White River Rafting is fast becoming the hottest adventure sport around and there's nothing quite like it to get the adrenaline pumping. This sport was introduced, in the streams and rapids that flow through the Darjeeling Hills, way back in 1991 and since then has gained tremendous popularity with overwhelming response from tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts.
 
 


The sport is practiced mainly in the upper reaches where the water is wild and white as it froths and foams, crashing against narrow gorges, rocky outcrops and stomach-churning gradients. As with trekking, mountaineering and other adventure-sports, river rafting has been classified and graded in terms of degrees of difficulty. Like any adventure sport, rafting has its inherent risks, which are minimised by the presence of professional rafting experts, navigatiors, world-class equipment and an overriding concern for safety of life and limb.

Knowledge of swimming is not a prerequisite, but it is an advantage. First-timers may find their hearts thumping frantically, but once you hit the water, it's a once in a lifetime experience that is sure to become addictive.

Whiteriver Rafting on the river Teesta & Rangeet (Triveni), against the backdrop of the spectacular Himalayan scenery with the hillsides painted with the stunning colours of the flowers and trees in blossom is simply an unforgettable experience.

The D.G.H.C (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council ) Tourism has taken the initiative to offer exciting whiteriver rafting packages for tourists.

R I V E R G R A D E S :
White Water Rivers (and the rapids on them) have an internationally recognised grading scale. The scales are as follows:

GRADE 1:- Small waves, easy to negotiate. For the beginner.
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GRADE 2:- Moderately difficult, but clear passages. Sets your pulse racing.
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GRADE 3:- Difficult, high, irregular waves, narrow passages, requires precise manoeuvring. Non-stop action.
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GRADE 4:- Extremely difficult, long, violent and highly congested. Only for experts. This one is for real!
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GRADE 5:-The hair raising limit. Suicidal. Only if you are looking for an alternative to the Russian roulette.
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GRADE 6:- almost unrunnable except by professionals



Equipment:

Basically, an oarflame raft that usually accommodates a crew of eight. It's navigated by an experienced guide using two large oars. Sometimes paddles are used for greater power to match the current. The rafts have inflatable compartments with vulcanised rubber bodies reinforced by nylon fabric and an exterior of neoprene. The strength is necessary for the raft to withstand the constant battering by waves and rocks. Life jackets and crash helmets are essential.


Necessities :

A set of dry clothes.
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Pair of sneakers, waterproof sandals, canvas shoes.
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Sun cap, sun glasses.
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Shorts, T-Shirts, Swim suit.
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Water bottle.
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Sun tan / Sun screen lotion.


Criteria:

 Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers are not permitted to go rafting.
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Alcohol intake is not permitted at least 6 hours prior to the river trip.
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Age limit is 8 years except for the float trips where it is relaxed to 5 years.
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Non-swimmers are welcome but their access may be restricted to certain section of the river, on the advice of the river guide/trip leader.

Rafting charges :
(For non swimmers :)

 Malli to 29th mile (1.5 hrs):
Rs. 350/-per pax.
Grade 2+ to 3.

29th mile to Kalijhora:
Rs. 450/- per pax.
Grade 3 to 4.


For the dare devils (swimming skills mandatory)

Tarkhola to Malli ( 2 hrs ):
Rs.450/- per pax
Only for swimmers.

Tarkhola to 29th Mile ( 3 hrs ):
Rs. 650/- per pax.
Only for swimmers.

Note : Transport charges are to be borne separately

For more details, please contact:

( RIVER RAFTING CENTRE ), D.G.H.C TOURISM :

TEESTA BAZAR.
PHONE NOS:- (03552)- 68261 / 68297 (TEESTA)
57992 (KALIMPONG)