The Crown Jewel of Himalayan White Water Rafting
Roughly 36 kilometers of pure river separates Kaudiyala from Rishikesh, and you'll cover all of it on the water. Your day begins up at Kaudiyala, a mountain village sitting about 480m above sea level, and ends down at NIM Beach. This stretch, in my experience, tops anything else commercially rafted in India.
What hits you first at Kaudiyala is raw volume. The river swells enormous here. You plunge through deep Himalayan canyons, granite cliffs dropping vertical on either side, white sand bars flashing past. Thirteen named rapids line the route, and they range from Class II all the way to Class IV+. You'll meet standing waves tall enough to block your view, boulder gardens that demand constant maneuvering, and that legend everyone talks about, The Wall.
The 3 Sequential River Sectors (36 KM)
The 36 KM Kaudiyala run stitches all three official Ganges whitewater sectors into one trip.
Kaudiyala to Marine Drive
Extreme whitewater territory, and home to The Wall at Grade IV+ along with Daniel's Dip at III+. Paddling has to stay synced, and guides scout the lines from the bank before you commit.
Marine Drive to Shivpuri
A deep canyon stretch holding Three Blind Mice at Grade III, Cross Fire at III, and Black Money. Wave trains run nonstop here and keep your arms burning.
Shivpuri to Rishikesh (NIM Beach)
Then comes the famous 16 KM finale: Roller Coaster at III+, Golf Course at III+, Clubhouse, Cash Flow, Initiation, plus the 25 foot cliff jump if you've got the nerve.
13 Technical Rapids You Will Encounter
Every rapid on this stretch gets classified by international standards, judged on water volume, gradient drop, and hydraulic punch.
1. The Wall
Grade IV+The Wall. The big one in Rishikesh. A vertical ledge drops away, a churning hole opens up massive and hungry, and backwash spins hard behind it. No one runs it blind. Guides walk the bank first and pick the line.
2. Daniel's Dip
Grade III+Daniel's Dip fools you. It looks tame, then the river drops suddenly into a deep trough. Standing waves pile up so big the front crew vanishes into freezing Himalayan spray.
3. Three Blind Mice
Grade IIIThree Blind Mice gets its name from three wave trains running back to back at speed. Clear the third one and you need sharp, synchronized strokes or the raft spins sideways.
4. Cross Fire
Grade IIICross Fire happens where opposing currents slam into narrow canyon walls. Lateral waves and whirlpools build up serious force.
5. Roller Coaster
Grade III+Roller Coaster throws waves reaching up to 6 feet tall. Great for surfing at speed and grabbing photos.
6. Golf Course
Grade III+Golf Course drags you through a 9 hole run of boulder drops and foam. Your whole crew feels it by the end.
Kaudiyala Expedition Timeline
Plan your day with our verified hour-by-hour schedule from morning pickup in Rishikesh to evening drop-off.
07:30 AM • Reporting & Registration at Tapovan Base
You meet at our adventure hub in Tapovan, Rishikesh. Your expedition leader runs through the plan, you finish UTDB mandatory registration, then everyone climbs into the AC mountain transfer vehicle.
08:30 AM • Scenic 38 KM Mountain Drive to Kaudiyala
The drive up follows the Badrinath National Highway, NH 58. Watch the Ganges twist below in emerald ribbons as you climb past Shivpuri, Marine Drive, and Byasi.
09:30 AM • Gear Fitting, Safety Drill & Launch
Reach Kaudiyala beach. We fit everyone with USCG Type V lifejackets, river helmets, and carbon paddles. Then comes a 20 minute safety briefing covering rescue, flip recovery, and paddling commands. Stay sharp. __END_18__
10:00 AM • Upper Rapids & The Wall Rapid (Scouting)
Push off into the churning upper whitewater. Daniel's Dip comes first, then The Wall looms. Senior guides have already scouted the bank and they call the line as you punch through explosive waves.
12:30 PM • Riverside Beach Rest, Hot Tea & Maggi Break
Midday you pull in at a quiet sandy beach near Marine Drive. Hot tea, fresh Maggi, energy snacks, water, and canyon walls stretching overhead. Pause and look around.
01:30 PM • Middle Gorge, Roller Coaster & 25ft Cliff Jump
Then it's Three Blind Mice, Crossfire, Roller Coaster, and Golf Course in sequence. We stop at Magpie Rock for anyone wanting the 25 foot cliff jump or some body surfing into calm pools.
04:30 PM • NIM Beach Rishikesh Finish & Return Transfer
You finish at NIM Beach in Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh. Change into dry clothes, hop the shuttle back to base camp or your hotel.
Strict Safety & Fitness Requirements
This is a high volume Class IV+ run, so safety gets enforced hard. Our certified IRF expedition masters run a tight program.
Expedition Gear Provided
- USCG Type V Life Jackets (High-flotation whitewater rated)
- CE Certified River Helmets with impact-resistant ear guards
- Self-Bailing 16ft Commercial Hypalon Rafts
- Safety Kayaker Escort with rescue throw bags and trauma kits
- Neoprene Wetsuits (Provided during winter months Nov-Feb)
2026 Rishikesh Rafting Tariff Matrix
We run 4 official rafting stretches on the Ganges. Compare them and pick what fits your group.
| Stretch Name | River Distance | Rapids Grade | Time on River | Min Age | 2026 Rate | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaudiyala to Rishikesh | 36 Kilometers | Grade IV+ | 5.5 - 6.5 Hours | 18 Years | ₹Rs 1800 Rs 2000 /- | Book Now |
| Marine Drive to Rishikesh | 26 Kilometers | Grade III-IV | 4.0 - 5.0 Hours | 14 Years | ₹700/- | Details |
| Shivpuri to Rishikesh | 16 Kilometers | Grade III+ | 2.5 - 3.0 Hours | 12 Years | ₹600/- | Details |
| Brahmpuri to Rishikesh | 10 Kilometers | Grade I-II | 1.5 - 2.0 Hours | 8 Years | ₹550/- | Details |
Kaudiyala Rafting + Luxury Swiss Camping Combo
Pair your 36 KM Kaudiyala raft day with 1 Night in AC Swiss tents, pool access, all meals, and bonfire nights, starting from ₹3,999/person.
Kaudiyala Rafting Expedition Gallery
High-adrenaline moments captured on the holy Himalayan white water.
Kaudiyala Rafting FAQs
Clear answers to the most common questions regarding safety, swimming, difficulty, and gear.
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