White Water Rafting in Garhwal Region
The sacred river Ganga, or the Holy Ganges, offers the professional as well
as the amateur, the sheer exhilaration of white water rafting.
The Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, are the main tributaries of the Ganga, and
meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy descent. Their waters are Grade
IV and Grade V, challenging the expert to survive the thrill.
Down river from Devprayag, the Ganga changes into a pool drop river. This stretch
of almost 70 kms, is perfect for the amateur and the novice, for here, the river
offers some fine Grade III rapids, and two Grade II rapids, the 'wall' at Bysi
and the 'Golf Course" 4 kms below Shivpuri village; each followed by deep
and placid pools.
Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing river rafters to pull up
alongside, for a spot of relaxation. The slopes on either side, are covered
with oak, pine, spruce, and fir, with an occasional village and its terraced
fields, dotting the landscape.
Wildlife can be sighted at a distance, especially spotted deer, monkeys and
leopards. Spiritual retreats and ashrams (hermitages) overlook the river, and
add a spiritual flavour to this fantastic experience.
