Alaknanda River Rafting
Alaknanda River Rafting trip is an exhilarating escapade for each and every individual. Alaknanda River Expedition will bring you close proximity of Himalayan Treks. River rafting expedition is an exalting adventure on the Alaknanda and Ganga rivers. Rafting trip begins from the base camp on the stream Ganges near Rishikesh.
You move through a scenic landscape for a few hours and arrive at the town of Devprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge to form Ganga. After reaching Rudraprayag you will raft and reach Badrinath and Kedarnath. Enter into confluence called Rudraprayag.
Rudraprayag is the most famous for the notorious man-eating leopard killed by Jim Corbett in 1932 in its woods. This outdoor trip with Sandy beaches, starry nights, foaming rapids is a life time experience even for the first time rafters.
Major Attractions
Tapt Kund: Located on the banks of the river Alaknanda, this holy Kund is the place where many pilgrims take a holy fall in the natural thermal springs. It is believed that, the water of this Kund has medicinal holdings.
Rudraprayag: The meeting point of two rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda, Rudraprayag is one of the five prominent prayags of Garhwal. Temple of Rudranath is its main attractive feature.
Devprayag: About 75 km from Rishikesh, Devprayag is set at an elevation of 472 m. Devprayag is known as ˜town of temples. It has many temples to explore. River Ganga appears in its real form in this town.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, situated at a distance of about 24 km from the main Rishikesh town. Air is not the preferred mode of transport for getting into the town.
By Road: Road network is well connected to all major towns of Uttaranchal and surrounding areas.
By Rail: Rishikesh is linked to all the major towns and cities of India. Some of the links are accessible only from Haridwar.
Best time to visit: September to May.
Facts/Suggestions
- One must not have fear of water.
- Grade: I to II and Rapids of Grade II to III.
- Some of the sites are restricted and may require special permits for undertaking river rafting.
- When you are on the rafting trip, dont bring your car keys, wallets, cell phones etc.
- Learn some basic rafting training at Rafting institutes. Get used with rafting gears.
- Do not spoil or pollute the water by using detergents and leaving plastic bags.
- Rafting is not for the persons who are diabetic, suffering from high blood pressure or any other serious ailments or pregnant women.
- Wear wetsuits while rafting, available in rent.
- Avoid cotton clothing while rafting except summer. Polyester, nylon and synthetic materials will keep you warmer and will dry faster than cotton in winters.
Things to Carry
- Bring dry bags or boxes to secure small personal items.
- Keep extra pair of clothes and sunglasses.
- Take medications such as inhalers, bee-sting kits, insulin and first aid box etc.
- Disposable waterproof cameras are easily available.
Other Information
Kedarnath: Placed at the root of Mandakini River, Kedarnath, the majestic destination nestled between huge plateau and high peaks. The snowy summits add charm to the colorful landscape. Kedarnath temple is its main attraction. Twelve shrines are devoted to Lord Shiva.
Mana Village: Mana village is populated by Indo- Mangolian. Explore Vyas Gufa a rock cave, which is set nearby village. A natural flyover called Bhim Pul is placed over River Saraswati. The spectacular Vasundhara falls are of 122 meters.
Badrinath Temple: The sacred place is perched on the right bank of Alaknanda. This 8th century is built by Guru Shankaracharya. Badrinath temple is bounded by gorgeous valley. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu. This temple is divided into 3 parts. Temple comprises of huge idol of Badrinath.