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ThrillophiliaWith more and more adventurous and young people around the globe visiting Sikkim, rafting in Sikkim is gaining popularity really fast. Rafting is an adventure water sport where the rafters sit on a raft and let it run on the fast, turbulent river waves as they try to control the raft with their oar. Dressed in your life jacket and helmet while letting the river challenge your courage, you can also enjoy white water rafting and get the adrenaline rush you want. River Rangit and River Teesta have the best rapids in Sikkim, thus, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the water.
The Sikkim White river rafting scene is perfect for both the new rafters and the experts. The River Rangit has a good number of rapid and they vary in their speed and intensity. The turbulent water of this river surely is the one that attracts the most seasoned rafters from around the world. River Teesta has rapids that range from easy to intense. So, the choices are greater in it. A rafter can decide what kind of challenge he or she is looking for and then pick where they want to go for rafting. These rivers have nice sandy banks where you can camp too.
There are many white river rafting organizers in Sikkim who can arrange for you the best rafting experience. They will provide you with the gear, trainers, and everything that you might need to enjoy rafting without risking your life. They arrange for overnight camping too.
Places for Rafting in Sikkim
01Teesta River
Experienced rafters opine that the waters have a difficulty level of 3 on the international rafting scales and hence it is fun and adventurous to be in them. The Teesta is known to flow with high intensity through rugged and rocky terrains and those looking for an adrenaline high can surely test these waters. The river does get uncontrollable and wild at times, and hence many experienced rafters enjoy their adventure in the Teesta when they look for options to rafting in Sikkim.
Difficulty level: Grade 3 and 4
At the topmost emergence point of the river Teesta, the rapids are uncontrollable and untamed, to say the least. This makes it idea only for experienced rafters to enjoy the waters and negotiate with it. One can enjoy the rafting experience for around six hours to eight hours, depending on the weather pattern around.
It is surely a rewarding experience to raft on the Teesta River, with slopes covered in thick flora and fauna on either side of the river, and terraced fields that dot the scenario around, who wouldn't enjoy the pleasures of what nature has to offer? Sikkim, as we all know, is rich in its biodiversity, and the banks of the river Teesta is home to various species of birds, animals and butterflies as well. you could use the yak safari to discover the hidden secrets of Sikkim and her thickets.
The popular Teesta experience takes you from Makha to Sirwani and then to Bardang, ending at Rangpo.
02Rangit River
Adventure sport such as water or river rafting in Sikkim of late had gathered momentum. It is only because of two rivers, namely Teesta and Rangit that the rafters and kayaking experts come calling.
Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has more turbulent waters and offers many challenges to more experienced rafters. On either side of the River Rangit, while you enjoy river rafting its turbulent waters, there would be dotted settlements across the landscape, providing you with a panoramic scenic beauty of sorts. You would also notice terrace cultivation and small hamlets inhabited by tribal folks along the way.
Difficulty level: Grade 2 and 4
One also gets to enjoy other facilities while river rafting on the Rangit. For example, night camping on the sandy white beaches along the banks of the river. Rafting for both amateurs and experienced folks is a possibility as well. It is the mighty enchanting rapids of the Rangit River which beckons rafters far and wide to accept her challenges. If you are in for some bone-chilling wet action, the river rafting experience on the Rangit is a must.
Classification of Rapids
03Rapids in Teesta River
The difficulty levels of the rapids in Teesta River are 3 and 4. That means River Teesta is not for the casual rafting enthusiasts. It requires you to have some sort of experience with rafting. The experience of Rafting in Sikkim is more enjoyable on Teesta River because the terrain is more rocky and demanding. You have to be at your best game to control your raft on this river. With the right kind of weather, you can raft for hours on Teesta and fight with its turbulence. Your hunger for adventure will surely be satisfied there.04Rapids in Rangit River
The rapids in Rangit River have two separate grades for their difficulty level- 2 and 4. If you are new to rafting then you should opt for the grade 2 rapids where it will be easier for you to tackle the turbulence of the water. However, if you are an expert rafter then surely the grade 4 rapids will interest you more. They are difficult and can challenge the best of the rafters any day. the added advantage of rafting in River Rangit is the scenic beauty that you can enjoy while going up and down on your raft.
