A Ganges-Side Camp, a Day of Climbing, and a Grade 2-3 Rafting Finale
A 3-day adventure escape based at a canvas riverside camp on the banks of the Ganges, just outside Rishikesh — the original 2-night version of this trip with rock climbing and rappelling added on Day 2, exactly as our standard 1-night itinerary's own notes suggest as the natural extension.
After arriving at camp around midday and settling in over a buffet lunch, the first afternoon is given over to gentle activity — a short jungle trek or a swim at the river beach, followed by beach volleyball or badminton, and an evening bonfire with snacks before a buffet dinner under the stars.
The second day is the adventure centrepiece: a morning and afternoon of rock climbing and rappelling on the natural rock faces near camp, guided by certified instructors, with all technical equipment provided. This is the genuine addition that turns the standard 1-night camp stay into a fuller 2-night adventure programme.
The third and final morning brings the trip's highlight — a river rafting descent of the Ganges (16, 20, or 24 km options depending on water levels and your preferred intensity), with body surfing and cliff jumping along the way, before checking out from camp in the early afternoon.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Arrive at the riverside camp around 11 AM. Settle in and enjoy a buffet lunch (vegetarian). In the afternoon, choose between a short 3 km jungle trek near the camp area or a swim at the Ganga beach. Later in the afternoon, enjoy casual games — beach volleyball, badminton, and similar activities around camp.
As evening falls, gather for a bonfire with snacks, followed by a buffet dinner (vegetarian, with one non-vegetarian option). Overnight stay in canvas tents/camps on a twin or triple-sharing basis.
After breakfast at camp, spend the day rock climbing and rappelling on the natural rock faces near the riverside — guided by certified instructors, with all helmets, harnesses, and ropes provided. This full day of technical activity is what extends the standard overnight camp stay into a fuller adventure programme, suited to both first-timers and those with some prior climbing experience.
Return to camp in the afternoon to relax by the river, with another bonfire and buffet dinner in the evening before your final night under canvas.
Enjoy breakfast at camp, then set off for the morning's main event — a river rafting descent of the Ganges, with a choice of 16 km, 20 km, or 24 km stretches depending on water levels and your preferred level of intensity. Along the way, try body surfing in the calmer pools and cliff jumping at designated safe points. In the afternoon, check out from camp. Tour concludes with your departure from Rishikesh.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 2 nights accommodation in canvas tents/camps on twin/triple-sharing basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary (lunch & dinner Day 1-2, breakfast all days)
- ✓ River rafting equipment, certified guide & safety gear
- ✓ Rock climbing & rappelling equipment with certified instructor
- ✓ Bonfire with snacks on both evenings
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ Transport to/from Rishikesh or your hotel (available on request at extra cost)
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended given the activity level)
- ✗ Camera/GoPro rental fees (available locally)
- ✗ Tipping for camp staff & instructors — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Personal clothing, footwear, and items of a personal nature
- ✗ Any additional adventure activities beyond those listed (e.g. bungee jumping, payable locally)
Your questions, answered
Yes — both the river rafting and the rock climbing/rappelling sessions are led by certified instructors and are specifically designed to accommodate first-timers. Rafting routes and grades are selected based on current water levels and group experience; the 16 km option is gentler and well-suited to beginners, while the 20-24 km stretches offer more rapids for those wanting extra intensity. Climbing routes are similarly graded from easy to more technical.
Quick-drying clothing, a swimsuit (worn under your clothes for rafting), a spare set of dry clothes, closed-toe sports shoes for climbing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Avoid bringing valuables you're not comfortable getting wet — waterproof bags are available to rent locally for phones and cameras.
Yes — our original 1-night/2-day River Rafting Rishikesh package covers the camp stay and rafting finale without the dedicated rock climbing and rappelling day. This 2-night version is the recommended extension for travellers wanting a fuller adventure programme, exactly as suggested in our original itinerary notes.
September to June offers rafting-suitable water levels, with March-June and September-November generally considered the best combination of pleasant weather and good rafting conditions. The monsoon (July-August) typically sees rafting suspended due to dangerously high water levels and strong currents.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures (15–28°C), clear skies, and the best conditions for sightseeing, fort treks, and wildlife safaris. April–June brings intense heat (up to 45°C); July–September is monsoon, with some relief from the heat but reduced safari access in the tiger reserves.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage havelis, palace hotels, and well-appointed properties near the wildlife reserves, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury tented camps are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD depending on your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
