Introduction: “I’m Not an Adventure Person… Or So I Thought”
I’ve always been the cautious one in the group—the “you go ahead, I’ll take the photos” kind of traveler. So when my friends suggested river rafting in Manali, I laughed and shook my head. But something inside me—maybe curiosity, maybe FOMO—whispered, “Why not?” That’s how I found myself standing on the banks of the Beas River in Babeli, clutching a life jacket and wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake.
Spoiler: I didn’t. In fact, I ended up discovering a side of me I never knew existed.
The Beas River: Where the Adventure Begins
Babeli to Vaishno Devi Temple – The 7km Starter Ride
Our rafting journey started at Babeli, about 10 km from Kullu. The views? Straight out of a postcard. Snow-capped Himalayan peaks, pine trees swaying like they were cheering us on, and the clear blue Beas rushing below. My heart was racing—and not just because of the rapids ahead.
The 7 km stretch to Vaishno Devi Temple is perfect for beginners like me. Here’s what made it unforgettable:
- The first splash of ice-cold water—instant goosebumps!
- Our guide’s booming laugh as he shouted, “Hold tight, here comes the first rapid!”
- That crazy mix of fear and exhilaration as we bounced over waves like popcorn in a pan
By the end, I was drenched, breathless, and weirdly… proud.
Learn more about the official rafting zones in Kullu-Manali from Himachal Tourism’s adventure sports page (dofollow).
Pirdi to Bajaura – The 14km Ultimate Ride
Still buzzing with adrenaline, we signed up the next day for the longer 14 km ride from Pirdi to Bajaura—the longest rafting stretch in Himachal. This one’s for the real thrill-seekers.
- Level 3 rapids during monsoon? Insane.
- The river’s force? Absolutely wild.
- Time taken? Around 1 hour 20 minutes of pure adventure.
I won’t lie—I was nervous. But the guides at Broza Adventures made everything feel safe. They briefed us thoroughly, checked all the gear twice, and didn’t let us hit the river until they were sure we were 100% ready.
And wow… flying over white frothy rapids with your squad, screaming your lungs out, laughing till your cheeks hurt—that’s a memory you don’t forget.
Why Manali Stole My Adventurous Heart
So, what makes river rafting in Manali so special? Besides the thrill, it’s the setting. Imagine rafting through a Himalayan canvas, with the scent of deodars in the air and sun glinting off snow-tipped peaks.
And if you’re wondering about safety—it’s solid. Broza Adventures, the company we chose, takes things seriously:
- Certified, friendly guides
- Top-notch rafts and life jackets
- No overloading (7 people per raft max!)
- No rafting during unsafe river levels
Plus, they follow eco-friendly practices. I liked that we weren’t harming the environment while chasing adrenaline.
Quick Tips If You’re Going River Rafting in Manali
Let me pass on what I learned (some of it the hard way!):
🧳 What to Pack:
- Dry clothes & towel
- Extra pair of float-friendly shoes or sandals
- GoPro or waterproof phone case (trust me—you’ll want the footage!)
- Valid ID & any essential meds
- A good attitude 😉
🛑 Safety First:
- No rafting after heavy rain
- Avoid rafting if you have heart conditions or epilepsy
- Never raft under the influence—alcohol and rapids don’t mix!
- Dress warm (yes, even in summer)—the Beas gets chilly!
When’s the Best Time to Go?
June to July is the sweet spot for River Rafting in Manali. The water levels are perfect, the weather is kind, and the views are magical. Just avoid the monsoon months (July–September), as rafting is closed due to high risk.
Is It Safe?
A lot of people ask me this. And my honest answer? Yes—if you go with professionals. With Broza Adventures, everything felt under control. I went from nervous wreck to repeat rafter in 48 hours.
For rafting safety tips and international standards, refer to the International Rafting Federation’s guidelines (dofollow).
My Takeaway: Sometimes Fear Is Just Excitement in Disguise
I went to Manali thinking I’d maybe try rafting once and get it over with. But I left with a new love for water sports—and a deeper trust in myself. There’s something about tackling rapids head-on that makes you realize you can handle a lot more than you thought.
So if you’ve ever stood on the edge of adventure, wondering whether to jump in—do it.
If I can do it, you can too.
Related Reads:
- Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Manali
- Ladakh in Winter: A Chilly Adventure Through Nubra Valley and Khardung La Pass
Now over to you:
Have you ever faced a fear that turned into your favorite memory? Or tried something wild in Manali? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
Q. Is river rafting in Manali safe?
A. Yes, river rafting in Manali—especially in the Babeli stretch—is considered relatively safe compared to other locations in India. While the activity carries some level of risk, licensed operators like Broza Adventures ensure proper safety measures and trained guides for a secure and thrilling experience.
Q. What is white water rafting?
A. White water rafting is an adventure sport that involves navigating a raft through turbulent, foamy waters—typically in river rapids. The term “white water” comes from the frothy appearance created by fast-moving currents over rocks and drops.
Q. What is the best time to visit Manali for river rafting?
A. The best time for river rafting in Manali is between June and July, when the water levels are ideal, and the weather is pleasant. However, it’s always best to check local conditions before planning your trip.
Q. Which river flows near Manali?
A. The Beas River flows through Manali. Originating at an elevation of 4,361 meters in the Himalayas, it winds its way through lush valleys and pine forests before eventually merging into the Sutlej in Punjab.
