My first White Water Rafting & Camping Trip at Ganges

Rishikesh Outfitter paradise

The yoga city of Rishikesh is a paradise not only for a nature lover but also for an adventure seeker. The bank of the river Ganges and its surrounding range of  Rajaji National Park gives plenty of opportunities to come and enjoy the thrills of beach camping, Jungal camping, River rafting, Trekking, Hiking, Wildlife safari, and also Bungee jumping. The Ganga has various grades of rapid These rapid make Ganga the Ideal river for white water rafting and alluring thousands of people.

Last year in September I made a  plan of adventure tour to Rishikesh with my 6 college friends to fulfill our enthusiastic desire. For this, I avail the services of Namaste India trip to facilitate my adventure trip and purchase a one-night two-day combo package of Camping and rafting. it’s a very good company that take care of and gave me the best professionally operated camp at the beach of river Ganga at Byasi Rishikesh.

Around 11pm we departed for Rishikesh from Delhi and early morning 7.00am we reached Rishikesh. From Rishieks we hired a cab up to Byasi approx 26 km. away from Rishikesh on National Highway 58 leading to Badrinath.

Reaching and welcome at camp

We reached our camp in Byasi around 8:30 AM. There was a trek leading to camp so exciting having some quite steep at some places. As we went down to reach camp, we could hear the roaring of the river Ganges. We were astonished to see the camp at first sight it was fixed on the white silver sand of the Ganges.

Best time for Rafting in Rishikesh

The season of rafting is all around the year but the best time is October- November and March-MayAll we are going to participate in such an adventure camp first time so we are very excited, as we reached at campsite overwhelmed to see such a nice camp on the silver sandy beach of the river and among tranquility Shivalik hills of Himalayas. On entering the camp manager and other staff warmly welcomed us and serve a syrup of Burans’s flowers.  (Burans is a high altitude tree botanical name Rhododendron arboreum having bright red flowers. This flower syrup has low sugar and is very nutritional in nature). Burans is also a state tree of Uttarakhand state.

After the completion of check–in entry formality, our camp manager assigns us our tents to stay. He was quite a helpful and enthusiastic man, briefing us all about our adventure activities, meal schedule, environmental concerns, and various caution we have to follow during the camp and activities.

Our river-facing tents were in good condition and match the forest environment, once we keep our luggage in our tent get very relief and get rid of all tiredness of traveling.

My Breakfast

After fresh up we go to the dining area for breakfast. The dining area is covered by RA a dining tent made of large canvas situated on the sand of the river. Experience such delicious and nutritional. Breakfast in such a remote area was amazing. Having taken my buffet breakfast that was very delicious and nutritional I sat on a wooded chair at the riverside and enjoyed the cool calm and serene environs of the surroundings while meal I also see various Deer and Ghural (forest goat), monkeys, Ape at the far side of Ganges it was an amazing experience, my camp manager told me that sometimes you can also see leopard and tiger if lucky.

My village trek

After having a light but nutritional breakfast we got ready for the jungle trek, Mr. Rajesh was our trek leader who was very aware of the forest route and well versa with various flora and fauna found there. After little briefs about the trek like its route cautions, we have to follow.

We start our trek to Sirasu village, it is a small beautiful hill village that also has a beautiful waterfall that attracts many tourists during all seasons. The trek was approx 3 km in distance along with a serene bank of the river full of natural beauty here I observed various different ferns, shrubs,  rare species of plants, flowers, herbal medicinal plants and birds etc. On reaching the village I met with villagers who were very courteous in nature, We also met with Mahesh Singh Rana Gram pradhan of the village, he welcomed us and invited us for a cup of tea. We accepted it with pleasure.

My all friend lives in a metro city and daily bear the load of the city it was a something different experience for us. Here I found myself just away from the hectic life city and feel the true India. Here I look at the lifestyle of hill villagers, their culture, living standard, and school of the village, the Struggle of villagers for the arrangement of water food and shelter, and education. I also saw the farming pattern in hills and stairs fields where villagers cultivate seasonable vegetables, fruits, Pulses, etc for their own consumption.

