Though the formation of the Indian sub-continent is among the oldest in the world, the Himalayas mountains are among the youngest. A geologist can present conclusive proof that the Himalaya were once at the bottom of the ocean. The Himalaya have attracted geologists, geographers, Trekkers and lovers of nature. They have a strange fascination for artists, poets, photographers and mystics. They are a paradise for Trekkers and mountaineers and are the cradle of thousands of rivers, streams and glaciers.

The Himalayas extend over 2500 km in east-west and between 250 to 425 km in north- south direction. The most extraordinary thing about Himalaya is the way they have been formed in three parallel ranges known as Great Himalaya, the Lesser or the Central Himalayas and the Outer or the Siwalik Himalayas. Commencing at Nanga Parbat in the north-west, these reanges pass through Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Garhwal, Kumaon, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

Despite popular nation, the bulk of the Himalaya lies in India, Stretching over 2000 KM, from Jammu and Kashmir in the north Arunachal Pradesh in the East (excluding Nepal and Bhutan). India is an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. The perennial rivers of the Indian Himalaya offer the best white water, second to none in the world. A number of them still await exploratory descents.

The Indian Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh host a myriad of rivers offering white water for all levels of padding skills. From shot duration day trips, to self-contained multi day expeditions, India is a white water destination all year round.

Over the past 15 years, white water enthusiasm has grown rapidly in India. A handful of Indian white rafting outfitters, with experience and equipment obtained in the west, have pioneered many Indian rivers, and offer professional expertise and guidance. The India Association of Rafting outfitters- IAPRO (recognized by the Govt of India) was formed to set safety and operational standards on par with norms followed overseas. The association can be contacted at the following address for further information.

The following is a comprehensive list of the better known white water river in India.

(A) Indus River
Emanating in Tibet, The Indus river enters India in eastern Ladakh flowing from approximately 400 KM across the high-altitude desert before entering Pakistan.
Day trips based out of Leh, combined with monastery visits or 2/3 days trip from Leh to Khalsi (97 KM). Road access along most of the route.

Grade :   IV
Access:    Leh, Ladakh
Best Season:    July to September

Zanskar River          
The Zanskar river and its spectacular gorges rival the Grand Canyon. The four days self-contained expedition ( from Padum to Nimu; Class IV; 150 KM) can be extended to 2 weeks by running the Tsarp Chu, or upper Zanskar ( Class V), and continue after the river merges with the Indus till Khalsi ( entire trip- 300 KM)

Grade :  IV and V
Access : From Leh drive to Padum (2 Days via Kargil)
Best Season :  July to September

Beas River
The most popular river in the state: offering short duration trips, upper sections above Kullu and lower section below Auth offer challenging class V white water best suited for experienced Kayakers, Road access all along.

Grade:   IV and V
Access:       Kullu and Manali, Kullu valley
Best Season :     April to June and September thru October

Upper Ganga River
Other than being the most venerated river in India, the upper Ganga is the most popular white water river. Several outfitters operate semi-permanent camps between Devprayag and Rishikesh during the season. Short duration rafting and kayaking trips on the 70 kms stretch and longer multi-day expeditions on its two tributaries, the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers are possible road access partly along the route. 

Grade :     IV
Access :    From Rishikesh by road.
Best Season  :     October to April

Bhagirathi River
The western tributary of the Ganga sports lively and continuous Class III and IV white water. A self contained expedition trip begins at Tehri for 4/5 days and combines with the Ganga from Devprayag for the next 3 Days. Limited road access. Tehri to Devprayag for the next 3 days, Limited road access. Tehri to Devprayag is approximately 60 Kms. The upper Bhagirathi near Uttarkashi is Class V and ideal for Kayaking.

Grade :      IV
Access :        By road from Rishikesh to Tehri.
Best Season :     October to April

Alaknanda River
The eastern tributary of the upper Ganga. The Alaknanda offers high class white water and picturesque country side, Road access all along. Nandprayag to Devprayag is 120 kms. The river combines all along. Nandprayag to Devprayag is 120 KMS. The river combines with the Ganga for extended trips. Sections above Nandprayag offer class V AND VI white water great kayaking potential.

Grade :      IV +
Access :      By road from Rishikesh to Nandprayag via Devprayag
Best Season :    October to April

Tons River
One of the headwaters of the Yamuna River, the Tons demaracates the borders of Himachal Pradesh and west Uttrakhand. The river flows through evergreen forest in a series of Class IV and V rapids till its confluence with the Yamuna in the foot hills of Garhwal. Self-contained 6/7 days expedition from Mori to Kalsi is 180 Kms.

Grade :       IV and V
Access :         From Dehradun by road to Mori Via Purola in West U.P.
Best Season :    May to June and September

Teesta River
It is the primary watershed of central Sikkim with a number of smaller tributaries which offer great Kayaking Potential ( Special permits are requited for foreign tourists entering Sikkim), Self-contained 5 Days expedition from Dikchu (In Sikkim) to Savoke in west Bengal (110 KMS). The great Ranjit and the upper Rangjit rivers, both tributaries of the Teesta offer extensive Kayaking potential. 

Grade :       IV +
Access :      By road from Gangtok to Dikchu (3 hours)
Best Season :      October to April

Brahmputa  River
One of the great rivers of the world, it rises in the Tibetan plateau flowing eastward cutting through the greater Himalayas on entering India. A 14 days self contained expedition from Tuting to Pasighaat covering 230 KMS. Stretch through thick jungle and tribal settlements make this a premier river expedition in what must rank as one of the most inaccessible regions of the world. Other major tributaries of the Brahamputa- Kamenga, Kamla, Dibang remains largely unexplored and offer endless possibilities.
 
Grade :   IV and V
Access :   Helicopter flights from Assam to Tuting is the only means of Transporting gear and personnel. (Special permits and fee apply to all tourists entering A.P.
Best Season :       November to March