Rafting Expeditions - Alknanda River Expedition
The Alaknanda River is the second major tributary of the Ganga besides the Bhagirathi. It drains through the big mountains of Garhwal and has numerous mightytributaries including the Mandakini, Nandakini & Pindar. A self-contained trip is a great introduction to expedition rafting . Apart from some spectacular scenery it provides you the thrill of running one of the most technical & challenging white water in the Indian Himalaya's that has grade 4 to 5 rapids with loads of adventure to offer.
Our river journey starts at Chamoli. The stretch between the Chamoli and Rudraprayag, is a classic river run, negotiate over 75 to 80 grade 3 to 4+ rapids, including the grade 5 'Hillary Fall' named after Sir Edmund Hillary's up-stream jet boat expedition called "Ocean to Sky",many decades ago.
Alknanda River Expeditions Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh - Kaldubagar
In the morning after breakfast we drive 6-7 hrs to Kaldubagar, through the pilgrim towns of Devprayag & Rudarprayag. Stay overnight in a hotel/river camp. After settling in, there is a briefing on the river trip and the upcoming days. We pack stuff in dry bags and get ready for the next day.
Day 2: Kaldubagar - Chamoli (River) - Kaldubagar
An early start takes us to Chamoli. This is the most challenging stretch of the trip. At the Putin we help in getting the rafts readied. A detailed safety briefing follows with instructions on paddling, rapids to be encountered etc. The expedition begins with a lot of grade 4/4+ rapids. Depending on the volume of water, we negotiate or walk around the 'Hillary Fall' rapid at Nandprayag. We call it a day at Kaldubagar after a long exhilarating day on the river.
Day 3: Kaldubagar - Gauchar
Today we raft till Gauchar. Get ready for another exciting day on the river with plenty of grade 3/4 rapids. We raft pass the confluence of Pindar at Karanprayag. The Pindar River brings in more volume, adding punch to rapids to follow. We camp on a big sandy beach, settle in to star gaze around the bonfire and get a good night's sleep.
Day 4: Gauchar- Rudarprayag - Rishikesh
After breakfast we get on the river and raft till Rudarpryag. Today the section is more "pool & drop" as compared to the start with plenty of grade 3/4 rapids. We reach the 'Kakar Fall' grade 5 rapid. After a thorough inspection of the rapid we negotiate or line up the rafts to enter the spectacular narrow box canyon. The canyon is narrow enough, about 15 meters, for a Kakar (deer) to leap across - that's where the rapid gets its name. Finish the trip after running the 'Holy Hole' grade 4 rapid. Drive back to Rishikesh. Transfer to Haridwar to board the evening train. Trip ends.