I never see the lemon, orange, pea, Pumpkin, Cucumber, Rice, and Rajma on the plant but here I saw it, I never see to plow the field with ox but see here. After crossing the village we reached a huge waterfall named Vashudhara. It is a very beautiful fall and the only source of drinking, and irrigating water for villagers. After visiting the village, we return back in camp.

Swimming Body surfing and Fun kayaking activities

In the afternoon we return back to Camp after freshening up we take our Lunch in the dining area. The lunch was very delicious and hygienic. Having finished our lunch we went to our tent for some rest. After the rest of half an hour approx 3pm, we return back to the briefing area. Here Camp Manager Mr. Cahuahan re welcome us and asked for our village trip and also introduce us to the activities in charge of and senior river guide Mr. Narender, the getup of river guide he was looking very cool. He welcomes us to give some safety instruction while kayaking and swimming and surfing, besides this he arranges a life jacket, kayak, and some swimming costumes too for us. Mr. Narender brought us to the swimming point it is a space available at the far end of the campsite where still water from the river is available which looks like a pond that is very easy to swim and kayaking activities.

Mr. Narender instructs on how to wear a life jacket where and how to swim, and how to move the kayak. He also told that As a guest you have to be cautious about safety, and showmanship should be completely avoided. Various fatal accidents happened due to the careless negligence of guests who disregard basic safety instructions. The river should not be treated as a swimming pool. Even the best swimmers would have a hard time tackling the complex currents of river waters.

We all are new to all these activities but Narender instructed us professionally ultimately under their guidance we enjoy swimming kayaking and body surfing too much it was a nice experience swimming with a life jacket I do not how to swim but with the help of a life jacket I enjoy swimming, Body surfing and kayaking too much.

Our leisure time

We all friends enjoy swimming activities at swimming points after this we return back to camp and take some rest. It was our leisure time up to six pm. This time I enjoyed various game activities available at camp like Volleyball, softball cricket, Frisbee, and badminton but my other friend like to play carom and play cards instead of outdoor games.

I would like to say to my all friend not to miss the chance to take the thrill of Volleyball and badminton and also cricket on the sand at the river sides.  After the game, we got very exhausted and tired.

Lighting in camp

Once the Sun going to set down, the whole atmosphere turned beautiful. It was 6 o clock sun was going to set so there was a need for some lighting.  Because it was a forest and beach camp so there were no electricity and generator facilities to avoid unnecessary disturbance to wildlife, because bright light and noise cause disturbance to the normal life of wild animals. Camp management provides a deem light kerosene and solar lantern with some safety instructions for lighting purposes and kept a lantern in front of every tent. For lighting inside the tents, we used a solar lantern and torch which are most convenient and safe while using the canvas tents. The row of lanterns in front of the tents was giving an enchanting view of the campsite like the twinkling stars of the sky came down on Earth. Besides lighting the camp this lamp also helps to keep away animals from camp.

Barbeque and Campfire

It was the most important and memorable evening of my camping, without it camping is alone.  After the full day of activities, we got very tired and it was our refreshment time Housekeeping and service staff of the camp arrange a common and huge bonfire for every group under the open sky and keep various chairs around the log and got fire to log it was amazing. A live barbeque was running there, and various snake items of vegetables like potato, capsicum, and dairy product like Cheese were roasted there.

The service boy first serve cold drinks, Chhole, Rosted papad, and peanuts and later served roasted barbeque items like Paneer tikka (roasted cheese), Aloo Tikka (roasted potato), and many more all these items were very tasty and delicious it was very heavy snacks for us. During the snacks, we all friends sing a song, perform danced, and joked, Dinesh told us his Jokes, Rajeev plays guitar, Harpreet sang his folk song, Manoj also sang a Gahwali folk song, Anli perform a dance, And I also sang a romantic song thus we celebrate this evening with joy and happiness. We also remember college time, one other Bengali guest who has come for a rafting trip in camp perform a folk dance with a song for us it was very enjoyable. Mr.Chauhan and Narendra (River guide) also sat with us and told various stories and experiences related to rafting and adventure activities, their speech generate curiosity and enhance our knowledge about rafting and camping and vice versa. Ultimately we enjoy this evening and the campfire too much, especially the dance performed by my friend.

