How long is the Upper Alaknanda rafting expedition?

The Upper Alaknanda rafting expedition is a 7 nights and 8 days adventure package that covers approximately 80-90 km of pristine river rafting through the most challenging sections of the Alaknanda River.

Alaknanda River Rafting | Upper Alaknanda Rafting Expedition

ULTIMATE HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION

🏔️ Alaknanda River Rafting: Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Experience thrilling Alaknanda river rafting on the Upper Alaknanda River with our 7 nights & 8 days rafting expedition. Navigate grade IV-V rapids, enjoy pristine beach camping, and discover the untouched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Expedition Overview

This challenging 7 nights & 8 days rafting expedition takes you through the most spectacular and pristine stretches of the Upper Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Himalayas. Starting from the sacred town of Rishikesh, you'll journey through breathtaking landscapes, negotiate thrilling grade IV-V rapids, and experience authentic Himalayan camping on pristine river beaches.

River Distance

Approximately 80-90 km of pristine river rafting through the most challenging sections

Altitude Range

From 300m in Rishikesh to 800m in the upper reaches with stunning Himalayan views

Group Size

Small groups of 8-12 participants for personalized attention and safety

Detailed Expedition Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive to Rishikesh and Practice Run On Ganga

Day 1

Arrive early morning at Haridwar. Drive to Rishikesh & check into a hotel. After breakfast we drive to the starting point of the rafting trip. Today we raft about 20km to Rishikesh and get familiar with paddling and safety techniques, negotiating the best rapids on the Ganga, like "Three Blind Mice", "Body Surfing", "Rollercoaster", "Golf course" and a few small rapids for about 3 hours & prepare ourselves to take on the most challenging stretch Alaknanda River has to offer. We finish our trip short of Rishikesh & drive to the hotel. In the evening you can walk into the town to attend the evening prayer ceremony by the river.

Day 02: Drive to Kaldubagar

Day 2

In the morning after breakfast we drive 6-7 hours to Kaldubagar, through the pilgrim towns of Devprayag & Rudarprayag. Stay overnight in a hotel/river camp. After settling in, there is a briefing on the river trip and the upcoming days. We pack stuff in dry bags and get ready for the next day.

Day 03: Raft Chamoli to Kaldubagar

Day 3

An early start takes us to Chamoli. This is the most challenging stretch of the trip. At the Putin we help in getting the rafts readied. A detailed safety briefing follows with instructions on paddling, rapids to be encountered etc. The expedition begins with a lot of grade 4/4+ rapids. Depending on the volume of water, we negotiate or walk around the 'Hillary Fall' rapid at Nandprayag. We call it a day at Kaldubagar after a long exhilarating day on the river.

Day 04: Raft Kaldubagar to Gauchar

Day 4

Today we raft till Gauchar. Get ready for another exciting day on the river with plenty of grade 3/4 rapids. We raft pass the confluence of Pindar at Karanprayag. The Pindar River brings in more volume, adding punch to rapids to follow. We camp on a big sandy beach, settle in to star gaze around the bonfire and get a good night's sleep.

Day 05: Raft Gauchar to Rudraprayag, Drive back to Rishikesh

Day 5

After breakfast we get on the river and raft till Rudarpryag. Today the section is more "pool & drop" as compared to the start with plenty of grade 3/4 rapids. We reach the 'Kakar Fall' grade 5 rapid. After a thorough inspection of the rapid we negotiate or line up the rafts to enter the spectacular narrow box canyon. The canyon is narrow enough, about 15 meters, for a Kakar (deer) to leap across – that's where the rapid gets its name. Finish the trip after running the 'Holy Hole' grade 4 rapid. Drive back to Rishikesh. Upon arrival in Rishikesh trip ends.

