There is no white water rafting in Haridwar itself. The Ganga is calm and slow at Haridwar’s ghats, so anyone in Haridwar who wants to raft goes for rafting in Rishikesh, about 25 km upstream (45 minutes to 1 hour by road). Rafting starts from about ₹800 per person for the gentle 9 km Brahmpuri stretch. This guide explains where to raft, what it costs, how to get there from Haridwar, and how to fit rafting and the evening Ganga Aarti into one day.
Is There River Rafting in Haridwar?
No. Haridwar is where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. By the time it reaches Har Ki Pauri, the river is wide, slow and divided into ghats and canals, which is perfect for a holy dip but has no rapids. Licensed white water rafting on the Ganga runs between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, in the hills just above Rishikesh.
So when someone in Haridwar says “let’s go rafting”, they mean a short trip up to Rishikesh. That is easy: Rishikesh is close, the roads are good, and you can raft in the morning and still be back in Haridwar for the evening Aarti.
Be careful with “rafting in Haridwar” offers. Any genuine rafting trip sold in Haridwar will take you to Rishikesh. Make sure the operator is licensed for the current season and tells you exactly which stretch you will raft.
Nearest Rafting Points from Haridwar
All rafting trips finish in Rishikesh. The starting point decides how long you are on the river and how big the rapids are:
| Stretch | Approx. distance from Haridwar to start point | Time on river | Rapids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri to Rishikesh (9 km) | About 30 km | 1.5–2 hours | Grade I–II, gentle |
| Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 km) | About 40 km | 2.5–3 hours | Grade II–III+ |
| Marine Drive to Rishikesh (26 km) | About 50 km | 3–4 hours | Grade III–III+ |
| Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (35 km) | About 60 km | 4–5 hours | Grade III–IV+ |
Most people coming from Haridwar choose 16 km Shivpuri rafting. It has the famous Roller Coaster and Golf Course rapids and still leaves time for the rest of your day.
Haridwar River Rafting Price
The price is the same whether you come from Haridwar or stay in Rishikesh. You pay for the stretch you raft. These are White World Expeditions’ per-person prices:
| Stretch | Price per person | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri 9 km | ₹800 | Families, children 12+, first-timers |
| Phool Chatti 12 km | ₹1,000 | A little more action, still short |
| Shivpuri 16 km | ₹1,000–1,500 | Best value for a Haridwar day trip |
| Marine Drive 26 km | ₹2,000 | Fit groups who want more rapids |
| Kaudiyala 35 km | ₹3,000 | Adventure seekers with a full day |
The price includes the raft, a certified guide, a life jacket, a helmet and a paddle. Carry a photo ID for the small government entry slip at the start point. Travel from Haridwar is not included in the rafting price. For timings and the full list of trips, see our 12 km Phool Chatti rafting page and the main rafting page linked above.
Want to stay a night? A rafting and camping package combines rafting with a camp stay, meals and a bonfire, starting from ₹2,150 per person.
How to Reach Rishikesh Rafting from Haridwar
- By taxi or cab: the easiest option. Haridwar to the Rishikesh rafting start points takes about 1–1.5 hours. A cab can wait and bring you back.
- By bus or shared auto: buses and shared autos run often between Haridwar and Rishikesh (about 1 hour). In Rishikesh, take a local taxi to our Tapovan office or the meeting point we share when you book.
- By your own car: drive via the Haridwar–Rishikesh highway. Parking is available near the rafting points, but it gets busy on weekends.
- By train: Haridwar Junction is the main railway station for Rishikesh. Many travellers arrive at Haridwar and go straight to rafting.
Our office is in Tapovan, Rishikesh. See how to reach us for the map and directions.
One-Day Plan: Rafting from Haridwar + Ganga Aarti
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:30 AM | Leave Haridwar for Rishikesh |
| 9:00 AM | Reach the rafting point, safety briefing and gear |
| 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Raft the 16 km Shivpuri stretch to Rishikesh |
| 1:00 PM | Change, lunch in Tapovan or Laxman Jhula area |
| 2:30 PM | Walk the Ram Jhula area or visit a café by the Ganga |
| 4:30 PM | Drive back to Haridwar |
| 6:00 PM onwards | Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (timing changes with sunset) |
Guide’s tip: book a morning batch if you are coming from Haridwar. Mornings are less crowded, and you get back in time for the Aarti without rushing.
