About Tons River
Prime Day: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport - Dehradun
Nearest Bus Stop: Dehradun Bus Stand
The Tons River, Uttarakhand’s most powerful tributary of the Yamuna and is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. It starts as glacial snowfields around Bandarpunch and is formed by the Supin and Rupin coming together near Netwad at 1,300 m. It flows 148 km through pine-covered valleys into the Yamuna at Kalsi.
At Mori, you can learn about the culture by visiting the ancient Karna and Duryodhan temples. Then, you can in an adventure-filled expedition with rafting, alpine camping, hikes, and star-lit bonfires. You can also paddle kayaks in calm pools, fish for mahseer and trout, hike to waterfalls, or ride your mountain bike along trails lined with rhododendrons.
From April to June, you can stay by the river in well-furnished camps that have shower tents. In the summer, you can join shepherd camps at 14,950 feet and enjoy local festivals, food, and Guarhwali warmth. Tons offers an ethical Himalayan adventure based on eco-tourism, Leave-No-Trace ethics, the protection of mahseer, and government-supported sustainable tourism.
Tons River Highlights
• Explore the Tons River, India’s Most Challenging and Scenic White Water Rafting Destination in an Untouched Himalayan Valley.
• Embark on scenic treks and camping, treks like the Har Ki Dun Trail begin nearby, making the area a haven for trekkers.
• Explore traditional Jaunsari villages, experience local customs, and see unique wooden architecture, adding depth to the natural beauty of the Tons River valley.
How To Reach Tons River
By car/taxi: Tons River is about 47 km from the Dehradun city centre, via Chakrata Rd. It will take you around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Tons River
Peak Season (April to June):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.
- Things to Do: River rafting, enjoy a riverside picnic
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, post-monsoon freshness enhance landscapes, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 24°C
- Things to do: kayaking, fishing
Low Season (December to March, Winter & July to August, Monsoon):
Winter:
- Weather Insights: Snowfall possible, river activities may pause due to cold and icy currents, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 12°C
- Things to do: Enjoy the snowy wonderland
Monsoon:
- Weather Insights: Heavy rainfalls, slippery trails, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 22°C
- Things to do: enjoy the river in its full flow, nature photography
Tons River Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Rafting on the Tons is grade III–IV, more challenging than the Ganga in Rishikesh, not for beginners without a certified guide.
- Participate in the preservation efforts by not harming the environment and respecting biodiversity.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit, especially as the weather can get quite warm.
- Collect your trash and dispose of it in designated bins, do not literal the river, as it is a trash-free zone.
- Wear comfortable clothes and wear a hat, also carry sunscreen as it tends to get hot during the afternoon.
- Pack layered clothing: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, gloves, and wool socks, as temperatures dip sharply after sunset.
- Carry cash and physical or pre-downloaded maps, as access to the internet and network might be limited.
- Avoid monsoons, as that time is prone to road blockages, landslides, and unpredictable showers.
Embark on Thrilling White-Water Rafting
A rafting trip from Mori will take you through about 40 km of Grade III–IV (up to IV+/V) rapids, alpine camping, forest hikes, and bonfires by the river. This is one of India's best white-water experiences because you can paddle through fast-moving waterfalls one minute and relax in beautiful pools the next. One of the best and most thrilling experiences of river rafting in Uttarakhand.
Indulge in Kayaking
Kayak gently along the calm, peaceful parts of the Tons River, drifting from one shaded pool to the next. Rhododendron branches cross over each other, and their flowers stand out against the thick Himalayan undergrowth. With each turn, you find new peace: the song of mountain birds, the reflection of water, and the calming embrace of the untouched Garhwal wilderness.
Learn Catch‑and‑Release Fishing
Along the Tons River, you can learn how to responsibly catch and release native trout and majestic mahseer with the help of an expert guide. You can have an immersive, conservation-minded fishing experience by casting lines in crystal-clear mountain waters, learning the discipline of ethical release, and exploring the rich ecological tapestry of Himalayan rivers.
Camp at Riverside
Stay in eco-friendly deluxe tents at Camp Bagi, which is only 2 km from Mori. The camp is open from mid-April to June. This riverside getaway has the best of both worlds: comfortable beds, hot showers, clean meals made on site, and campfire nights under the clear Himalayan skies.
Visit Tapkeshwar Temple & Shiva’s Cave
Visit the Tapkeshwar Temple near Dehradun, which is built into a limestone cave that drips water. It has a natural Shiva linga with sacred water drops that are linked to the Dronacharya story from the Mahabharata. It's a peaceful place to take a break from the world.
Admire Ichari Dam & Hydropower Marvels
The Ichari Dam, which was built in 1972 and is 59 meters tall, is an amazing piece of engineering. It feeds the underground power stations Chibro (240 MW) and Khodri (120 MW). It gives you an idea of how run-of-the-river hydroelectric power is being built in Uttarakhand.
Tourism Board Alliances
Tons River FAQs
What is the Tons River?
The Yamuna is the Yamuna's biggest tributary. It flows about 148 kilometres from the Bandarpunch glaciers in Uttarakhand and meets the Yamuna at Kalsi, which is near Dehradun. At the confluence, its flow is often greater than that of the Yamuna.
Who is rafting suitable for?
The Tons' Grade III–IV (up to IV+/V) rapids are great for rafters who are at least moderate to experienced. Beginners can choose easier stretches, but full river trips need technical skill, prior training, and certified guides.
What accommodation is available at Tons Riverside?
There are riverside camps, fancy tents with showers, bonfires under the stars, and village homestays in places like Kalap and Hanol along the Tons. These are great for eco-tourism and meeting new people.
