The Tons valley is a remote area and has a culture unlike any other in the region. The villagers in the Tons valley are believed to be descendents of the Pandavas and Kauravas from the epic Mahabharata. It also has some uncommon traditions such as that of polygamy.

Ever thought you would raft in white water set in some incredible high scenery? Tons river rafting is what you are looking for. A next level water rafting experience awaits as we run several rapids ranging from Class III to Class IV+/V, with whitewater sections separated by maybe a hundred yards or less of flat water.

The rafting begins from Gyunhatti and stretches 90 km up to Ichhari. The consistency of white water in this long patch makes it one of the best white water rafting experiences in the world today. Tons river is divided in “Upper”, “Middle” and “Lower” sections. Since the “Upper Tons” section is not fit for rafting, people start their rafting expeditions from the Middle sections. On the Middle Tons between Lunagad and Tiuni, the river drops at an average rate of 32 feet per kilometer. This includes a drop of 78 feet/kilometer over the last three and a half kilometers before Tiuni. You don’t need to imagine the mind boggling high that you would get while doing those lows amidst beautiful mountains and breathtaking sceneries.

As we go lower than Tiuni, we encounter a series of Class III+ rapids, followed by Afterglow, Channel Rapid, Pillow talk, Thrice Bitten, Deadly Dedsu before we reach the bridge at Atal. There are several Class 3 rapids on the way after which we flow into a gorge where we tackle the Lone Ranger, Three Musketeers, and the Roaring Bagni.

Sliding lower, the land assumes a gentler and more tropical rhythm from the alpine valley near the base camp. The gorge splits open at the bridge near Minus and the river flows gently for the next 7 km till we reach Major Surprise, the biggest rapid. Major Surprise is followed by a series of big rapids before the river flattens out again near the dam at Icchari.

River Rafting in Rishikesh is available throughout the year except monsoon. The suitable period for river running depends on the adequacy of water volume. Thus september-november and march-april-may are most appropriate. River rafting is closed at Rishikesh in monsoon season because the water level gets above normal and is a bit dangerous.

Rishikesh is a holy city for hindus situated in the foothills of the himalaya in northern india. Rishikesh is essentially considered as one of the eminent place for pilgrimage in india. Rishikesh is enclosed by shivalik ranges on three sides and is the initial point for char dham yatra. But Rishikesh is not just about pilgrimage, it is an adventurer’s real pleasure. Known as the ‘river rafting capital of india’ rishikesh in uttarakhand invites adventure lovers from all parts of the world.
Rishikesh is joined to other parts of india with a broad network of road routes. Private bus services, tempos (vikrams), auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle-rickshaws and taxis. Hence reaching rishikesh is not at all a tough task. (more…)