Dinner and go to sleep

After the color full campfire around 10’ o clock service staff blow a Syrian loudly it was the signal to take dinner. We all proceeded to the dining area for dinner hot buffet dinner was too delicious and awesome. During the dinner, our camp manager gave some brief information about the schedule for the next day. And say Good night to all. After having the dinner we said good night to all and go to our tents.

Rock-climbing and repelling activities

Next early morning about 6’o clock after morning tea our activities instructor organized these activities. In sport's shoes and shorts, we all were ready for these activities at the rock-climbing phase available at the campsite. The rock climbing phase was approx 30 feet in height and also a big challenge for me because I am a beginner.

Mr. Sekhar Thapa was our rock-climbing instructor who is qualified from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Firstly he told us all about the various equipment, command, and technique used in it. According to him Rock-climbing (just climbing on a rock with the help of a rope) and repelling (Just getting down from a rock with the help of a rope). There are generally two ropes used in rock-climbing and repelling activities. Safety rope (for safety) and belle rope (used in climbing and repelling).

Seat harness- it is a seat belt used in the waist of a climber and pulled with a safety rope with the help of a karabiner (ankle). Vary in size according to weight and waist size of the person.
Gloves – made of leather used while repelling to skip scratches from a rope.
Helmet – it is very important during these activities to protect the head from rocks and stones. Karabiner and Disc ender- Both are important equipment used to make ankle, and knots during the rock-climbing and repelling.
Knee cap – to protect the knee.

These are some equipment Mr.Thapa told us which are used in it. Later he also gave a demo of climbing and repelling which was very helpful for us during the activities. The assistant of Mr. Thapa made ready to us with all equipment.

The first number was mine to climb I was getting nervous but my friend and instructor boost me. I was climbing and climbing suddenly my feet got asleep but with the help of a safety rope, I hung on. Then I controlled myself and try to climb with courage and technique and finally reached the top I was very happy I have won it.

Later following the repelling technique I got down easily from the rock. After this, my all friend enjoy the thrill of rock climbing, and repelling it was awesome.

Rafting the most thrilling part of my adventure trip

Rafting or white water rafting was the most challenging recreational outdoor activity of our trip. Our plan was to make a check–out from the NIM beach at Rishikesh where our rafting will terminate. So after having breakfast we packed and brought our luggage up to the road and keep in the cab. Later by  10 o’clock gathered at the riverside in suitable rafting dresses for safety briefs which we have to follow during the rafting session.

Dress up for Rafting

Mr. Narendra  told us how we have to dress up ourselves for rafting

• Wear a T-shirt and shorts which are quick-drying close-fit fabric.
• Do not wear any kind of jewelry like a necklace, Bracelet, etc. best to avoid it.
• Avoid wearing glasses. If you are using it you should use a strap to retain or tie the glasses. Lenses can be scratched if the water has silts.
• Use waterproof footwear like a sleeper or floater.
• Days would be sunny, so use sunscreen moisturizer etc.

Our river guide Narendra possessed a river guide license given by the Tourism Department of Uttarakhand, also has more than seven years of experience as a  river guide in various rivers of India like the Ganges (Uttarakhand) Jhasker (Ladakh), Brahmaputra (Assam) Kali (Nepal), Yamuna, Tons(Uttarakhand), Beas (Manali), Manduvi, etc and faces various rapid of every grade. So we are very assured about safety. Rafting is a dangerous game full of thrill so your guide must be licensed and experienced.

Here is one more thing I would like to tell you, There is no shortcut for correct safety measures, as we know Rafting is the riskiest game, So You have assured Your river guide should be technically qualified, experienced and confident. The Rafting equipment being used should possess world standard like Life jacket, Helmet, Raft etc.

