River rafting on Teesta | Tourists places
Channel: Laughing Buddha
Date: 02/11/2021

White Water Rating on Teesta river.
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The Teesta River originates from the Pahunri glacier at 23,189ft, and flows southward through gorges and rapids in the Sikkim Himalayas. Meandering through the hills of Kalimpong, Teesta river rafting forges a path that is full of adventure. The river is flanked by white sand and its path is rife with large boulders, making it one of the best rivers for rafting in north-east India. The rafting trips on Teesta River start mostly at Melli Bridge and culminate at Geilkhola in Kalimpong. The roller-coaster rapids are sure to give any adventure enthusiast a great high, and the mesmerising beauty of Sikkim can be seen in all its glory as you raft down the river. There are small villages on both sides of the river giving you a fleeting glimpse of cultivated lands and north-eastern village life.
White Teesta river rafting was introduced by DGHC (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, now GTA) in 1991 and has been gaining popularity since then. Teesta is a treasure for rafting enthusiasts as the intensity of flow ensures that there are only grade two and above rapids. The newbies are recommended to take the course with grade two and three rapids, while skilled rafters can attempt grade four and five rapids on Teesta and Rangit both. The courses for both are clearly marked and there are organisers who take care of things depending on your skills and experience.
Popular rafting courses for Teesta
Most popular place to start your rafting adventure is Teesta Bazaar. Rafting starts at Tarkhola and the popular rafting course goes up to Kalijhora. Here are the most popular courses for rafting:
For non-swimmers and first-timers:
1) Melli to 29th Mile (1.5 hours)
2) Melli to Kalijhora (3 hours)
For swimmers and experienced rafters:
1) Tarkhola to Melli (2 hours)
2) Tarkhola to 29 Mile (3 hours)
There are longer sections also. For example, Bordang to 29th Mile takes about four and a half hours and involves grade two-four rapids.
When to do it
Surprisingly, this is one of those river rafting courses that is best explored during winter months. November through March are the most ideal moths for this. However, the water is ice-cold, so be prepared.

Cost
If you do just the rafting, the cost is generally ₹3,500 per boat, that can accommodate up to six people. If you wish to go for a package that includes travel from Kalimpong to the starting point, rafting and a night or two of camping, prices start at ₹10,000 per person.@laughingbuddha9527