River Rafting in Kashmir

Quick answer: River rafting in Kashmir runs on the Lidder river at Pahalgam and the Sindh river near Sonmarg, mostly from May to September. Through Happy Jacks a run costs from Rs 1,500 per person and lasts 1 to 2 hours on mainly grade II to III rapids, with a trained guide, life jacket and helmet. Water is snow-fed and cold, so expect to get wet.

Ride the cold, fast currents of Kashmir's mountain rivers. You raft the Lidder near Pahalgam and the Sindh at Sonmarg, both fed by glacier melt and framed by pine slopes and open valley. Expect graded rapids, splashy stretches and calm pools where you can take in the scenery. Every trip runs with certified guides, life jackets, helmets and a safety briefing, so first timers and families are looked after throughout.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours | Best time: May to September, when snowmelt keeps the rivers flowing strong | Price: Rs. 1,700 per person

Lidder or Sindh: where should you raft?

The Lidder at Pahalgam is the easier, family-friendly choice with shorter stretches. The Sindh near Sonmarg is colder, faster and better for adventure seekers. Early summer snowmelt raises water levels and makes rapids stronger; late summer runs are calmer.

How does a rafting trip work?

1. Arrive at the operator’s start point, sign the form and get a life jacket and helmet.
2. A safety talk covers paddling, holding on and what to do if you fall in.
3. The run lasts 1 to 2 hours with a guide steering at the back.
4. Change into dry clothes at the end; bring a spare set.

Who can raft?

Healthy teenagers and adults. Operators set minimum ages and may refuse rafting after heavy rain or at very high water. Non-swimmers can raft with a life jacket, but tell the guide. Skip it if you are pregnant or have back or heart problems.

What to wear

Quick-dry clothes, sports sandals or old shoes with straps, no loose jewellery. Leave phones in the vehicle or a dry bag.

How to book with Happy Jacks

We book a registered operator and fit rafting into your Pahalgam or Sonmarg day, with your cab waiting at the finish point. Message us on WhatsApp (+91 94192 44962) with your dates and group size, and we confirm the plan and price in writing. Related: Pahalgam Tour Package, Sonamarg tour package, Kashmir Adventure Tour.

Written and checked by the Happy Jacks Tours and Travels planning team in Srinagar, who run these trips, drive these roads and operate our own Pahalgam hotels and cab fleet. Package prices on this page are read live from our published rates. Updated 16 October 2026.