Other Information About Rafting
05Best Time For Rafting In Sikkim
For a great experience of rafting in Sikkim, you need to make sure that you pick the season when the rivers offer the right kind of speed and waves. March to May is the period of time when the rapids of River Rangit and River Teesta become ideal for white water rafting.06How To Reach Sikkim
The Indian state of Sikkim has a rather well-established transportation facility. It can be reached easily from the nearby cities.
Air- Sikkim is located 124 km away from the Bagdogra Airport. The airport is connected to all the major cities in India as there are regular flights available to and from Bagdogra Airport.
Train- The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is less than 200 km from Sikkim. You can get a bus or car from the station to Sikkim easily.
Road- If you are visiting Sikkim from a nearby state or city then you can easily travel by road. Apart from the frequent buses, hired cars can take you there too.
07Things To Carry
If you are Rafting in Sikkim with an organizer then they will provide you with the raft, the oars, the helmet, the safety jacket, and the other necessary gears. However, there are still things that you must carry with yourself. Here is a list that will be helpful:
Bathing suite or quick-dry clothing
Synthetic shirts so you stay warm
Shoes that have a nice grip. Rafting boots will be best.
Bring a quality sunglass to protect your eyes
Sunscreen
Plenty of water
Fast aid box
Change of clothes.
Bag to carry wet cloths.
08Safety Measures in Rafting
If you want to enjoy Rafting in Sikkim without risking your life then you must make sure of taking the right safety measures. Here are some suggestions:
Only go rafting with a professional rafting service.
At no point must you take your life jacket off.
The right clothing is very important as you will get wet continuously.
The ore or the paddle is your best friend during rafting. Hold it firmly.
Learn how to stay afloat on the turbulent water.
Listen to your trainers carefully. Learn the commands and techniques by heart.
Do not panic under any situation.
09Things to Keep in Mind
When Rafting in Sikkim, you must always make sure that you learn the proper ways of the sport. That way you can enjoy it more and be safe. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Always consult with your doctor before going on a rafting trip. You must be fit enough to raft.
Select the right rafting service. You will need a trained rafter with you at all times and only a trusted rafting organizer can provide that.
It’s not an absolute necessity to know swimming for Sikkim White river rafting but if you do then that’s an added advantage.
10Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is rafting risky and dangerous in Sikkim?
Rafting is supposed to be dangerous. However, with the right safety measures, the risk of getting hurt is really low.
2) Is it safe to go rafting, when one doesn’t know how to swim?
When knowing to swim is an advantage, it’s not at all necessary to know swimming to go rafting. You will be wearing a safety jacket.
3) How fit do I have to be, to be eligible for rafting in Sikkim?
You need to have enough stamina to fight against the turbulent river. You must also be able to fit the life jacket on your body.
4) What should be my attire while rafting?
Wear clothing items that don’t get wet or dry easily. You also have to wear shoes with proper gripping, life jacket, and a helmet.
5) What are my chances of falling out of the boat? What should I do, in this case?
A few people do fall off the boat. However, you have nothing to worry about. Your trainers will give you proper instructions on how to stay afloat.
6) Can I bring my camera or video camera?
You can bring your own camera but it’s little difficult to take photos when you are busy rafting. Most professional rafting organizers have their own photographers.
8) Is rafting safe for children and the elderly?
There is an age restriction for children. It varies from organizer to organizer. However, there is no age limit for the elderly.
9) Will there be someone to guide us on the raft?
Yes, every white river rafting trip organizer provides the rafters with an expert rafter. He or she will be on the raft with you.
10) What is water level grade safe for rafting in Sikkim?
The water level grades are 2 and 4 on River Rangit. For River Teesta, the grades are 3 and 4.
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