When rafting is open and closed in Rishikesh, the best months, the main stretches, and what to check before you book.
Quick summary
Rafting on the Ganga at Rishikesh runs for about ten months of the year. Under Uttarakhand's rafting rules, commercial rafting is permitted from 15 September to 30 June, and it is suspended through the monsoon in July and August. In practice the reopening date depends on the river: in 2025, the district administration allowed rafting to resume on 27 September after a joint inspection. This guide covers the best months, the stretches, safety and how to plan around the closure.
Rishikesh rafting season at a glance
| Months | Rafting | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| Late September – November | Open | Good flow after the monsoon, pleasant weather, cold-ish water |
| December – February | Open | Lower, clearer water and cold mornings; quieter and cheaper |
| March – June | Open | Warm weather, the busiest season, strong rapids as snowmelt rises in May and June |
| July – mid September | Suspended | Monsoon: the river is high and fast, and commercial rafting stops |
What is the best time for rafting in Rishikesh?
- For the best all-round experience: March to May. Warm weather, comfortable water and lively rapids. Weekends are very busy.
- For good rapids without summer crowds: October and November. The river still carries post-monsoon water and the weather is ideal.
- For a quiet, cheaper trip: December to February. The water is cold and the rapids are milder, but you will share the river with far fewer rafts.
- Avoid: July and August, when rafting is suspended, and the first half of September, when it usually has not reopened.
Rafting can also be stopped at short notice outside the monsoon if heavy rain raises the river, so keep a buffer day if rafting is the reason for your trip.
The rafting stretches
Trips start upstream and finish near Rishikesh, so the further the put-in, the longer the run and the more rapids you pass. Operators commonly offer:
- Brahmpuri to Rishikesh: the shortest run, good for first-timers and families.
- Shivpuri to Rishikesh: the most popular stretch, about 16 km, with the well-known rapids.
- Marine Drive to Rishikesh: a longer run of about 25 km.
- Kaudiyala to Rishikesh: the longest day run, for those who want more time on the river.
Exact distances, rapid names and grades vary by water level; ask your operator what the river is like on the day.
Safety: what to check
- Book only with an operator registered with the Uttarakhand tourism authorities, and ask to see the registration.
- Everyone must wear a life jacket and helmet, and there should be a briefing before you get in.
- Operators set minimum ages and may refuse rafters on the longer stretches; ask in advance if you are travelling with children or older parents.
- Rafting stops before sunset. Do not book a late slot in winter, when daylight is short.
- Leave phones and valuables at the camp or in the car unless the operator provides a dry bag.
Plan the rest of the trip
Most people combine rafting with a night or two in Rishikesh: the evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, the Beatles Ashram, Neer Garh waterfall and a Kunjapuri sunrise. Note that Laxman Jhula has been closed since 2019 and Ram Jhula is closed for repairs, so use Janki Setu to cross the river. See the best places to visit in Rishikesh, the 2-day Rishikesh itinerary and the best time to visit Rishikesh. For the drive, including the new Delhi–Dehradun Expressway option, see Delhi to Rishikesh by road.
How to book and what to wear
- Booking: most rafting is sold in Tapovan and along the Badrinath road above Rishikesh, by camps and registered operators. Weekend slots in March to June fill up, so book a day ahead; at other times you can usually book on arrival.
- What is included: transport to the put-in point, a raft guide, life jacket, helmet and paddle. Confirm whether the price includes the return to your hotel.
- Wear: quick-dry clothes and sandals with straps or old sports shoes. Avoid cotton jeans and flip-flops. In winter, carry a dry set of warm clothes for after the run.
- Do not carry: valuables, phones without a waterproof pouch, or loose glasses without a strap.
Rafting with a riverside camp
Camps along the river between Shivpuri and Kaudiyala combine rafting with a night in tents on the beach or in the forest, often with a bonfire and meals included. Check that the camp is licensed, that it has proper toilets, and how far it is from the road, because some are a walk down a steep path. Camping on the river beaches is also affected by monsoon rules and closes with rafting.
Weather in Rishikesh by rafting season
- October–November: warm days and cool evenings; the most comfortable time for rafting plus sightseeing.
- December–February: cold mornings, especially on the river; afternoon slots are more pleasant.
- March–June: warm to hot in the town, with very welcome cold water. May and June afternoons can be uncomfortably hot off the river.
FAQs
When is rafting closed in Rishikesh?
Rafting is suspended during the monsoon. The rules permit commercial rafting from 15 September to 30 June, and in recent years it has reopened in the second half of September, after the river recedes (27 September in 2025).
Which month is best for rafting in Rishikesh?
March to May for warm weather and strong rapids, or October and November for good rapids with fewer crowds.
Can you raft in Rishikesh in winter?
Yes. Rafting runs through December, January and February. The water is cold and the rapids milder, but it is quieter and usually cheaper.
Is Rishikesh rafting safe for beginners?
The shorter stretches, such as Brahmpuri to Rishikesh, are suitable for beginners with a registered operator, a briefing, and a life jacket and helmet worn throughout.