Things to do in Rishikesh — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Rishikesh, from the Beatles Ashram and the two Jhula bridges to the Parmarth Niketan aarti and Neelkanth Mahadev, with drive times.
ArticleVerified 2026-10-23
River rafting in Rishikesh — the season, the operators, Byasi and the rest of the river's adventures
White-water rafting on the Ganga at Rishikesh: the season from September to June, certified operators, Byasi 30 km upstream, and kayaking and bungee nearby.
The Ganga leaves the mountains at Rishikesh, and the white water above the town is why so many visitors come for a rafting trip as well as the ghats and the ashrams. Here is what the state's official tourism guide says, read on 23 October 2026.
Photos: Vvnataraj (CC BY-SA 3.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
The season
Uttarakhand Tourism names September to June as the best months for rafting. July and August, the heart of the monsoon, fall outside it: the river is high, brown and fast. Even within the season the river changes after heavy rain, so confirm the next day's trip with your operator the evening before.
Operators and grades
Trips are run by private operators. The official guide says Rishikesh has many certified and authorised operators and instructors, for every grade of rafting, from gentle floats to the bigger rapids. We do not list or rate operators. Pick one that shows its licence, briefs you on safety, puts a trained guide in each raft, and gives everyone a helmet and a life jacket that fits.
Where the trips run
The stretches start upstream of the town and end near it. The official guide singles out Byasi, about 30 km from Rishikesh on a smooth road along the river, as a rafting and water-sports hub. Ask your operator which stretch matches your grade and fitness.
More on the river
- Kayaking on the same water, with instruction for beginners.
- Bungee jumping at Mohanchatti, from a maximum height of 83 m by the official guide, with a flying fox, mountain swings and paragliding nearby.
We have no verified prices, timings or age and health rules for any of these; ask the operator, and say if you cannot swim.
Plan the rest
Copy the two days in Rishikesh, and read the best time to visit and things to do in Rishikesh.
Places around Rishikesh
The Rishikesh guide →
Lakshman Jhula, Rishikesh
Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
Ram Jhula, Rishikesh
Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar — the temple on the Neel Parvat
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar — the old shrine of the city's goddess
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Kankhal — where the legend of Sati is placed
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar — the hilltop shrine and its ropeway
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Questions people ask
When is the rafting season in Rishikesh?
September to June, by Uttarakhand Tourism's official guide to Rishikesh. The monsoon months of July and August fall outside it, when the Ganga runs high and fast. Even in season the river changes after rain, so check with your operator the day before about that day's trips.
Who runs rafting trips in Rishikesh?
Private operators. Uttarakhand Tourism says you will find many certified and authorised operators and instructors in Rishikesh for every grade of rafting. Choose one that shows its licence, gives every rafter a helmet and life jacket, briefs you before you set off, and sends a trained guide in each raft.
What else is there besides rafting in Rishikesh?
Kayaking on the same river, and bungee jumping at Mohanchatti, where Uttarakhand Tourism gives a maximum height of 83 m, with a flying fox, mountain swings and paragliding nearby. Byasi, about 30 km upstream, is another rafting and water-sports hub on a smooth road along the Ganga.