River Rafting in Manali
Manali has always been the favorite travel destination for most people throughout the year. It has been the most-liked place, especially for the adventure enthusiasts. Besides the coniferous forests and wide Himalayan Mountain ranges, there is much more Manali offers. For some people, this place is a solace, and for others, it is a place for exciting adventurous activities. On one side there is lush greenery, forests, and mountains, and streaming rivers on the other.
Plenty of adventurous activities and water sports attract people to visit Manali. Travel agencies and sports agencies offer packages of all budgets throughout the year. Out of plenty of adventurous activities, river rafting in Manali is the prime attraction. It is considered to offer India’s best rafting stretches.
If you want to experience the real thrill and adventure then, head to Manali. Make yourself ready to address the unforgettable and wonderful experience of rafting in the Beas River in Manali. With splashing water waves on your face and amazing views around, have the best experience ever.
Before heading for rafting in Kullu-Manali to have a thrilling experience, a few things you should consider. Because safety is the most important factor to consider while performing such activities.
How to reach Manali and what is the best time to enjoy rafting in Manali?
You can reach by road, train, and air as well depending on your budget. By road, you can come by your vehicle, cab, or bus. The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu-Manali Airport located in Bhuntar. It is located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Manali. If you are planning to travel by train then, Jogindernagar is the nearest railway station to Manali.
You can book your accommodation with the help of travel agencies that offer you several deals. Some mobile applications are also there to help you find the best organizations to enjoy rafting in Manali.
Best time to enjoy Rafting in Kullu-Manali
Although rafting goes throughout the year except for a few months in Kullu-Manali. But June and July are considered the best months to enjoy river rafting in Kullu. However, it is better to confirm the water condition of the Beas River before going there. Sometimes rafting is closed there due to heavy rainfall or weather conditions.
The usual operational hours of rafting are from 10 am to 4 pm which may change depending on weather conditions. The duration of rafting ranges between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the distance.
Different stretches and rapids of rafting in Manali
If you are planning for river rafting in Kullu-Manali, it is important to collect all the information about it. to 4 P.M. It starts from Pirdi and includes places like Bajaura, Sarabai, Bhuntar, Mohal, Raisol, and Katrain. The distance of rafting varies depending on the variant you choose. Usually, there are two variants – short distance (7 km) and long distance (14 km).
The longest rafting is 14 km starting from Pirdi and ending at Bajaura which takes almost 1.5 hours to complete. It is the most adventurous stretch of rafting in Kullu. The 7 km stretch also starts from Pirdi but ends at Bhuntar and takes almost 30-35 minutes to complete.
Different rapids of rafting in Kullu-Manali
Rapid 1: It is the starting point of the rafting process and is usually for beginners. It involves the least risks and less water tribulation with shorter waves.
Rapid 2: In this rapid water gets harsher with stronger waves. You should be well-prepared before entering this rapid. You should tighten your helmet, live jacket, and ropes as the water becomes harsher as you move ahead.
Rapid 3: As you enter this level, you will encounter foaming water with strong water currents. The rafting becomes more adventurous and exciting as you enter this level. You will experience the sudden rise and drop of the raft which not only excites you but the risks also increase. So, prepare yourself to handle the upcoming challenges.
Rapid 4: You will encounter the strongest and most irregular water waves during this level. You will observe several obstacles while rafting during this level. You should stay extra alert because the rapid becomes more rigid at certain places. So, are you ready to witness the most adventurous and exciting river rafting in Kullu-Manali?
Things to know while going rafting in Manali
Age limit: River rafting is considered safe for people aged between 16 to 45 years.
Make sure the sports agency you are dealing with has well-trained and experienced trainers and instructors with quality equipment.
People with heart problems, children, and pregnant women should avoid rafting. Along with that, people with chronic neck or back pain, and recent surgeries should also avoid this activity.
Go for a medical checkup before going for rafting and make sure that you are fit. If you are unfit or feeling sick at the time of rafting, you will not be allowed to do that.
Knowing the basics of swimming is good for you. Because in case you fall in the water, you can manage the situation.
Reach at the rafting location half an hour before the time of action. Be attentive to the instructor while he/she is briefing about the safety measures. Moreover, discuss what situations you can expect during rafting and how to manage them.
Discuss with the instructor which stretch is safe for you depending on your experience. Because safety is important along with adventure.
Make sure to have a well secured helmet, and life jacket to survive the harsh water currents. Listen to your instructor and don’t perform any activity without proper guidance.
Things to carry while going rafting in Kullu-Manali
- Bring a valid ID card on which your address is mentioned. A PAN card is not considered a valid ID proof. For international people, it is necessary to show their passport and visa details.
- Carry a water bottle, an extra set of clothes, and a first aid box with personal medicines (if taking any) as well.
- Wear comfortable clothes, and firm footwear, and carry a waist pouch
- You can carry your cell phone and camera as well to click pictures
Cost of river rafting in Manali
The river rafting in Kullu-Manali costs different depending on the facilities you are taking. Different agencies have different prices for rafting including several other facilities like other sports, accommodation, food, etc. Plenty of hotels and resorts are near the river bank. But most people go camping and prefer to stay in tents. You can also enjoy full-night bonfires and make wonderful memories.
The cost of river rafting in Manali starts at INR 500 and increases depending on the distance. The 14 km rafting stretch costs up to INR 2000 per person. However, rafting packages start from INR 2000-INR 3000 per person including accommodation and food for one night. If you want to be a part of other activities like canoeing, skiing, and many more, the cost will increase.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have gathered all the information related to rafting in Kullu, pack your bags for an adventurous Manali trip. Don’t wait much, come to Manali and enjoy one of the best river rafting here. Along with the thrilling rafting experience, you will get a sense of calmness from the beautiful mountains and forest all around.
You will enjoy one of the best and safest rafting in Manali with different packages. Rafting in Kullu-Manali has 4 rapids and with every rapid the fun and adventure keep increasing. You can choose the suitable variant for yourself after discussing it with the instructors.
Believe it or not, but the Manali trip is going to be one of your most adventurous and memorable trips. So, what are you waiting for, plan a Kullu-Manali trip with your family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, river rafting is one of the prime attractions out of several activities happening almost throughout the year in Manali. If you are planning on rafting then, Manali is a very good and safer option than other places. The time between June and July is best for river rafting in Kullu-Manali.
Yes, river rafting in Kullu is much safer than other rafting places in India like Rishikesh, Coorg, Ladakh, Sikkim, etc. Although rafting is not an easy thing, with proper safety measures and guidance you can enjoy it. So, you should take part in this activity only under the trainer’s supervision.
No, Solang Valley does not offer rafting. Because it is known as Snow Valley and offers several snow activities. You can enjoy several other sports here like skiing, parachuting, paragliding, mountaineering, etc.
River rafting in Kullu has different stretches with different distances. Rafting starting from Pirdi and ending at Bajaura is said to be the best and most exciting rafting stretch. This stretch is 14 km long and you will experience high-low and irregular water waves with breathtaking beauty all around. You will have an adrenaline rush never like before and will go home with unforgettable memories.
