WHITE WATER RAFTING

River rafting in the dazzling white waters of the Himalayan Rivers is the best in the world, with great rapids that challenge the body, invigorate the mind and the spirit. There are many river-rafting regions here which suit both professionals as well as amateur rafters. 

The magic behind white water rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. 
It’s that inexplicable feeling of incredible peace found in the act of flowing with the astounding current of the river.
One of the most magnificent white water rafting experiences one can have 
would be on River Beas.
The Beas River, one of the four major Himachal Rivers, rises from Rohtang Pass and flows through the Kully valley. Beas has, right from Manali till Jhiri, close to Bajaura in Kullu district, become a favorite among the river rafting lovers. On this 20 kms stretch, there lie exciting river rafting opportunities the memories of which will linger forever in your mind 

The river cuts against the rocky banks, crashes into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids. The river foams, swirls, dances and falls in a thunderous clamor. 

White water river rafting is done at a place Pirdi , about 4kms from Kullu on the river Beas, which flows out of the molten snow from the Himalayan glaciers and hence the water is ice-cold even in summer. The stretch is about 14kms in total.

I had joined a group of about six people and we were guided by an instructor.
The instructor is an important element for beginners as the rivers can be dangerous should you make a mistake. The instructor and his team made all safety checks. Our raft was checked for Right Inflation Pressure, Ropes were checked for Tightness.
After all safety measures were explained and checked, we started the trip.
The instructor guided us about the route and directions. Especially in areas of high swirls he ensured that our raft crossed the swirl and then moved ahead. The initial distance of first few kilometers went by smoothly with an occasional wave of chilly water splashing by.
 But the fun started after 3 or 4 kms. Rapids started coming in at a much faster rate. One big wave splashed on us and icy-cold Beas water made us remember that this isn’t as easy as it seems. Then we went to an even turbulent section. While we were paddling with vigor, the eddies became even wider. Our instructor kept guiding with commands " Forward", "Forward again", "Backward", "Stop" and motivated the group. I remember one person on my raft frightened beyond belief. It was funny for a while but then it was a bit worrisome as he wouldn’t even row due to his fear.
Hence at mid-point where the raft takes a break, this person left the group and the instructor agreed too.
At exactly this mid-point, i.e. after 7 kms, another river Parvati joins River Beas & it becomes the most difficult part since the water-depth also increases. There is also a Bridge at 7th Km.
In this latter stretch, the waves gather rapid speed and we were totally drenched and shivering but thoroughly enjoying our ride.
.Our bodies had become numb due to the continuous cold water splashing in from Beas .I remember I couldn’t feel my fingers and I wondered if I was even holding the paddle .
But what I did feel was the incredible sense of calm in the noise splashes of the cool water. It felt like being one with those glaciers and Himalayan snow. The entire route is also memorable with the glorious flora of the region and the scenic splendor of the mountains.
With the kms passing by, I didn’t want the experience to end, but well, it had to. But it was an incredible and momentous experience. In one word, Unforgettable.