Rafting at Rishikesh

Season:- October till mid June

Distance from Delhi: - 230 km.

Nearest Airport: - Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Nearest Railway station: - Haridwar.

White water rafting is an adventurous activity which is done on inflatable boats or raft on a river which consist of rapids to add pleasure to the pax in the raft. The rapids are graded from I to VI depending on the danger level.

White water rafting has gained popularity in India. Rishikesh is considered as the rafting hub of India for beginners where rafting is done on the holy river Ganga. The Ganges consist rapids  a maximum  grades of IV; however the grades of the rapid changes and depend on the level of water in the river. To experience the real rafting at The Ganges we should raft at least for 3 days starting from Devprayag.

There are lots of options for accommodation at Rishikesh, but the real fun is staying at the beach camp on the bank of river Ganga where you can enjoy the sound of the river water, the chirping of  the birds and insects , the wind etc. When you wake up early in the morning on the bank of the river Ganga you feel so fresh and energetic accompanied with the morning tea.

Note: - If you really want to enjoy the nature then select camp site which are isolated or away from the busy areas.

 Many companies offer such facilities which may vary from Rs 1200/- to Rs 3500/- per day which includes a rafting trip, accommodation, food etc. there are around 35 of beach camps in Rishikesh run by the local organizations as well as by big adventure tourism companies.

Rafting stretch option in Rishikesh:-

Option 1: - Rafting from Devprayag- Kodiyala (31 km)

Drive to Devprayag. In this stretch of rafting you will experience the beautiful scenery with option to spot various kinds of birds and wild goat. This section is more or less gentle with only Grade III rapid named‘Daniel Dip’ near Kodiyala. If you love to collect driftwood then this is the right section to do so, where you will find wood that varies in different shape, size, weight etc.

Asked the service provider for packed lunch, this will be served on the river beach while rafting down.

Option 2: - Rafting from Kodiala- Shivpuri (16 km)

This section of the stretch consists of rapids like ‘The Wall’ Grade IV + rapid before Marine Drive. From Marine Drive to Shivpuri consists of rapids with Grades I, II and III. ‘Three Blind Mice’ Grade III is a major rapid in this section. Beside this there are other rapids like Black Money, Return to the Sender etc.

Option 3: - Rafting from Shivpuri- Rishikesh (15 km)

In this section you will find rapids varies from the Grade II, III and III +. The major rapids in this section are ‘Roller Coaster’ and ‘Golf Course’ before Bhrampuri.

There is an option of cliff jumping from a base of about 18 ft (which varies on the water level). You will also find Maggie and tea stalls at the cliff jumping point which tastes much more better than usual after rafting for the whole day in the cold water.

These three options can be completed in three days, but if you are ready for hard work &  full of adventure then it can be completed in two days by combining Option 2 and 3, and then asked the service provider for packed lunch during the trip which adds an extra bonus.

Safety is the most important aspect during rafting. Please do check about the service provider and equipment quality before rafting, though The Ganges is regarded as the safest river for rafting still a lot of accidents happens due to ignorance & negligence . A Safety kayaker accompanying the raft is a must during a trip and always make it sure that this comes with the trip.  As the saying goes "Precaution Is better than cure ". Few things that the service provider will provide you during rafting is helmet, life-jacket, paddle and even some  of them provide wet suits. Safety instruction before rafting is an important part since it will provide information of Do’s and Don’ts during rafting so Ears wide open during briefing. :)

Happy Paddling... 

CHOPTA-TUNGNATH- CHANDRASHILA PEAK TREKKING TRIP

Level: - Easy to moderate.
Season: - End of April to October.
Nearest Airport: - Jolly Grant, Dehradun (258 km).
Nearest Railway station: - Rishikesh (248 km).
Route: - Sari Village-Deoria Tal- Maliyagher- Chopta- Tungnath- Chandrashila- Chopta.

After around 7 hours drive from Rishikesh via Devprayag-Rudraprayag- Ukhimath, we finally reach the starting point of the trek ‘Sari Village’. Sari Village is around 4 km from Ukhimath. Ukhimath is located at an altitude of 1,311 m, where idols from Kedranath are placed during winter. We pitched our tent at Sari Village and spent our 1^st night in tents. This was the beginning of our adventure travel.

