, the spectacular scenery on either side of the river holds you in awe.
Best time for rafting in Manali is during October to February months when the weather is pleasant and bright. There are various stretches in this area such as 4 kms, 6 kms, 10 kms, 12 kms and 14 kms long rafting.
Rafting Time: 9 am to 4 pm
River: Beas River
Rafting Stretches in Kullu Manali
- 20 km rafting from Manaki till Jhiri, near Bajaura, in the Kullu district.
- 14 km in Manali begins from Pirdi and goes all the way down towards Jhiri.
- There are other small stretches for beginners provided by camp owners on Kullu Manali Route
Tattapani near Shimla
Note: There is no rafting spots in Shimla. You have to go the Tattapani to enjoy raftin in River Sutlej which is 50 kms from Shimla.
Rafting in the Sutlej river is for expereinced rafters only. The stretches of river pass near Tattapani, which has sulfur springs of Himachal. The spreads offered here are 9 kms, 12 kms, and 20 kms.
Rafting location: Luhri
Start Point/End Point: Luhri to Chaba
Rafting timing: 1.5 hours; 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Rafting Stretches in Tattapani
- 3 Kms stretch at a small village Sunni, is the easiest raftting for beginners.
- 12 Kms rafting from Chabba, offering a medium difficulty level while being more exciting than the previous one at Sunni. The rapids flowing through this stretch are Grade II and it takes roughly one and a half hours to reach Tattapani.
- 20 kms rafting to Pandowa from Luhri. Beginners are asked to stop short at Patakhra, as after that the rafting goes to Grade 3 and not suitable for beginners.
White Water Rafting in Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul & Spiti
The district administration of Lahaul & Spiti approved two sites for river rafting in the Chandra-Bhaga rivers to promote adventure sports to attract tourists to the region.
- One site was approved near the Atal Tunnel from Gufa hotel up to Pagal Nullah on the Chandra river, which is almost a 1 km long stretch.
- Another rafting site was approved from Muling up to Tandi on the Chandra river, which is 2.5 kms long.
In Consideration: The third site was inspected from the Gozang bridge to Tandi on the Bhaga river, which is almost 4 km long. However, the committee is yet to decide whether it is safe for river rafting.
Previously in 2011, the water sports were opening in Lahaul and Spiti district. Gateway to Lahaul and Spiti, Koksar, is the point of initiation of river rafting in this region. A stretch of 90 Kms. from here up to Tandi, the point of confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga, forming the Chandrabhaga (Chenab), entering through the Pattan Valley, is the one identified for river rafting in Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.
An alternative route for river rafting in Lahaul and Spiti is from Darcha to Udaipur, roughly a 70 Kms stretch along the Keylong - Leh route. However for these routes only professional rafters are allowed.
Ravi and Saal Rivers in Chamba
The Chamba district is being developed and considered for the introduction of river rafting in Chamba, along with the mighty Ravi and Saal that flow through it.
The state government and the tourism department are preparing to popularize this sport in the region by holding a river rafting carnival along the identified stretches in the Ravi flowing through the region. This carnival is intended to be split up into three categories, of Sprint, Slalom, and marathon rafting. We will update more details about Chamba rafting soon.
More Details for River rafting in Chamba Region will be updated soon.
What is the cost of rafting in Himachal?
The cost of river rafting in Himachal starts from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 per person. The rafting packages start from INR 2000 per person which includes accommodation and meals for one night.
The cost of river rafting in Himachal varies according to the grade, river spread, and time you chose. You can also get discounts on group bookings for school, college group or corporate group.
Best Time For River Rafting In Himachal Pradesh
Rafting in Himachal can be best enjoyed during the summer months when it’s sunny, warm, and pleasant. Though, for white water rafting the best time for river rafting in Himachal is from October to April. Avoid Monsoon time due to heavy rains and high water level of rivers. Also all the major rafting operators do not operate during monsoons.
