Rafting in Rishikesh happens on the Ganga above the town, and every stretch ends at Neem Beach, so the price depends mostly on where you start. For the 2026-27 season the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) fixed new rates, and press reports put them between ₹1,000 and ₹3,500 per person. Commercial rafting restarted on 24 September 2026 after the monsoon break. This guide covers the main stretches, the reported price for each, the season and the safety rules that apply to licensed operators.
Know before you go
- Where: the Ganga above Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, from Kaudiyala down to Neem Beach.
- Price (2026-27): ₹1,000 to ₹3,500 per person by stretch, as reported.
- Season start: commercial rafting resumed on 24 September 2026.
- Closed: during the monsoon each year.
- Operators: licensed firms under the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Rules, 2014.
- Weekend rates: may differ from the listed rate, as reported.
- Last checked: 3 November 2026.
In this Article
Rishikesh rafting price for 2026-27
The UTDB announced the new rate list when it opened the season at Shivpuri on 23 September 2026. The official order itself is not online, so the figures below come from news reports of the list. The reports do not fully agree, and the table shows where they differ.
| Stretch | Approx. distance | Reported price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Phool Chatti to Neem Beach | 12 km | Lowest band. Dainik Jagran reports ₹600, ETV Bharat says rates start at ₹1,000 |
| Shivpuri to Neem Beach | 16 km | ₹1,000 |
| Marine Drive to Neem Beach | 26 km | ₹1,500 |
| Kaudiyala to Neem Beach | 35 km | ₹3,500 in ETV Bharat and LiveSKG News, ₹2,500 in Dainik Jagran |
Distances and the Shivpuri and Marine Drive rates appear in the Dainik Jagran report. ETV Bharat and LiveSKG News give the overall range of ₹1,000 to ₹3,500 and name Kaudiyala to Neem Beach as the most expensive route. Dainik Jagran also notes that rates can change on weekends and holidays.
Before you pay, ask the operator to show the rate for your stretch and confirm what it covers. Pickup from your hotel, the drive to the starting point, a wetsuit in cooler months and photos are often charged separately or bundled differently by each firm.
Which stretch should you choose
Your choice comes down to how long you want to spend on the water and how many rapids you want to run.
Phool Chatti to Neem Beach
This is the shortest commercial run and the cheapest, so it suits families, first timers and anyone short on time.
Shivpuri to Neem Beach
Shivpuri is a common starting point, and the UTDB held its 2026 season opening there. At about 16 km it gives you more time on the river and more rapids than the short run.
Marine Drive to Neem Beach
At about 26 km, this stretch adds the section above Shivpuri. It is a good pick if you have rafted before or want a longer outing without committing to the full day.
Kaudiyala to Neem Beach
The longest run on the list covers about 35 km and takes most of a day. It starts upstream at Kaudiyala and passes through every section below it. Pick it only if you are fit and at ease in the water.
Rafting season in Rishikesh
When the Ganga rises with monsoon rain, rafting is shut, and it reopens once the water drops. In 2026 the UTDB held the season opening at Shivpuri on 23 September, licences were handed to firms that day, and rafts carried tourists from 24 September.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late September to November | The season reopens once the river drops after the monsoon. |
| December to February | Rafting continues, but the water and mornings are cold. Ask whether a wetsuit is included. |
| March to June | Warm weather before the rains, and a popular time to raft. |
| Monsoon months | Rafting closed because of high water. |
The exact closing date for 2027 has not been announced. If you plan a trip in late June, check with the operator before you book. Opening can also slip if the river stays high.
Licensing, guides and safety
Every commercial rafting firm needs a licence under the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Rules, 2014. At the 2026 opening, firms received temporary permission for 45 days from 23 September, with permanent permission to follow once they complete the procedures and pay the fees.
The tourism department also runs a tourist guide portal where trained rafting guides get a digital certificate and identity card. More than 300 river guides had registered by the start of the season. According to ETV Bharat, the department plans to let tourists contact and book guides through the portal in future. Around 700 guides are being trained in phases in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, with the Hanifl Centre and Aerie Backcountry Medicine.
When you book, keep these checks in mind:
- Book with a licensed firm and ask to see its licence.
- Make sure your guide is trained and registered.
- Wear the life jacket and helmet for the whole trip, and keep them fastened.
- Listen to the safety briefing before you get in the raft.
- Ask the operator about age, health and swimming conditions for your stretch, since rules vary by firm and route.
How to plan your rafting day
You book rafting through a licensed operator, either in Rishikesh or at one of the camps along the river. Ask what time your slot starts, since the drive to the higher starting points takes time. Carry a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and a strap for your glasses. Leave phones and valuables with the operator or in your vehicle unless they offer a dry bag.
Many visitors combine rafting with a night at a riverside camp near Shivpuri. If you are heading further into the hills, Rishikesh is the usual start for the Char Dham Yatra and the road to the Kedarnath Yatra. Travellers who want a quieter trek after the river can carry on to Chopta and Tungnath, or further up the valley to Badrinath.
The UTDB is also working on a first phase of facilities worth about ₹100 crore in the rafting zone, including parking, changing rooms and briefing rooms. These are not finished yet, so the facilities at each starting point still depend on your operator.
FAQ
What is the Rishikesh rafting price in 2026?
Press reports of the UTDB rate list put prices between ₹1,000 and ₹3,500 per person, depending on the stretch. Shivpuri to Neem Beach is reported at ₹1,000 and Marine Drive to Neem Beach at ₹1,500.
Which is the best rafting stretch for beginners?
Phool Chatti to Neem Beach is the shortest and cheapest run. Shivpuri to Neem Beach is the usual choice for first timers who want a little more time on the water.
When does rafting close in Rishikesh?
Rafting stops during the monsoon, when the Ganga runs high. It reopened on 24 September 2026 for the 2026-27 season.
Is rafting in Rishikesh safe?
Firms must be licensed under the state’s 2014 rafting rules, and guides are being trained in first aid and CPR. Book with a licensed operator, wear your life jacket and helmet, and follow the guide’s instructions.
Do weekend rates differ?
Dainik Jagran reports that rates may differ on weekends and holidays. Confirm the price with your operator before you go.
Official resources: Uttarakhand Tourism
Photo credits
Featured image: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Rishikesh rafting price for 2026-27: EzhilanG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Shivpuri to Neem Beach: Dr Satendra / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Kaudiyala to Neem Beach: Chakumar at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; Rafting season in Rishikesh: RishabhSanta / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Licensing, guides and safety: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; How to plan your rafting day: Vvnataraj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; How to plan your rafting day: Paradise Chronicle / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