Day 1: - Sari Village – Deoria Tal (Altitude: - 2,387 m) (2-3 hrs trek) (4 km)

We woke up early to a nice and bright sunny morning, with the paddy field around, the most common sight in an Indian village.  After early breakfast we started our trek after we loaded our belonging to the ponies’. The route was mainly uphill after crossing the village. The Deoria Tal lake is famous for is landscaped with the thick forest heavily wooded with greenery. Mountains like Chaukhamba, Kedar Range, Nilakantha etc. are visible from Deori Tal. There are also a couple of shops nearby which sell tea and snacks. The temperature is quite normal during the day but nights are chilled.

The forest department charges the following from the trekkers for pitching their tents at Deoria Tal

1.       Tent charges: - Rs 50 (for Indian), Rs 100 (for Foreigner).

2.       Entry fees: -  Rs 150 (for Indian), Rs 600 (for Foreigner).

Day 2: - Deoria Tal – Maliyagher (Altitude: - 2, 700 m) (5-6 hrs trek) (12 km)

The early morning tea tastes different with the sound of the birds, the breeze and the forest. The route is steep at certain point and is difficult to trace as it passes through the dense forest. You may find villagers from nearby gathering fire woods or with cattle. The sari village is visible from the top on the way. Here you will surely hear the sound of fox howling during night. The water source is very difficult to find in this region, since it changes its routes often.

Day 3: - Maliyagher- Chopta (Altitude: - 2,900 m) (6-7 hrs trek) (14 km)

We woke up in a nice sunny morning with the mountains on one side and dense forest on the other side with the clear blue sky on the top. The route runs through dense forest till Tali. Here you will find a stream, just relax for few minutes nearby with light snack after refreshing yourself from the fresh water of the stream. After crossing the bridge over the stream the climb turns to be gentle steep till you reached the road that leads to Chopta. This place is popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ in Uttarakhand. Chopta is rich in flora and fauna, which is situated amidst thick forest of pine, deodar and rhododendrons. A few meters ahead of Chopta there is an area where you can pitch tent, the forest department people may come for the charges of Rs 100 per tent. There are also some small hotels with accommodation for trekkers.

Day 4: - Chopta- Tughnath Temple (Altitude: - 3,680 m ) - Chandrashila Peak (Altitude: - 4,130 m) - Chopta (6-7 hrs trek) (12 km)

Start early and climb as fast as you can. The trek till the Tungnath temple is a wonderful walk on well build pathways. You will find lots of monkeys on the way up as well as grassland where you can relax for a few minutes. In between you will also find shops selling tea and snacks. When you are about to reach the temple you will find lots of shops shelling Puja Thalis, tea, snacks etc. The path way divides into two from where you have to take a left after which you have to climb few steps to reach the temple. The right will lead you to the Chandrashila peak

[The Tungnath one of the highest Shiva temple of the world is one of the Panch Kedar located at an altitude of 3,680 m. The temple lies about 2 km below the Chandrashila peak. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old build by the Pandavas of Mahabharata. It is believed that Vyas Rishi has advised the Pandavas that Lord Shiva can pardon them for killing their own cousin during Mahabharata war. So, in order to hide from them Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and went underground to escape. But later Lord Shiva body in the form of bull were appeared at five different locations which represent the ‘Panch Kedar’. The Pandavas build temples at each location to seek his pardon. Accordingly, bahu(hand) at Tungnath, hump at Kedarnath, head at Rudranath, stomach and naval at Madhyamaheshwar and his jata(hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar were seen.]

The route to Chandrashila peak is narrower and with lots of pebbles but it is safe. You may find snow on the way depending on the time of your visit. The track is easily visible and gentle steep in certain areas. If you are lucky and blessed with clear sky you will get a clear view of the surroundings from the top. A wide view of Mandakini and Alaknanda valley, several peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nandevi, Neelkanth etc.  are visible from the peak. Spend a few movements on the top with a gentle breeze and the view.  It is easier to return to Tungnath as one can slide on the snow field. One can have their tea and snack on the shop nearby Tungnath temple. We spent our last night in our tents at Chopta. Thus we had the most amazing visit to Tungnath and Chandrashilla peak.

[Chandrashila peak is located at an altitude of 4,130 m. It is believed that Chandra (moon) use to meditate here for long time. It is also believed that Lord Rama meditated here for killing Ravana, a Brahmin.]

 

Date of trip: - 02/05/2012 till 07/05/2012 with a group from Norway.