River Rafting
Rishikesh Rafting Rapids, Grades and Distances Explained
By Hem Tiwari · Published 9 October 2026
In brief: rafting in Rishikesh takes place on the Ganga in Uttarakhand, India. The rapids are generally graded Grade I to IV. Our trips run 9–12 km (Brahmpuri), 16–18 km (Shivpuri) and 24 km (Marine Drive) and finish at Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula.
What does “grade” or “class” mean in rafting?
Rapids are graded on an international scale from Grade I (easy, small waves) to Grade VI (extreme, not for commercial trips). The Rishikesh stretch is commonly described as Grade I to IV, with no Grade VI. Grade III is lively waves that need teamwork. Grade IV is powerful and can flip a raft. The grade of a rapid is not fixed: the same rapid feels bigger in high water.
Famous rapids on the Ganga near Rishikesh
These are the names you will hear most often, with the grades most sources give. Grades differ by half a step between guides, and which rapids you meet depends on the route and the water level.
| Rapid | Commonly quoted grade |
|---|---|
| Three Blind Mice | III |
| Roller Coaster | III to III+ |
| Golf Course | III to III+ |
| The Wall | IV |
Ask your operator which rapids are on your route. Some stretches are mostly calm water with a few rapids, and others contain several in a row.
How far is each rafting route?
| Route | River distance | Total outing time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri | 9–12 km | About 1–2 hours, including transfers | First-timers, short on time |
| Shivpuri | 16–18 km | About 3 hours, including transfers | The most popular balance of rapids and time |
| Marine Drive | 24 km | About 5–6 hours | Groups wanting a full-day experience |
Longer stretches also exist, including trips starting from Kaudiyala at roughly 30 km and more. We do not list those as standard trips, so ask if you want to know about them.
Where does rafting start and finish?
Each of our trips starts at its launch point (Brahmpuri, Shivpuri or Marine Drive) and finishes at Laxman Jhula or Ram Jhula, with transport included. Pickup is from your hotel or the nearest practical point.
Which trip should you choose?
Read the route selection guide and the first-time rafting guide. If you want a simple recommendation: first time and limited time, choose Brahmpuri; first time with a few hours free, choose Shivpuri; a group of four or more with a free day, choose Marine Drive.
Prices and booking details are on the rafting page. For safety questions, read is river rafting in Rishikesh safe.
Frequently asked questions
What grade is river rafting in Rishikesh?
Commonly Grade I to IV, depending on the stretch and the water level.
Which river is used for rafting in Rishikesh?
The Ganga (Ganges), in Uttarakhand, India.
How many km is river rafting in Rishikesh?
Our trips are 9–12 km, 16–18 km and 24 km. Longer trips exist from places like Kaudiyala.
How long does river rafting take in Rishikesh?
About 1–2 hours for Brahmpuri, around 3 hours for Shivpuri and around 5–6 hours for Marine Drive, in total including transfers.
What is the biggest rapid in Rishikesh?
The Wall is usually named as the most challenging, at Grade IV.