Later Vishal welcome everyone and told us how to wear life jackets and helmets also help us to wear them properly and gave a paddle to everyone for roaring or navigating the raft. Wearing a life jacket helmet and holding a paddle then we were looking like soldiers going to fight.

Later our guide Narender started his briefing rafting and told about Raft and its accessories used in rafting and told us all about the safety technique to minimize risk and commands that we followed during the rafting for safe and enjoyable rafting.  The rafting instructors were friendly and they make an effort to make us feel comfortable while we push our fear away.

The person who can participate in rafting

People suffering from any disease or ailment like asthma heart disease, epilepsy, allergies, hydrophobia, having major surgery, and pregnant ladies should avoid such types of trips.

Here I would like to describe some technical information related to Rafting whatever I learned there and also what you would like to know.

Whitewater- During the rapid Whitewater is formed. when a river's water drops enough to form a bubbly, or aerated and unstable current; the frothy water appears white.

Rapids- Rapid is the forced current of river water formed when any obstacle come in the way of water. Grade of rapid- According to the degree of the risk an International grading system graded the entire river into six categories, from I to VI.

Grade I- Easy wave ideal for beginners or kids. (eg. Sweet Sixteen, Good morning)

Grade II- Something harder with rough strokes of water (eg. Double trouble, black money)

Grade III- Having white water with big waves may be dangerous. (eg.- Three Blind Mice, Cross Fire)

Grade IV- Having high wave and white water, most dangerous & challenging for enthusiastic experienced rafters. (eg. Roller coaster, Golf Course)

Grade V- The most challenging can be experienced by the most enthusiastic rafters, and needs tremendous guidance and supervision, It comes with high tides. (eg. The Wall)

Grade VI- It is the most dangerous and fatal not occur in River Ganges and needs the most experienced, highly supervised, need rescuer team.

Rafting: With the help of an inflatable raft to navigate a river,  sea, and other forms of water. This is usually done in fast flowing having different degrees of rough water, to thrill and excite the raft passengers.

Raft- It is an inflatable boat made of very durable, multi-layered hypalon or polyvinyl fabric (PVC) material having several chambers. It varies in shape and size.

Is a specially crafted boat-like equipment that floats on the water.

Rafter- As rafters, you are supposed to sit on the periphery of the raft with a paddle in your hand.

Kayak -This is a single-seater boat made of plastic that is used for recreation or to give rescue cover. Since these boats are faster, and more maneuverable than a raft, they are ideal for safety and rescue.

Necessary equipment used with a raft

Oars - These are two long paddles tied with the oar frame located at the rear of the raft. Used to control and propelled the raft used by Gide.

Paddles - These are used by rafters to propel their craft in the water. With the help of this, the raft can be turned to move faster or slower than the river current.

Life Jacket - A waterproof jacket worn by all rafters including river guide. It helps the person on floating into the water. It is made of strong durable fabric and has HDP foam filling which provides buoyancy.  Is most important equipment of rafting gives safety to a passenger while in the water current and helps the passenger to float in the water thus saving to drown in water. It should be good in qualities

Lifeline – A waterproof rope that runs all around the raft.  It is helpful to hold on to it when there is a danger of someone falling out. It is also a useful hold for a person in the water to bring him/her back into the boat.

Through bag - A bag having coiled rope more than 20 meters in length is also used in rescues.

Dry bag - A waterproof bag that is usually provided by an adventure company and kept in every raft, to protect your mobile, camera, wallet /purse, and other things during the rafting trip.

Helmet - The helmet ensures the safety of the head during the rafting. Head injury is possible due to a hit from a fellow participant’s paddle, or banging against each other in the event of a raft capsize, or rocks in case one is running a shallow river. It is made of plastic and available in various quality.

Flip line – This technique is mostly used where flips are common like the Brahmaputra and Jhaskar river. The guide will take a loop of webbing that has a biner on it and attach it to the perimeter line on the raft, Standing on top of the upside-down raft they will hold the line and lean to the opposite side from where the flip line is attached, re-righting the raft.

