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Kashmir is undoubtedly a “Paradise on Earth”. It is the home to worldly natural flora and fauna. The state is filled with various world-famous tourist destinations, each of which offers a whole new perspective of how you see nature from your own eyes. Pahalgam is one of them. Being one of the most scenic places in the entire Kashmir Valley, Pahalgam is flocked by a number of tourists from India and also abroad. From picturesque landscapes, sparkling rivers, verdant meadows and soaring pines, you can experience all of that in this one quaint town of Pahalgam. Baisaran Hills, Aru Village & Valley, Sheshnag Lake and the Betab Valley are the top attractions.
The nature in Pahalgam is pristine, magnificent and truly mesmerising in simple words. The place offers a myriad of different sightseeing spots and attractions to nature lovers and also adventure freaks. Yes! There are a lot of sporting activities that you can take part in when you are in Pahalgam. Get all the information on white water rafting in Pahalgam below before you sign up for the activity.
Best Time For River Rafting In Pahalgam
Pahalgam experiences soul-soothing weather and climate through most part of the year. It starts to snow during the end of December and the snowfall continues till the end of March. That is why you mustn’t visit Pahalgam during the winter season if your main objective is to experience river rafting. January and February are also very cold and the temperatures drop to minus on many of the days in between this time. April-june is the best time to visit Pahalgam to experience river rafting. This is the spring and summer seasons in this part of Kashmir.
Do keep in mind that this is also the peak season of the year. Especially in May and June, Pahalgam is a little bit too crowded with tourists. The temperatures are warm, with clear skies and cool evenings. During this time, the average temperature is around 16°C to 22°C. This is the ideal time for adventure freaks to travel to Pahalgam and experience it all. The rivers are gushing with water and you can enjoy the best river rafting in Pahalgam during the summers.
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Best Places For River Rafting In Pahalgam
River Rafting in Pahalgam is usually done in the Lidder River or the Indus River. Depending on the kind of difficulty level you have selected, the journey will commence on either of the rivers. There are three options to choose from when you are planning to raft on the Lidder River – the 2.5 km (Lidder joy ride), the 5 km (Lidder long ride) and the 8 km white water rafting (extra long ride). Each of the courses is filled with grade II to III and IV rapids respectively. The Lidder River is a gushing river with a difficult current and meanders that the rafters will have to tackle. The rafting trip usually starts at the Langanbal Bridge and finishes at Ganeshpura for a distance of 8 km and takes about 45 minutes to finish. The further trip takes you all furthermore down stream. There are many centres and agencies who conduct river rafting in Pahalgam and you need to contact them for making the arrangements.
The white water rafting in Pahalgam on the Indus River is still not that popular and in its infancy. Therefore, it is better to visit the Lidder and enjoy a more thrilling experience. However, beginners and children can practice here easily. The most difficult and challenging rafting experience in Pahalgam is found at Zanskar River. It has a spectacular course through gorges in between the Zanskar Mountains, and also between Padum and Nimu. This is strictly recommended for experts and highly trained river rafters who have years of experience.
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Average Cost For Rafting In Pahalgam
The cost of river rafting in Pahalgam is difficult to tell. It depends on a lot of factors and that is why the prices can vary from person to person. However, the estimated cost of rafting is usually anywhere between Rs.1800 to Rs.3500. Depending on the duration of the trip and the difficulty you have selected, the prices will vary. Rafting can be even more expensive when you visit the Zanskar Mountains course for the most difficult rafting trip in the entire valley. The prices are clearly above Rs.4000 or more.
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Tips For River Rafting In Pahalgam
Here are some important tips that you need to keep in mind when you are going for river rafting in Pahalgam this year with others –
- Make sure to contact the local river rafting agencies and ask all the details they can provide about their trip and expenses beforehand. This will help you to get a better option and choose the one which is more affordable than others.
- Make sure to pack all your safety items like personal flotation jacket, etc. Even though all the tour agencies will provide you with the safety equipment, it is better to carry your own if you have one.
- You need to know about the hand commands and signals that the guide will teach you before the trip. Understand them thoroughly and use them when you are downstream, busy rafting in the river.
- You must always hang on to the tension rope that is attached to the sides of the boat when you are not rowing. Any kind of unbalanced movements can get the entire boat tumble over in the river.
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What To Pack For Rafting In Pahalgam
When you are going for white water rafting in Pahalgam, you will need to pack some important things for sure. You mustn’t forget to carry some small shorts, or a bathing suit that you can wear during the trip. These clothes are comfortable and allow you to make free movements. Sturdy and non-slippery shoes are a must during a rafting tour. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops when you get on the boat. It will help to avoid any kind of slip and fall cases. Don’t forget to carry a separate pair of clothes and shoes to wear as you get down from the boat. We also suggest our readers carry sunscreen lotion, in case they feel that the sun rays are too direct.
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Now that you are aware of all the important information and facts about river rafting in Pahalgam, you must include this activity to your itinerary of Kashmir trip. Make sure to take a note of them and follow our instructions for a better rafting experience when you visit Pahalgam this year.
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