Not everyone wants to be thrown through a Grade IV rapid on their first rafting trip. The 9 km Brahmapuri to NIM Beach stretch is Rishikesh's gentlest commercial rafting route — Grade I and II rapids, under two hours on the water, and the lowest age limit of any route.
Quick Facts
- Distance: 9 km
- Time on water: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Grade I to II rapids
- Put-in point: Brahmapuri, about 9 km upstream of Rishikesh
- Take-out point: NIM Beach
- Minimum age: 12 years (some operators accept 10 with parents)
- Price range: ₹600 to ₹800 per person
The Rapids on This Route
1. Sweet Sixteen (Grade II)
The first rapid of the route. A playful standing wave that gets everyone laughing.
2. Body Surfing Rapid (Grade I-II)
A gentle stretch where most operators stop and let rafters get out and float through in their life jackets.
3. Hilton (Grade II)
Fun, forgiving rapid closer to NIM Beach.
Why This Route Works for Beginners
- No scary rapids. Nothing on this route will make you genuinely worry about falling out.
- Short enough to not exhaust first-timers. 1 to 1.5 hours is the right length to enjoy without being wiped out.
- Lower age limit. Most operators accept children from age 12 (compared to 14+ for Shivpuri).
Who Should Do the 9 km Route?
Good fit: Children age 12+, families with mixed ages, first-time rafters who are nervous, older adults, anyone wanting a gentle introduction, people with limited time in Rishikesh.
Consider the 16 km Shivpuri route instead if: you're a fit adult wanting some thrill, or you've rafted before and want to upgrade.
Safety for Children
- Child-sized life jackets must be available. Confirm this before booking.
- Weight minimum often applies (usually 40 kg).
- Children sit in the middle of the raft. Your guide will seat them.
- Brief your kids beforehand: what to do if they fall out (feet downstream, float on back), to listen to the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 9 km route too easy if I'm an adult?
Depends on what you want. If you want a thrill, go for 16 km Shivpuri. If you want a pleasant hour on the Ganga, 9 km is perfect.
Can my 10-year-old do this route?
Some operators accept 10-year-olds with a parent in the same raft. Confirm with the operator before booking.
How wet will we get on the 9 km?
Wet, but not drenched. The rapids splash you but don't engulf the raft.
Ready to book the 9 km route? See live availability on RaftingX →