Splash jackets - This jacket keeps away the water to touch the body. They are worn to repel the water splash and insulate a person’s wet body against the winds. Typically these are used in winter.

Wet suits – Such types of suits are made of Neoprene. They allow water to soak in it. Once the water has soaked in, the fine pores of the fabric stop more water from coming in. The water which has already entered the fabric becomes warm by body heat and maintains the body temperature stable.

High siding –
 If a raft is caught in a hydraulic it will often quickly go sideways. To stop the raft from flipping on its inside edge, the rafters climb to the side of the raft furthest downstream, which will also be the side of the raft highest in the air leading to its name. In this position, the rafters may be able to use the draw stroke to pull the raft out of the hydraulic.

Our victory over Rapid

After the briefing we sat on our raft, We started our Rafting trip from marine drive Which is 24 Km, from Rishikesh. A marine drive is a place near the village of Malakhunti, It is a very beautiful place having scenic beauty. There is a suspension bridge connecting the Badrinath highway to Malakhunti village. My guide told me that there is a famous temple of lord shiva named Aparrup Mahadev. There is a naturally made Shiva lingam in a self-made cave, and a very thin stream of water always drops at Shivalingam throughout the year. Local people have very faith in this temple. Every Shivrartri a fair held here many people come here and pay their homage to lord shiva.

My friend sat in one raft I and Rajeev sat ahead of the raft my guide All us loid Jai Ganga Maiya then start your trip Guide give us a command forward we all do paddle in one rhythm with power our raft come in the main current of water. Our guide told us that if we do paddling in motion and rhythm then we can win the entire Major rapid otherwise our raft maybe flip rapidly or capsize as good pupils we follow all the instructions promptly and carefully. Now I am telling u How we won the all-major rapid.

Our rafting instructor Narender told us it is a 4 hrs trip this trip we will cover approx 24km. also gave us some  commands  to make practice like paddling forward and  backward also not paddling according to where we  are in the river,

Good morning rapid (Grade-1)

Our guide gave commanded us forward and we started roaring our paddle raft move ahead, I sat just in front of the raft with my friend Rajeev, since we are strong paddlers. The way our instructor told us that the first time Sir Admond Helary wanted to reach Gangotri by jet boat to the upward direction of water, unfortunately, he could not go over the Rudraprayag, and return back to Rishikesh. During his trip, he gave the name to all rapid as he found him. We were very excited after one km run we find Good morning rapid which is very small and has grade 1. We salute it and run ahead, Our Guide told us some enjoyable and excitable slogans which we had to speak of, these slogans made our trip more enjoyable and also gave us more courage to us. like chir -mir  chir-mir doom dhadaka …hu ha hu ha..

Black Money (grade-1)

After a one km drive, we got Black Money or body balancing rapid our guide instructed us to stand up on the periphery of the raft and try to make balance our bodies with the help of a paddle. We all were tired of this but the wave made misbalanced us, everyone fell down in the raft except me. We enjoy this rapid more.

Three blind mice (grade-3)

When we reached Gular village our guide told us about a naturally made hashish cave near the village we also overlook that.  As we crossed Gular village Narender (river guide) told us that now we going to face the first major rapid Three blind mice having grade 3. But sometimes it may be dangerous so everyone checks their life jacket and helmet lock properly they should not be loose, listen carefully, and follow commands properly. Then we check all things properly. Suddenly we saw high tide and roaring rapidly, which made some worry to us but the guide boosted our confidence and gave commands to do hard paddling with rhythm. As we enter into the first part of the rapid white water punched us our adrenaline level got high, suddenly our instructor said to do highside to me in respect to control the raft. Thus we crossed the first second and third parts of the rapid one by one successfully. We were very happy to concur this rapid three blind mice. As we crossed the rapid Our guide pulled our intension toward a rock just left our sides, This rock had a portrait /or clay picture look like  Vikarm and Baital (a character of a mythological story - in which Vikaram carrying Baital on his back) this portrait made automatically through erosion rock by water current during the rain.