Which Stretch Should You Choose?
- Family with children or elderly parents: Brahmpuri 9 km. Gentle and short.
- Friends or couples on a day trip: Shivpuri 16 km. The best mix of rapids and time.
- Fit group wanting more adventure: Marine Drive 26 km.
- Full-day adventure: Kaudiyala 35 km, including the famous rapid called The Wall.
Still deciding? Our guide on choosing the right rafting package compares every stretch in detail.
Before You Go: Age, Safety and Season
- Age: usually 14–60 years; children aged 12–14 can do the 9 km Brahmpuri stretch with a parent.
- Non-swimmers: can raft safely with a life jacket. Just tell your guide.
- What to wear: quick-dry clothes and strapped sandals, plus a change of clothes for the drive back to Haridwar.
- Season: rafting runs from September to June and closes in the monsoon. Check whether rafting is open today before you leave Haridwar.
For the full rules on age, weight, health and what to wear, read is river rafting in Rishikesh safe.
How to Book Rafting from Haridwar
- Choose your stretch and date.
- WhatsApp us your date, group size and the stretch you want.
- Pay a 30% advance to confirm your slot.
- Reach our Tapovan office or the meeting point we share, carry your photo ID, and enjoy the river.
Weekends and holidays fill up fast, especially in October–November and March–June, so book a few days ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is river rafting available in Haridwar?
No. There is no white water rafting in Haridwar itself because the Ganga is calm there. The nearest rafting is in Rishikesh, about 25 km upstream, where all licensed Ganga rafting takes place.
What is the rafting price from Haridwar?
Rafting costs the same as in Rishikesh: about ₹800 per person for the 9 km Brahmpuri stretch, ₹1,000–1,500 for the 16 km Shivpuri stretch, ₹2,000 for 26 km and ₹3,000 for 35 km. Travel from Haridwar is extra.
How far is Rishikesh rafting from Haridwar?
Rishikesh is about 25 km from Haridwar. The rafting start points are about 30 km (Brahmpuri) to 60 km (Kaudiyala) from Haridwar, which is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Which rafting stretch is best for a day trip from Haridwar?
The 16 km Shivpuri to Rishikesh stretch is the best choice for most people. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours on the river and has good Grade III rapids, and you can be back in Haridwar for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Can I do rafting and see the Ganga Aarti in Haridwar on the same day?
Yes. Leave Haridwar early, raft a morning batch in Rishikesh, have lunch, and drive back in the afternoon. You will reach Har Ki Pauri in time for the evening Aarti.
How do I go from Haridwar to Rishikesh for rafting?
Take a taxi, a bus or a shared auto from Haridwar to Rishikesh, which takes about 1 hour. Your operator will tell you where to meet in Rishikesh. A cab is the easiest option for groups.
Is rafting safe for families coming from Haridwar?
Yes. Families with children aged 12 and over or elderly parents should choose the gentle 9 km Brahmpuri stretch. Every rafter wears a life jacket and helmet, and a certified guide is in each raft.
When is rafting closed near Haridwar?
Rafting in Rishikesh, the nearest rafting to Haridwar, closes in the monsoon, usually from July to mid-September. It runs from September to June.
Do I need to book rafting in advance from Haridwar?
It is best to book a few days ahead, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking needs a 30% advance, and you should carry a photo ID on the day.
Is there any rafting near Haridwar other than Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is the nearest and most popular. Multi-day rafting expeditions also run on the Ganga, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi further up in the Garhwal Himalaya, but these are longer trips that start from Rishikesh.
Coming from Haridwar? Book Your Rafting Slot
Rafting from ₹800 per person with licensed guides and full safety gear. Tell us your date and group size and we’ll suggest the best stretch and timing for your Haridwar day trip.