3–4 hours on water (5–5.5 hrs door to door)
6–8 people per raft
Challenging — Grade II to III+
Mid-September to end of June
14–15 rapids
Grade II and III+
The 26 km run from Marine Drive to NIM Beach is the single route that gives you the complete picture of what the Ganga has to offer. It combines both the Marine Drive and Shivpuri stretches into one extended half-day adventure, covering 14–15 rapids across the full Grade II to III+ spectrum — every named rapid on this section of the river in a single run. This is Sea Hawk Adventures' most-booked route, and it earns that distinction: it's the only package where you experience both the gradual buildup of the upper canyon and the full power of the lower Shivpuri stretch back to back.
The run unfolds in two clear acts. The upper section (Marine Drive to Shivpuri) warms you up with seven rapids that build progressively from gentle Grade I riffles to the satisfying collision of Crossfire (Grade III), where two river channels meet in a sustained burst of standing waves. In between, the canyon is stunningly quiet — wide blue-green pools flanked by forested Himalayan slopes, occasional kingfishers, and the kind of silence that people who live in Indian cities rarely encounter.
At Shivpuri Beach there's a planned mid-run rest stop with water and snacks. Your guide briefs the group on the lower section — because what comes next is a step up. The lower section (Shivpuri to NIM Beach) contains the most powerful water on this corridor: Roller Coaster (Grade III+), an extended wave train that rewards hard paddling; Golf Course (Grade III+), a wide, technical rapid with competing channels and lateral currents; and Club House (Grade III), the punchy finale that deposits you into the calm pool just above NIM Beach.
Between the big rapids the river is calm, swimmable, and beautiful. There are two body-surfing stops planned — one in the upper section and one at the transition between the two halves — where guests slip into the river with life jackets on and float through the current. These moments, drifting in the Ganga with nothing around but canyon walls and sky, are what many guests describe as the emotional highlight of the whole trip.
Who should book this route: The 26 km is the benchmark experience — if you're visiting Rishikesh for the first time and can afford the extra hours, this is the one to book. It suits adventure beginners who want the full picture and experienced paddlers who want a thorough river day. Minimum recommended age is 14. Moderate fitness recommended; the additional rapids compared to the 16 km route do ask more from your arms over time.
Free neoprene wet suits from December to March. Dedicated safety kayaker for the full 26 km. All guides hold valid certifications and a minimum of five years' guiding experience on this river.
The day begins at our Tapovan office. After a full safety and paddle briefing, the vehicle heads upstream to Marine Drive — a 45–60 minute drive through the forested Ganga valley. By the time you reach the put-in you'll have already seen several beautiful sections of the river from the road. Raft inflation takes 10–15 minutes; your guide uses this time to give you a river-specific briefing covering the sequence and character of every rapid on today's run.
The first half of the run is the Marine Drive–Shivpuri stretch — seven rapids that warm you up progressively. After two gentle Grade I riffles, you enter Black Money (Grade II) followed by Three Blind Mice (Grade III) and the spectacular Crossfire (Grade III), where two river channels collide in a burst of standing waves. There's a body-surfing and swimming stop roughly midway through this section — a chance to float in the current with your life jacket on and appreciate just how clear and powerful the Ganga is at this point.
At Shivpuri Beach — the takeout point for the shorter 12 km run — your raft pulls in for a 15–20 minute break. Water and light snacks are available from the crew. Your guide will check in on the group, give a quick preview of what the lower section holds, and make sure everyone is comfortable before heading downstream into the more powerful water ahead.
The lower half is where the Ganga turns serious. Eight more rapids, with the power consistently a grade higher than the upper section. Roller Coaster (Grade III+) arrives first — a long, relentless wave train that demands continuous forward paddling. Then comes Golf Course (Grade III+) — technical, wide, with boulders that funnel the water into competing channels. The run closes with Club House (Grade III), a satisfying punchy finish before the calm water of NIM Beach.
Pull out at NIM Beach, hand back your gear, and board the vehicle back to the office. Door-to-door, the full 26 km outing takes approximately 5 to 5.5 hours. It's a proper half-day on one of the world's great rivers.
Available at a suitable point on the upper section, conditions permitting. Your guide decides on the day. No extra charge.
GoPro-filmed highlights of your raft in the major rapids. ₹1,500 per raft, shared by all passengers. Book at the office.
Looking to stay overnight near the river? Pair this run with our Camping with Rafting package. Ask at the office for a bundle price.
