Complete Rishikesh Rafting Price Guide 2026
Price by Rafting Stretch
| Stretch | Distance | Grade | Price (per person) | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmapuri → Rishikesh | 9 km | II | ₹450–₆₀₀ | Life jacket, helmet, paddle, guide |
| Shivpuri → Rishikesh | 16 km | II–III | ₹600–₉₀₀ | Life jacket, helmet, paddle, guide, transport to launch |
| Marine Drive → Rishikesh | 26 km | III–IV | ₹800–₁,₂₀₀ | Same + lunch at riverside beach stop |
| Kaudiyala → Rishikesh | 36 km | IV–V | ₹1,500–₂,500 | Full equipment, guide, transport, lunch |
Rafting Package Prices (Camping + Rafting)
| Package | Includes | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Shivpuri day trip | Shivpuri rafting + transport | ₹600–₉₀₀ |
| Shivpuri overnight camp | Tent, dinner, breakfast, morning rafting (Shivpuri run) | ₹1,500–₂,500 |
| 2-night camp + 2 rafting runs | Camping 2 nights, Shivpuri + Marine Drive rafting | ₹3,000–₄,500 |
| Kaudiyala full day | 36-km rafting + transport + riverside lunch | ₹1,800–₂,500 |
| Adventure combo | Shivpuri rafting + bungee at Jumpin Heights | ₹4,000–₅,000 |
What is Included in the Price
Always included: PFD (personal flotation device / life jacket), helmet, paddle, certified river guide, return transport from Rishikesh town to the launch point (for the Shivpuri run — Brahmapuri clients usually make their own way).
Usually included: Wetsuit (October–March when water is cold — confirm with operator), waterproof bag for phone/valuables, drinking water on the river.
Not included: GoPro/action camera hire (₹300–₅₀₀ extra; can purchase photos at the end), insurance (check; some operators include basic accident insurance, others don't), personal spending at the riverside beach stop.
Price by Season (Fluctuation Guide)
| Season | Price level | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| October–November | Standard / mid-high | High — book in advance for Kaudiyala |
| December–January | 10–20% below standard | Good — fewer operators open in January |
| February–March (Yoga Festival week) | 10–20% above standard | Very high — book 2+ days ahead |
| April–June | Standard / slightly discounted | High volume; easy booking |
| July–August | N/A (banned) | Not available |
| September | 10–20% below standard | Partial availability (short stretches first) |
How to Avoid Overpaying for Rishikesh Rafting
Book directly at Shivpuri: The best prices are at the Shivpuri launch point operators directly — not through hotel desks, travel agents or middlemen in Rishikesh town who add ₹200–₄₀₀ per person. Take a shared auto to Shivpuri (₹50–₈₀) the evening before and book directly with an operator there.
Compare 3 operators: Prices at Shivpuri vary by ₹100–₂₀₀ per person between operators for the same stretch. A quick comparison takes 10 minutes and saves a group of 4 ₹400–₈₀₀.
Package with camping: If you are staying overnight near Shivpuri, the camping + morning rafting package is almost always better value than booking them separately.
Don't pay online first: Most Rishikesh rafting is better booked in person at Shivpuri. Online booking through intermediaries typically adds 20–40% to the price for no additional value.
How to Reach Rishikesh
239 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs), 24 km from Haridwar (45 min). See Rishikesh overview.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Group discount: Groups of 6+ people typically get 10–15% discounts at most Shivpuri operators. One raft holds 6–8 people — a full private raft group may negotiate a fixed raft price rather than per-person pricing.
- Camera hire: The GoPro footage from the named rapids (Roller Coaster, Return to Sender) is worth having. Hire at ₹300–₅₀₀ from the operator — the resulting rapids footage is unlike any other holiday video.
FAQs
- What is the rafting price in Rishikesh in 2026?
- The 2026 Rishikesh rafting prices (per person): Brahmapuri stretch (9 km, Grade II) ₹450–₆₀₀; Shivpuri stretch (16 km, Grade II–III) ₹600–₉₀₀; Marine Drive stretch (26 km, Grade III–IV) ₹800–₁,₂₀₀; Kaudiyala stretch (36 km, Grade IV–V) ₹1,500–₂,500. Prices vary by operator, season and whether transport from Rishikesh is included. Book directly at the Shivpuri launch point for the best rates.
- Is there a price difference between peak and off-season rafting in Rishikesh?
- The price variation between seasons in Rishikesh is relatively modest — typically 15–25% between peak (March Yoga Festival, October–November) and off-season (December–January, September). The main constraint in off-season is operator availability — fewer operators run in December–January; confirm in advance. July–August prices are irrelevant since rafting is banned. The biggest price difference is between booking through a middleman (hotel desk or Rishikesh town agent) versus directly at Shivpuri — the latter is always significantly cheaper for the same trip.