This Is Your Ultimate River Rafting Guide In Manali

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Photo of Manali, Mandi Division by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Manali has always been a hotshot travel destination for everyone, all through the year in the north of India. Skiing, paragliding, snowboarding, snow surfing, and ice skating have been the primary attractions of Manali. However, only a few know that Manali also possesses some of the best rafting stretches. And trust us they are among the best in the mountains of India!

If you’ve got a group of adventurous pals, head to the mountains for an amazing trip! But before that a few essentials that would help you freeze the perfect plan.

White Water Rafting vs River Rafting

First things first! So white water is same as river water but with a tinge of froth formed in it due to rapid flow of water. The river water appears white as the current gets aerated and bubbly.

White water rafting is rafting done in frothy and turbulent waters similar to rapids. It is considered risky yet seems exciting for rafters. Mostly, grade 3 and higher grades come under the category of white waters.

Photo of This Is Your Ultimate River Rafting Guide In Manali by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

River rafting is calm in the waters which are not so bumpy and frothy. It is mostly done in grades 1 or 2 which offer a tranquil pace of river rafting and treat you to the beauty of nature at its best.

Photo of This Is Your Ultimate River Rafting Guide In Manali by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

Why Choose Manali for River Rafting?

In Himachal, there are four rivers that offer opportunities for rafting — Beas, Chenab, Satluj and Ravi. Manali rafting is usually classified in six categories on the basis of difficulty level. Beas happens to have the most ideal waters for different forms of rafting. The river has its origin in the Rohtang Pass and it blesses Kullu Valley on its way down. With the right kind of stability over a stretch of 20 km in Manali, the waters of Beas River thus become one of the most ideal rafting options in North India!

Best Time To Visit Manali For River Rafting

With the most ideal currents settings in Beas River, Manali rafting is done almost all through the year. It is only during the extreme winter months and months of heavy rainfall that the activities in the river are restricted.

The best of the river rafting in Manali happens in June and July. Monsoon does restrict if for a couple of months and it restarts by late October and goes on till early February.

Manali River Rafting Location

Photo of This Is Your Ultimate River Rafting Guide In Manali by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

As shared, river rafting in Manali is done in the Beas River. The ideal 20 km stretch from Manaki to Jhiri near Bajaura en-route Manali from Bhuntar is one of the best stretches for rafting in India.

However, there are short stretches in the Manali region for beginner’s level rafting in the Beas River. Pirdi has a dedicated water sports center that provides for a wide range of adventure activities in Manali. The sports center also arranges for various courses in rafting, kayaking and canoeing.

Best Organisers For Manali River Rafting

The entire route from Bhuntar to Manali is full of adventure operators on the roadsides. With an increasing footfall every year, such operators have made adventure sports pretty convenient in the region. Rafting In Manali. Visit Kullu Manali, and Adventure Manali are some of the online operators. There is no dearth of such operators in the region.

Safety Measures For Rafting

One must keep in mind the safety measures while enjoying river rafting:

Photo of This Is Your Ultimate River Rafting Guide In Manali by Tanvi Shah (travelstoriesbytan)

1. Participate in river rafting in Manali along with a bunch of teammates, never go alone on the rafting expedition.

2. Always go rafting in the daytime. Never opt for this water sport after sunset.

3. Opt for river rafting under the guidance of experts.

4. Don’t drink water from the river or indulge in careless activities.

5. Always wear necessary accessories such as a helmet and life vest.

6. Prefer to do river rafting in Manali online booking to get indulged in the rafting expedition.

Things To Carry For Rafting

There are certain things that are allowed and are also a must during your rafting experience. You need not worry about your belongings as they’ll be kept in a rucksack throughout the high tides and you’ll also be allowed the time to click pictures and make videos. Here’s a list of what all you can carry but make sure you pack light.

- Camera

- Personal Medications

- Valid Identity proof

- Water bottle

- Shoes/Chappals

- Extra set of clothes

- Waist pouch

- Swiss knife

Facilities And Cost For River Rafting

The river rafting in Manali is usually clubbed into various packages including overnight accommodations, food and a few other sports. Tented accommodations on the river bank are star attractions in the name of river camping and river rafting. Campfires and bonfires are arranged on demands to make nights full of memories.

The cost of river rafting in Manali starts from INR 500 to INR 1,000. The rafting packages start from INR 2,000 which include accommodation and meals for one night.

Now that you are equipped with all you need to know for Manali River rafting, set yourself for a Manali trip and row! So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Manali for an amazing holiday experience amidst the serene views of this land like never before!

Read on: Old Manali- A Guide to the Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh

Exploring Old Manali As A Backpacker

For more travel stories and information follow me on Instagram @travelstoriesbytan.

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