Expedition Highlights

Major Rapids

Hillary Fall: Grade 4+ rapid at Nandprayag (may be portaged)
Kakar Fall: Grade 5 rapid with spectacular narrow canyon
Holy Hole: Grade 4 rapid marking the end of the expedition
Multiple Grade 3-4: Numerous thrilling rapids throughout the journey

Camping Experience

River Beach Camping: Pristine sandy beaches along the Alaknanda
Bonfire Nights: Traditional storytelling and star gazing
Local Cuisine: Authentic Himalayan meals prepared fresh
Wildlife Viewing: Chance encounters with Himalayan wildlife

Scenic Attractions

Confluence Points: Sacred meeting of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers
Himalayan Views: Breathtaking mountain panoramas
Pilgrim Towns: Ancient temples and sacred sites
Waterfalls: Natural cascades and tributary streams

Cultural Experience

Local Villages: Authentic Himalayan village visits
Temple Visits: Sacred sites along the river journey
Traditional Music: Local folk music and dance performances
Storytelling: Ancient legends and folklore sessions

Package Information

Upper Alaknanda Expedition

₹15,000

Per Person (Minimum 8 persons)

Complete 7 nights & 8 days expedition including all rafting, camping, meals, and transportation as per itinerary.

Duration
7N/8D

Difficulty
Grade IV-V

Group Size
8-12 Persons

Best Time
May-June

Book Expedition Call for Details

What's Included

Transportation: All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accommodation: 7 nights accommodation (hotels/camps)
Meals: All meals during the expedition (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Rafting Equipment: Professional rafts, life jackets, helmets, paddles
Expert Guides: Experienced river guides and support staff
Safety Equipment: Comprehensive safety gear and first aid
Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, and camping equipment
Permits: All necessary permits and entry fees
Bonfire: Evening bonfires and cultural activities

What's Not Included

Personal Expenses: Telephone calls, laundry, tips, etc.
Travel Insurance: Medical and travel insurance
Medical Expenses: Any medical emergencies or evacuation
Additional Activities: Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Airport Transfers: Transfers to/from airports
Alcoholic Beverages: Wine, beer, or any alcoholic drinks
Personal Gear: Personal clothing and equipment
Anything Not Mentioned: Any services not specifically mentioned

Safety & Requirements

Health Requirements

Good physical fitness and health condition
Ability to swim (basic swimming skills required)
No major medical conditions without doctor's approval
Comfortable with outdoor camping and basic facilities
Altitude adaptation (up to 800m)

What to Bring

Quick-dry clothing and swimwear
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Personal toiletries and medications
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Light jacket or fleece for evenings
Camera and waterproof case
Positive attitude and sense of adventure!

Alaknanda River Rafting FAQ

Alaknanda river rafting is an exciting adventure activity on the Upper Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand, India. It involves navigating through thrilling grade IV-V rapids, camping on pristine river beaches, and experiencing the untouched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Our 7 nights 8 days expedition covers approximately 80-90 km of pristine river rafting.

Alaknanda river rafting is rated grade IV-V, making it suitable for experienced rafters and adventure enthusiasts. It includes challenging rapids like Hillary Fall (grade 4+), Kakar Fall (grade 5), and Holy Hole (grade 4). Our expert guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and ensure safety throughout the expedition.

Our Upper Alaknanda rafting package includes all transportation, 7 nights accommodation, all meals, professional rafting equipment (rafts, life jackets, helmets, paddles), expert guides, safety equipment, camping gear, permits, and evening bonfires. The package starts from ₹15,000 per person for groups of 8+ people.

While Alaknanda river rafting is rated for experienced rafters due to grade IV-V rapids, our professional guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and ensure safety throughout the expedition. Basic swimming skills and good physical fitness are required. We recommend this expedition for adventure enthusiasts rather than complete beginners.

The major rapids in Alaknanda river rafting include Hillary Fall (grade 4+ at Nandprayag), Kakar Fall (grade 5 with spectacular narrow canyon), Holy Hole (grade 4), and numerous grade 3-4 rapids throughout the journey. The expedition covers the most challenging sections of the Upper Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The best time for Alaknanda rafting expedition is from May to June when water levels are optimal for thrilling rafting experiences. The Upper Alaknanda River offers the most exciting rapids during this period, and the weather is favorable for camping and outdoor activities in the Himalayas.

🌊 Ready for the Ultimate Himalayan Adventure?

The Upper Alaknanda Rafting Expedition is not just a trip—it's a transformative journey through one of India's most spectacular river systems. Join us for an unforgettable 7 nights & 8 days of adventure, camaraderie, and natural beauty that will stay with you forever.

🏔️ Himalayan Journey

7N/8D Expedition

Ultimate Adventure

🌊 Grade IV-V Rapids

Extreme Challenge

Professional Guides

🏕️ River Camping