River Rafting
What to Wear for River Rafting in Rishikesh (and What to Carry)
By Hem Tiwari · Published 26 September 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026
The short answer: wear quick-drying synthetic clothes (a sports T-shirt and shorts or track pants), sandals or old sports shoes that strap firmly to your feet, and sunscreen. Don’t wear jeans, cotton that stays heavy when wet, flip-flops, jewellery or anything you’d mind losing. You will get completely soaked. The life jacket, helmet and paddle are provided with every river rafting trip in Rishikesh we book.
What to wear for rafting
| Wear this | Not this |
|---|---|
| Quick-dry T-shirt (polyester, nylon or sports fabric) | Cotton shirts that stay heavy and cold when wet |
| Shorts, track pants or leggings | Jeans, trousers with heavy fabric, long skirts or sarees |
| Sandals or floaters with a back strap, or old sports shoes | Flip-flops, slides or anything that slips off |
| Sunglasses on a cord, if you need them | Loose sunglasses, hats that can blow away |
| Spectacles secured with a sports strap | Contact lenses you can’t afford to lose (bring a spare pair) |
| Hair tied back | Dupattas, scarves, loose layers that can snag |
A swimsuit under your clothes is fine, but most people raft in ordinary sportswear. Darker colours hide the river water better than white. Your guide will check that your life jacket and helmet fit before you get in the raft.
Footwear: the one thing people get wrong
Your feet will be in water the whole time, and you’ll walk over wet rocks at the start and finish. The best choice is a sandal or floater with a strap around the heel. Old running shoes also work if you don’t mind them staying wet for a day. Flip-flops are the most common mistake: they come off in the first rapid and are gone.
What to carry
- A full change of clothes and a small towel, in a separate bag for after the trip.
- Sunscreen (apply before you leave; it’s hard to reapply on the raft) and lip balm.
- A water bottle for before and after.
- Some cash for snacks at the finish point or the beach camps along the way.
- Plastic bag for your wet clothes on the way back.
What to leave behind
Leave jewellery, watches you care about, wallets and anything valuable at your hotel. A phone on the raft is a real risk of losing it in a rapid: if you want photos, it’s easier to book the photo and video option (₹2,000–₹3,000 for the whole raft) and keep your hands on the paddle. If you must bring a phone, use a proper waterproof pouch on a lanyard and accept that it may still get wet.
Rafting in winter (December to February)
The Ganga is cold in winter and the mornings are chilly. Wear a thin synthetic thermal layer under your T-shirt, bring a warm layer and a dry change for straight after, and pick a midday or afternoon slot when the sun is strongest. The shorter Brahmpuri or Shivpuri runs are more comfortable than Marine Drive in the coldest weeks.
Rafting in summer (April to June)
The water is a welcome relief, but the sun on the river is strong. Wear a T-shirt rather than going bare-shouldered, use plenty of sunscreen, and drink water before you start.
Quick checklist
- Quick-dry T-shirt and shorts or track pants on.
- Strapped sandals or old sports shoes on.
- Sunscreen applied, glasses strapped, hair tied back.
- Change of clothes, towel and plastic bag packed.
- Valuables left at the hotel.
For timings and planning the rest of your day, see our rafting day itinerary and the first-time rafting guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for river rafting in Rishikesh?
Quick-dry synthetic clothes such as a sports T-shirt and shorts or track pants, plus sandals with a heel strap or old sports shoes. Avoid jeans, heavy cotton and flip-flops. The life jacket, helmet and paddle are provided.
Can I wear jeans for rafting?
It’s best not to. Jeans get very heavy and cold when wet, restrict movement and take hours to dry. Shorts, track pants or leggings are far more comfortable.
What shoes should I wear for rafting in Rishikesh?
Sandals or floaters that strap around the heel, or old sports shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t wear flip-flops or slides, which come off in the rapids.
Can I take my phone on the raft?
You can, in a waterproof pouch on a lanyard, but there’s a real chance of losing or soaking it. Most people leave phones behind and book the photo and video option instead.
What should women wear for rafting in Rishikesh?
The same as everyone: a quick-dry T-shirt with shorts, track pants or leggings, and strapped sandals. Avoid sarees, long skirts and dupattas, which get heavy and can snag.
Is there a place to change after rafting?
Facilities vary by finish point, so bring your change of clothes in a separate bag and ask us when you book where you’ll be able to change on your route.