The Alaknanda River Rafting Expedition

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The Alaknanda River-Rafting Expedition is a multi-day adventure on the Alaknanda and Ganga rivers. The trip starts from the base camp on the river Ganges near the pilgrim town of Rishikesh. A scenic drive of 4 hours takes one past the town of Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form India's holiest river, the Ganga. After reaching Rudraprayag, we head on to India's holiest shrines for the Hindus, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Rudraprayag is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.

Rudraprayag is most famous for the infamous man-eating leopard shot down by Jim Corbett in 1932 in its forests. Journeying 128kms to Rishikesh, the run takes one through thick forests and deep gorges, ending each day at a different river beach to make camp for the night, adding on the much needed high to the already adventurous trip by the river. Foaming rapids, sandy beaches and starry nights make this a truly outdoor trip, even for the first time rafter.

Day 1:

Drive 5 hours from Delhi to Camp Silver Sands on the banks of the Ganga (27kms. beyond Rishikesh). Stay overnight at Silver Sands. We pass through the sugarcane belt of India and reach the holy town of Rishikesh where the Ganga river enters the plains. We will check into the camps that are located on a large sandy beach on the banks of the Ganga river. This is followed by a briefing session on Camp, its activities and the trip ahead. Enjoy the campfire, evening meal and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 2:

Spend the day at Camp, rejuvenating, by either choosing to do an early morning hike or taking kayak lessons. After lunch, drive 4-5 hours from Camp to Rudraprayag. Enroute stop at Devprayag, to see the confluence of the two rivers (the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi) which meet to form the Ganga. Stay overnight at Rest House/Hotel.

Day 3:

After breakfast, help in getting the rafts readied and packing bags. A detailed safety briefing follows with instructions on paddling commands, rapids to be encountered etc. Expedition begins with a big Grade IV rapid, "The Holy Hole", at the confluence with the Mandakini. Rapids keep coming in quick succession. Soak in the sun, river and scenery, stay alert to help negotiate rapids. Lunch at a waterfall and then make a camp for the night after Srinagar. It is a long day on the river, covering about 36 river kms till Maletha beach. Enjoy the campfire, dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4:

Raft down to Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda & Bhagirathi rivers. The river is now called the Ganga. Camp at Beas Ghat, a famous fishing spot for the mahseer, also called the Ganga Gold. Total distance covered is 30 kms for the day.

Day 5:

The day can be spent swimming, body surfing, relaxing and spotting wildlife. Retrace your steps to reach camp below Kaudiyala, after running a couple of Grade IV rapids, "Daniel's Dip" and "The Wall".

Day 6:

Day begins with negotiating a few small rapids, followed by "Three Blind Mice", "Crossfire", and the "Body Surfing rapid". Cover 15 kms to reach Shivpuri and drive back to Silver Sands for the last night on river.

Day 7:

Drive down to Shivpuri after breakfast to begin the final day's run with the big rapids, the "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course" to mark an exciting end to a grand adventure. The trip ends near Rishikesh. Take lunch and depart for Delhi.

Package Includes:

- Pick up from the Airport / Railway Station

- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners

- Airport transfers

- Group medical kit

- Good quality accommodation

- Trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fiber filled jacket and insulated mat

- Private transportation

- All park entrance fees and trekking permits

- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.