Kashmir is known to behold such immense beauty that travelers flock from all across the world to bathe in its glory. This magnificent land is bound to mesmerize you when it comes to providing a series of activities to do in the valleys. Whether you’ve been on a trip to this “beauty land” or not, there’s a lot you must know before taking the plunge. This is because Kashmir is not only renowned for its natural splendor but also for its adventurous sports like rafting which brings tonnes of adventure seekers here every year. Going for river rafting in Kashmir means you must get along with proper due diligence about the terrain and the time of the year so that you can make an informed decision. Find the best spots for this sport in the valley here.
Best Time For River Rafting In Kashmir
Owing to numerous geopolitical and climatic reasons, river rafting in Kashmir has been immensely regulated by the government of India. This means tourists have to be proactive about selecting a suitable time so that they can reap the best of this activity. For those planning to get their adrenaline levels pumped up, they need to know that arriving from April to September is the best time. On top of it, you must factor in various weather conditions of the day before proceeding with this activity.
Best Places For River Rafting In Kashmir
The rivers in Kashmir offer an extreme level of thrill. It takes a calm mind and nerves of steel to row the raft from point A to point B in this state. Hence, precaution and situational awareness are essential. Given below are a few great places where people can enjoy river rafting to the fullest.
1. Pahalgam
2. Sonamarg
3. Kargil
1. Pahalgam
The lush greenery and rocky terrain form an excellent spot for river rafting in Pahalgam. People love to participate in the annual competitions that challenge the rafting skills of participants. The river Lidder offers a great number of turns with challenging highs and lows, the participants are advised to be equipped with the proper gear.
The place has garnered a high rating on the international rafting rating system. With ratings going to levels 4-5, it is indeed considered to be a tough one. To sum it up, white water rafting in Kashmir is best experienced in Pahalgam. A lot of people from around the globe have tested their skills on the river Lidder. Their experiences speak volumes of the thrills that come equipped with a tour like this one.
Specialty: Sharp turns with highs and lows make for a great rafting experience
Must Read: Witness 9 Most Breathtakingly Beautiful Valleys In Kashmir On Your Naturescape!
2. Sonamarg
Speaking of tough rivers to conquer, the river Sindh offers similar challenges like Lidder. Its harsh terrain, coupled with rapid turns, creates an experience like no other. Sindh is considered to be a dangerous river for its fast flow and white water characteristics. The rocky surface also makes it really hard to point the raft in a particular direction. Sonamarg has a plethora of challenges that can amp up your experience of river rafting in Kashmir. Make sure you go prepared and carry all the essentials with you on the trip.
Specialty: The high rapids call for professional rafters
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3. Kargil
Zanskar is the site in the valleys of Kashmir that houses river rafting in Kargil. It’s said that this location offers an experience similar to the renowned river rafting of Colorado, USA. While gliding down during the activity, you’re going to witness the true beauty of Kashmir depicted by an array of monasteries, snow-clad mountain peaks, and deep gorges. This can be opted by rafters of all expertise levels, given that safety protocols are followed ardently.
Specialty: Great for those who seek tough challenges
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Tips For River Rafting In Kashmir
Safety should be a primary concern for rafting in Kashmir. Rafting is a physically demanding sport, and it’s essential to be on the top of your health and take all necessary measures to safeguard yourself.
- Never remove the life jacket.
- Wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes.
- Always listen to your guide.
- Always keep your hands on the T-grip.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Further Read: 23 Things To Do In Kashmir To See The Best Of This Heaven On Earth
While there’s no doubt that Kashmir is on the bucket list of many adventure lovers, it is mostly river rafting in Kashmir that provides the perfect opportunity for that owing to this place’s unique terrain and ferocious brooks. However, if you’re striving to maximize the fun, it’s crucial to do ample ground research before you take a trip to Kashmir to make your experience all the more thrilling and memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions About River Rafting In Kashmir
Who can go river rafting in Kashmir?
The age limit of 12+ has been decided by the authorities for this activity because river rafting in this region is far more difficult than other parts of the country. If you have children barely passing the age limit, make sure they have proper training before entering the waters. Also, in such conditions, river rafting should be carried in tight supervision of adults and experts.
How safe is river rafting in the Kashmir region?
As Kashmir is known to have tough terrain, reaching the rafting sites becomes a critical concern for the tourists. For this, authorities remain proactive about arranging transportation to ensure you reach the location without any issue. However, it’s the turbulence of rivers in the region that accounts for the difficulty of this sport. Kashmir is not the place for river rafting if one is faint-hearted as the valleys contain serene yet harsh rafting routes.
Where do I get all the equipment needed for river rafting in Kashmir?
You only need to include the essentials when it comes to packing bags for a river rafting trip in Kashmir. All the life-saving equipment and their usage instructions are given by the provider, along with a head coach and an assistant coach with the rafting team. They provide you kits that contain everything you might need during the activity.
How long does a river rafting session take in Kashmir?
Depending on the kilometers you are covering and the weather conditions of the day, the best river rafting in Kashmir can take anywhere between 30 minutes to even 2 hours. This means you need to pick the length carefully along with being watchful for the actual weather conditions before taking the plunge.
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