Cross Fire (Grade-3)

Just 3km ahead  It is a technical rapid having a huge whirlpool and a rock in the way, It comes along with serious obstacles including multiple high, irregular waves and rocks. Though passages are clear, they are narrow creating difficulty for the rafter. With the guidance of a guide and hard paddling, we crossed it.

Body Surfing Rapid (Grade -2)

This rapid medium wave is very suitable for body surfing. My instructor asked me to jump into the water while holding the rope by the side of the raft and just float in the water. I feared to do that as I do not know swimming, but once I was in the water it felt so simple to float with the raft.

Shivpuri Rapid (Grade -1)

Near the Shivpuri village, we got this rapid. (Shivpuri also known as the whitewater capital of India thousands of people come here to experience the thrills of rafting on the Ganges)

Roller Coaster (Grade-4)

As we cross the Shivpuri the giant rapid  Roller Coaster was welcome us. This rapid has longer with high and irregular waves. There are serious obstacles like dangerous rocks and boiling eddies. Maneuvering along these requires power and rhythm in paddling accuracy. The river guide must have expertise while the raft and rafting gear should be of superior quality.

It was most dangerous its high tide and irregular wave vibrant our raft strongly, suddenly our instructor lost his control over the raft and did not save the raft to get Philip. We all got lost in the frothy water of rapid I would like to give thanks to my life jacket save to drown. I follow the rescue technique White water swimming position told by the instructor and skip the rapid.

(White water swimming position- In this position your mouth should be upward to the sky and hold the collar of the life jacket with a paddle and swim along with the water if any obstacle comes in front of you like a rock you can push it through the paddle and skip easily. In river paddle is your best friend so do not lose your paddle.

Meanwhile, our river guide made me re-right or turn on the raft and through a rescue bag toward me thank god I hold it then my instructor pulls me onto a raft. later River guide pulled my three friends onto a raft, Dinesh was far from the raft so I passed my paddle to Dinesh in the T-rescue position and pulled him onto a raft. Then we give a lot of thanks to god to save our life. But we also enjoyed the thrill of this rapid too much.

Golf Course (Grade-4)

This rapids also like the roller coaster rapid, raised the adrenaline level in the blood. Conquering this rapid requires both the power and precision of the sport. Before starting to run this rapid, make sure you have adequate expertise and our equipment

As we made stable ourselves after the roller coaster fight one major rapid grade 4 golf course was in front of us but we were ready to do this we were doing hard paddling in rhythm. Suddenly river guide gave the command to me for the high side and we successfully run over this rapid. It was most exciting and thrill full we enjoy it too much.

T-Off (Grade-1)

It was the minor rapid but more enjoyable having the easy passage.

Club House (Grade-2)

Near Bramhpuri, it is a small rapid having medium wave. It was also enjoyable.

Double Trouble (grade-2)

It was also a minor rapid but enjoyable. we enjoy swimming and body surfing activities in it.

Cliff jumping

After crossing the Brahmpuri we reached the cliff-jumping point, here we get down from the raft and enjoy a cup of tea since there are many stalls of fast food and tea you can get refresh yourself here. My friend eats Maggie and takes a cup of hot tea. There is a cliff of rock approx 15 feet in height near the riverside very suitable for jumping. Our instructor guided us on how to get jump safely. we followed instructions to reduce our scares and got jumped into the river experience of jumping was amazing and the thrill full 4 -5 seconds in the air increased your adrenaline level.

Termination of our rafting session

To overcome the cliff jump we reached NIM beach (It is the beach of Nehru Institute of mountaineering used in training and camping) our guide made thanks to all for our cooperation. And asked to do the last activity carrying a raft from the water to the river sides. All rafters hold the raft and keep it on their shoulder and bought up to the riverside.

Here our trip terminated with the most amazing and thrilling full experience of Rafting. We never forget it. This trip was really awesome. At last, we gave a lot of thanks to Narender and all staff for their best service and cooperation. We would like to avail the service of such camp in near future.