River Rafting in Kashmir

River rafting in Kashmir in short

Direct answer: The two common rafting rivers are the Lidder at Pahalgam, about 95 km from Srinagar, and the Sindh at Sonamarg, about 80 km from Srinagar. Travel Etios Kashmir arranges rafting with your Pahalgam or Sonamarg day. The rafting charge is separate from the cab fare and depends on the stretch and season, so WhatsApp us for rates for your date.

Our same-day return taxi from Srinagar to Pahalgam or Sonamarg is ₹2,500 in a Toyota Etios or Swift Dzire and ₹3,500 in an Innova Crysta, tolls and parking included. See Kashmir taxi rates.

Pahalgam or Sonamarg: where should you raft?

Pahalgam suits guests who are staying a night or two in the Lidder valley and want rafting alongside Betaab Valley and Aru Valley. Our Pahalgam 5D/4N package is ₹19,999 per person (2 sharing, 5% GST included), and rafting can be added on request.

Sonamarg suits a day trip from Srinagar: rafting on the Sindh, then Thajiwas glacier if time allows.

When is the rafting season?

Rafting runs in the warmer months, when the rivers are open and the roads are easy, roughly late spring to early autumn. Water levels change week to week with snowmelt and rain, so the stretch and timing are confirmed on the day. Check the Kashmir weather guide for your month, and ask us before you plan rafting outside summer.

What to know before you go

Rafting is a guided activity: you go with the rafting crew, wear the life jacket and helmet they give you, and follow the guide. Carry a change of clothes and a towel, and leave phones and cash in the car. Tell us if anyone in your group is a child, a senior or a non-swimmer so we can plan the right stretch, or skip it. Swimming in the river on your own is not safe; we do not send guests into the Lidder.

Questions

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