Kayak Expeditionin Rishikesh
Three days and up to 78 km of paddling, from the point where the Ganga is born at Devprayag down to Rishikesh. You camp on river beaches and a support raft carries the gear. Expect Grade II–III whitewater the whole way.
From ₹25,000per person
- Duration
- 2N / 3D
- Grade
- Grade II – III
- Group
- 4–6 kayakers
- Route
- Devprayag → NIM Beach
- Season
- Mid-September to end of June
Overview
What the course covers
At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda meet and become the Ganga. This trip starts at that confluence and follows the river for three days and 68–78 km until it reaches Rishikesh. You paddle the whole way yourself and sleep on sandy beaches that day-trippers never reach.
The first few kilometres below the confluence are the hardest of the trip. The two rivers are still mixing, the current is uneven and there are plenty of boulders to dodge. After that the river settles into long pools and steady Class II rapids until camp at Vyas Ghat.
The second day is the most varied. You'll paddle 20–25 km of Grade II–III water with calm canyon stretches in between, then go ashore to hike to a waterfall and walk Gartang Gali, a stone stairway built into the cliff by traders heading for Tibet. You spend the night at Kodiyala/Bhaysi.
The last day runs 30–35 km through the rapids rafters know by name: Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Club House. In a kayak, you sit at water level and feel every wave. You finish at NIM Beach.
A support raft travels with the group the whole time. It carries tents and bags, gives you somewhere to rest and acts as the rescue boat. You'll need at least two days of kayak instruction before you join, and travel insurance is required.
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Devprayag to Vyas Ghat (18–20 km)
- 5–6 AM: Leave Tapovan for a 4-hour drive into the hills.
- Around 10 AM: Arrive at Devprayag and stop at the ghats where the two rivers meet, then gear up.
- 10:30 AM: Launch. The first 5 km is technical Class II–III water among boulders. Your guide shows the lines and the support raft stays close.
- Afternoon: Calmer pools and easy rapids, with lunch on a sand bar.
- 4–5 PM: Reach camp at Vyas Ghat for dinner and a bonfire.
- 2
Day 2 — Canyon, waterfall and Gartang Gali (20–25 km)
- Morning: Breakfast at camp, then back in the boats.
- On the river: Grade II–III rapids with wide pools in between, where you can play or just float.
- Midday: Lunch on a white-sand beach.
- Afternoon: A short walk to a hidden waterfall, with a swim if conditions allow.
- Late afternoon: Walk Gartang Gali, the old traders' stairway on the cliff.
- Evening: Camp at Kodiyala/Bhaysi, with a barbecue by the fire.
- 3
Day 3 — Into Rishikesh (30–35 km)
- Morning: Pack up camp. This is the longest day.
- On the river: Roller Coaster, Golf Course and Club House, run from a kayak.
- Afternoon: Land at NIM Beach for lunch, then drive back to Tapovan.
- Finish: Everyone gets a completion certificate.
Good to know
Who can come
Paddlers with at least two days of kayak instruction, or the same experience from elsewhere. A roll helps a lot, but strong swimming and river sense can make up for it. We'll check your experience when you book.
The support raft
The raft stays with the kayakers all trip. It carries camp gear and bags so you paddle light, gives tired paddlers a rest, and handles any rescues.
Why Devprayag
Devprayag is the last of the Panch Prayag, the five holy confluences of Garhwal, and the place where the river first takes the name Ganga. Starting here means you paddle the Ganga from where it begins.
Kayak vs raft
By raft the same trip covers about 100 km. In a kayak we do 68–78 km because paddling yourself through Grade II–III water is harder work. You see the same water and camps, but much closer.
FAQ
Questions, answered
How much experience do I need for the kayak expedition?
At least two days of kayak instruction or similar experience. Most people join after our 4-day or 7-day course. A reliable roll is a big help on day one below Devprayag.
What does a day on the expedition look like?
Day one starts with a 5–6 AM drive from Tapovan. After that the days follow a pattern: paddle in the morning, eat lunch on a beach, paddle again in the afternoon, then camp with a fire. Day two also includes a waterfall and Gartang Gali.
What should I pack?
Quick-dry clothes, sturdy shoes for the walks, toiletries, a water bottle and any medicines you take. We supply all kayak gear, tents, sleeping bags and food, and the raft carries your bag.
How much does the kayak expedition cost?
From ₹25,000 per person. The final price depends on the season and how many kayakers are in the group (4–6). Message us on WhatsApp for a quote.
Get on the water
Small groups,
limited spots.
Pick a course and you'll book and pay securely on Sea Hawk Adventures, our parent company. Questions first? Call or WhatsApp us.
Book your course
Booking and payment open on seahawkadventures.com.
- Basic Kayak Course4 days · Up to Class II₹3,499/day
- Complete Kayak Course7 days · Up to Class III₹2,999/day
- Kayak Expedition2N / 3D · Grade II – IIIFrom ₹25,000
Accommodation and meals are not included in the courses. The expedition needs at least two days of prior instruction.