Beyond sightseeing, the northeastern state of Sikkim is an incredible adventure sport destination. Adventurers from all over India flock to Sikkim for participating in a myriad of adrenaline surging activities. Sikkim’s topography consists of mountainous terrains, valleys, rivers, lakes and thick woodlands. Due to the aforementioned physical features of this tiny state, a range of adventure activities can be enjoyed here. There are popular trekking trails that challenge your endurance. High points that let you get a bird’s eye view of the valleys and villages while paragliding. Easy and hard mountainous routes for mountain biking, and picturesque locales for rock climbing, camping, etc.
Of all the popular adventure sports in Sikkim – one that's the most thrilling and nerve-racking is hands down river rafting. White water rafting includes rowing an inflated rubber raft over roaring rapids of a river with a paddle. Typically 6 to 8 people sit together locking in their feet and paddle the raft from one point to another. The strength of arms, coordination and synchronicity with other members is extremely important. So is listening to your guide and following their command, especially if you are a beginner. The sense of accomplishment post rafting will fill your heart with joy and pride.
If you are ready for a river rafting experience and want to learn more about it, keep reading below:
River Rafting in Sikkim: Where to Go for Rafting?
River rafting in Sikkim takes place in Teesta River and its tributary Rangit River. Let’s first talk about the Teesta River.
1. Teesta River:
Teesta river originates from the Pauhunri Mountain of the eastern Himalayan range. It is actually a tributary of the Jamuna River (Brahmaputra River). Teesta river nurtures the state and is called as the lifeline of Sikkim. It flows through the state of Sikkim and West Bengal. The entire stretch of Teesta river is around 309 km (192 miles) and its bubbly waters generate incredible rapids for rafting. The rapids are suitable for experienced and beginner rafters. If you like to challenge yourself, there are also stronger rapids that give an exhilarating experience to the rafters.
The overall difficulty levels of Teesta River ranks level 3 and 4. The stretch of Teesta River is rocky. An amateur or beginner should only participate in rafting with a group of expert rafters. Melli to Kalijhora is one of the most challenging stretches of Teesta river to raft. It covers a distance of 30 km with grade 2 and 4 level rapids. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to cover this stretch. Each rapid on Teesta river has its own interesting name and characteristics like Breaker Rapid, Surprise Rapid, etc.
If you will be rafting for the first time, it’s advisable to choose a short stretch with moderate level of challenge. Tarkhola to Melli is an easy stretch of Teesta river to raft on. It is 20 km long and has grade 1 to grade 3 levels of rapids.
2. Rangit River:
As mentioned above, Rangit (alternatively spelt as Rangeet) river is a tributary of Teesta River. This river forms a boundary between Sikkim and Darjeeling districts. This river is 80 kilometres long. Passing through the towns of Jorethang, Pelling and Legship, Rangit river finally joins Teesta river at a confluence called Triveni. This point is a popular spot for picnics and camping. The turbulent rapids of Rangit rivers are adrenaline inducing and fill rafters with rush and excitement. The overall rapid level of Rangit river is grade 2 and grade 4.
You can choose either of the above rivers to go rafting. Most rafting in Sikkim starts from a town called Melli also known as Malli. This is a peaceful and quiet town lying on the borders of Sikkim and West Bengal. Many campers also visit this town to relish the river side camping.
Best Time for River Rafting in Sikkim | Ideal Weather of Rafting in Sikkim
Plan your Sikkim tourism anywhere between the months of March to May for river rafting. March to May is the best time for river rafting in Sikkim. The period between March and May is the Spring and Summer Season. It is suitable for all types of adventure sports in Sikkim. The glacial winters take a back seat and the warm cast of sunshine melts away the snow. The river bubbles again with cold and foamy waters, perfect for rafting.
The pristine beauty of Sikkim and its stunning landscapes are beautiful to observe. While rafting you too can watch the amazing scenery of verdant vegetation, colourful villages, and hill tops. The weather in Sikkim from March to May is warm and pleasant during the day and cool during the night. The highest average temperature in Sikkim is around 24 to 25 degree celsius and the minimum is 10 to 16 degree Celsius. Make sure to pack the suitable clothing and warm thermals for the night.
After May, the monsoon season sets its feet in Sikkim which makes it difficult to plan a rafting tour to Sikkim. During the rainy season, the flow of the river exceeds and they become all the more roaring. It is not at all suitable to go for a rafting session in any river during the monsoon season.
Estimated Cost for River Rafting in Sikkim
The cost of river rafting in Sikkim varies based on the season of travel, type of rafting, location and duration of the raft. The estimated cost of river rafting in Sikkim can range anywhere from INR 3500 to INR 6000 per person. A raft boat can accommodate up to 6 to 8 people including a guide/ rescuer.
Important Tips for River Rafting in Sikkim
For a convenient and hassle-free river rafting experience, please consider the following tips:
1. Only choose trusted and reputed raft operators in Sikkim.
2. For scoring a better price on rafting, get prices from three to four tour operators. This will help you compare and contrast the best price that fits in your budget.
3. Listen to the safety instructions and techniques of your guide carefully. If you feel jittery, you may request a practice session a day prior to your actual rafting session.
4. If you are a beginner or amateur rafter, it is best to choose an easier rapid and short stretch of rafting. This will give you practice and build confidence for longer and more difficult stretches.
5. Keep a bag of your belongings like cellphone, wallet, charger etc. and secure it in a safe place.
6. Make sure to be physically fit and active to go for a rafting session. The constant paddling and rowing requires a lot of strength—it’s essential to be in your optimal health.
What to Pack for a Rafting Adventure in Sikkim?
These are the following items to pack for rafting trip in Sikkim or in general:
1. Dry-fit clothes: There is no way you could save yourself from getting drenched from head to toe. Hence, it is best to wear quick dry-fit clothes that are waterproof and comfortable for rafting.
2. Sturdy Sandals: Skip your canvas sneakers or flimsy flip-flops. For rafting, choose a pair of strong and sturdy sandals. Make sure the sandals are anti-skid.
3. Waterproof Bags: Keep a waterproof bag that can secure your essentials like cash, ID proofs, mobile phone, etc. You can also keep your dry clothes in this bag that you will wear after rafting.
4. A First-aid Kit: Although the tour guide and instructors ensure that rafting sessions are completed without any minor injuries. But in case, having a first-aid kit will come handy. Prepare a kit with bandages, pain killers, anti-specific liquid, pain relief spray, paracetamol, etc.
Following the above tips and preparing yourself will let you have the time of your life white rafting in Sikkim. And which true-blue adventurer wouldn’t like to conquer the rapids of Rangit and Teesta river? Just to reiterate, the level of rapids in Teesta river is grade 3 and grade 4, while level of rapids in Ringit river is grade 2 and 4. So choose wisely, and explore Sikkim for an epic adventure trip.
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