Rafting Grades Explained: The Rapids on the Ganga at Rishikesh

Rapids are graded I to VI, gentle to unraftable. The Ganga at Rishikesh sits in a genuinely fun middle band: nothing above Grade IV, run with certified guides, safety kayakers, and PFDs on every trip.

What the grades actually mean on this river

• Grade I: Fast moving water, small waves. Barely a bump.
• Grade II: Clear, wide channels. Some maneuvering, low risk.
• Grade III: Irregular waves, moderate maneuvering. This is where most of the fun on the Ganga happens.
• Grade III+: The upper end of III, bigger waves and holes, still well within guided beginner range with the right briefing.
• Grade IV: Intense, powerful, requires precise handling. The Ganga's one Grade IV rapid, The Wall, sits in this band.

The standard run: Marine Drive to NIM Beach (24km)

This is the run most Atali Ganga guests book, 4 to 5 hours, open to ages 14 to 65. In order down the river:

Want more? The Kaudiyala extension adds two big ones

Guests looking for a longer, bigger day can run from Kaudiyala instead of Marine Drive, adding Daniel's Dip (III+) and the Ganga's one Grade IV, The Wall, above the standard stretch. See the full Kaudiyala to Rishikesh route guide for what that day looks like.

None of this requires rafting experience

Every guest wears a PFD at all times on the water and gets a full safety briefing before getting in the raft, how to paddle, what to do in a capsize, hand signals, the works. A trained guide and a dedicated safety kayaker are on every trip, and anything beyond Class 2 requires sign-off from the Operations Director before it runs. Swimming ability isn't a requirement.

Ready to book? See the full On The Ganga guide, the trip-planning guide, or book your dates directly.