The rivers of Uttarakhand invite both the layperson as well as the die-hard professionals. One can choose for Canoeing, Kayaking or Rafting, depending upon the nature of the water. Pit the will and skill against nature as you negotiate the white water, manoeuvre the bends, speed along gorges and break into sparkling surf. Water sports are for those adventure seekers for whom land is not enough.

White Water River Rafting , Uttarakhand
The challenge of the unbalanced rivers is no less than that of the Rocky Mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India`s forceful rivers. Fed by countless streams they battle along winding stone, scattered beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids. With the complex network of Mountain Rivers flowing through numerous different colours of rocky gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, Uttaranchal provide ideal tourists for the perfect water adventure. The sport of White Water River rafting calls for a victory over the speedy swirling river as it gushes past impressive mountains. It is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it froths and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep gradients. As with trekking, mountaineering and other sports, river rafting too has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty.

White Water Rafting On Ganga , Uttarakhand
Interest in river running is increasing fast in India among the youth and the foreign tourists ever since the `Ocean to Sky` journey by Sir Edmund Hillary1977 on jet boats from the mouth of river Ganga, to the higher reaches of the river Alaknanda has been accomplished. According to Sir Hillary: "Ganga is a beautiful river, particularly in the upper reaches with fast flowing water and many lively fast-moving water. It is a splendid river for blown up rafts and challenging too for Kayaks and Canoes." Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant White Water Festival in water-running between Deoprayag and Rishikesh, which takes 3 days, with riverbank camping, is encouraging "river runners from many overseas countries and a wide variety of adventurers of India, both young and old. Uttaranchal`s premium Outdoors arrange this sport where one "sweeps over the rapids and crashes through the stopper waves". One will get wet certainly but the solid hearts and strong arms will always reach the destination. Having all necessary safety precautions and trained guides, one is quite confident of the same. They arrange all the gears, equipment, riverside camping items etc.

Garhwal Region , Uttarakhand
The sacred river Ganga offers the excitement of white water Rafting to the professionals as well as the amateurs. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi are the main tributaries of the Ganga and meet at Devprayag, frothing from their racy fall. The Ganga changes into a pool drop river from Devprayag. This stretch of almost 70 km is perfect for amateur and the learner; the river offers some fine Grade III rapids and two Grade IV. `GOLF COURSE` is 4 km below Shivpuri village; each followed by rapids, the `WALL` at Byasi and the deep and easygoing pools.

Sandy beaches line the river at internals, allowing river rafters to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir, with the occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife is visible at a distance, comprising mainly spotted deer, monkey, leopard, white multi-hued butterfly`s flies among flowering bushes. Spiritual retreats and ashrams overlook the river and add to the spiritual experience.

Kaudiyala Rafters Camp , Uttarakhand
GMVN conducts river-rafting courses at Kaudiyala. They provide rafts, equipment, riverside camping items besides all safety precautions and trained guides who make the sport a pleasure. Situated among the dense forest on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway, here the mighty water of Ganga are ideal for white water rafting there is also many opportunities to view wildlife in its natural environment. A natural walk along the river is a real treat for adventure lovers; rock climbing can also be approved.

Kumaon Region , Uttarakhand
The Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border, the Kali and the Gori rivers meet at Jauljibi where the water volume increases, offering adventure to professionals. Professionals do the tough 3 days of rafting. The forested slopes, lower down and the river become calmer offering the layperson a sporting challenge before flowing out into the plains of Uttar Pradesh. Mahakali Ganga river flows along the border between India and Nepal, a self contained river journey as well as an expedition or mega trip upto Tanakpur can be undertaken.

River Rafting By Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam , Uttarakhand
The rivers of Kumaon have never been opened for commercial rafting before. Therefore ancient culture of its inhabitants and enormous stretches of untouched, unspoiled landscape crowded with wildlife and migratory birds like cormorants and Siberian cranes are encountered in these rivers. The river, ever moving, signifies life truly. The river chooses wild, unfamiliar, mysterious and beautiful path. There is no better way to let yourself go and get such an in-sight`. KMVN provides rafts, equipment, camping tents, cook, and outdoor cooking provisions besides all safety precautions and trained guides. KMVN has set up a wireless communication network in the working area and all rafts are equipped with wireless sets. KMVN have set up a fully equipped river rafting unit together with experienced and skilled professionals to operate commercial rafting trips for tourists.

Kaliganga , Uttarakhand
Originating from Kalapani, the last immigration post on the Indo Tibet border (on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route) the Kaliganga actually determines the International boundary between India and Nepal. Together with its tributaries, the Kali River forms the major natural drainage system of Kumaon and western Nepal Himalaya. The average grade of the river is class III. The river and rafts flow past a constantly changing landscape of terraced hills of Nepali and Kumaoni villages, unique in architecture and culture. Due to the absence of road communication, the river valley is lesser explored, with virgin beaches visited only by migratory birds and an occasional thirsty animal. Incidentally, for fishing enthusiasts, Pancheshwar is Eldora do. The Kali is home to the famous Golden Mahseer and promises excellent fish game. The only catch is, you have to leave the big catches back where they belong.

Saryuiramganga , Uttarakhand
The Ramganga (E) originates from the Namik glacier, which is one of the most beautiful glaciers in the Kumaon Himalaya. Like its origin, the river follows a picturesque route through a lesser-inhabited valley, meets the Saryu at Rameshwar, and goes out to flowing together with the Kali Ganga at Pancheshwar. A rafting trip on the Saryu takes past remote villages, giving an insight into rural Kumaoni life and a complete leisure-rafting trip. It is ideal for beginners and the leisure rafters. The rafting section is a 30 km relaxing journey on the bright green waters down the river.

Canoeing And Kayaking , Uttarakhand
There is, firstly, the pleasure of a gentle canoe trip in a lightweight ally-metal craft that holds two to three people. The slope best suited for canoeing is the stage near the river`s entry into the plains where the trip can be combined with reasonable hiking and a naturalist`s holiday in the forest. For this, the suitable areas are Rishikesh, Dakpathar and the Ramganga in Corbett National Park. For the slightly more adventurous, kayaking is appealing as it enables originality on the river by a solitary oarsman or two, seated in cycle. The degree of difficulty would depend on the river gradient and its rapids. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus, September-November and March-April-May are most appropriate.