Trying White Water Rafting on the Kameng River in Arunachal Pradesh

The dense forests and steep hills of Arunachal Pradesh merging into the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan range offer ample opportunity to travellers for adventurous activities. Whether you undertake a trek to the remote mountain valleys or engage in some exhilarating white water rafting, Arunachal Pradesh does not disappoint the thrill seekers and the nature lovers. One such offbeat adventure in Arunachal Pradesh that you need to try is river rafting on the Kameng River. This unexplored white water rafting destination is sure to kindle the dormant adventurous spirits in you.

True, the lush green rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh surround some of the most exuberant rivers in the world with challenging white-water current. Nevertheless, it is not just the challenge of negotiating the exuberant waters of these rivers that the rafters fall for. The mesmerizing views of the rainforest on the slopes of the mountains, the stunning gorges, and the chirping of exotic birds complement the thrill of manoeuvring the grade III and grade IV rapids.

Enjoy the thrill of riding through the exhilarating rapids on the Kameng River while passing through lush green rainforests and tiger reserves. So if you are seeking an adventurous experience in the state of Arunachal Pradesh then rafting on the Kameng River is a must!

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Origins of the Kameng River

Kameng River originates from the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh and was previously known as Bhareli River. It emanates from a glacial lake below the snow-capped Gori Chen Mountain along the Indo-Tibetan border and flows through Bhalukpong in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh with the haughty exuberance of a young river. It then goes to Sonitpur District of Assam. It is also a major tributary of Brahmaputra River and joins this mighty river at Tezpur in Assam. However, what makes this an ideal river for some exhilarating and enchanting river rafting is not just its exuberant flow, but also the verdant nature that populates its shores, near or at a distance.

Kameng River is situated at the border of East and West Kameng Districts as well as the boundary between two sanctuaries – Sessa and Eaglenest – to the West and one tiger reserve – the Pakke Tiger Reserve – to the East. To the east of the river is situated the Dafla Hills and to the west is situated the Aka Hills. All these make Kameng a fascinating, medium volume river with mesmerizing sights on the shores and challenges to negotiate during rafting. There are some surprisingly real deep gorges, consistent rapids, pristine rainforests, and fun camps along the flow of the river.

Kameng River Rafting Arunachal – A Lesser Known Adventure

The river has only recently been opened for white water rafting and since then this offbeat adventure in Arunachal has mesmerized rafters with its challenges and natural sceneries that one can observe while travelling through the lush rainforests.

Rafting in the Kameng River usually takes place in the Seppa to Bhalukpong route. Seppa is the headquarters of the East Kameng district. Lying by the Kameng River, this town also has a helipad and is connected to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tezpur in Assam.

Camps are usually set up at Marjangle for briefing about the route and challenges one has to encounter during a Kameng River Rafting Arunachal – A lesser known adventure. Marjangle itself is a beautiful beach where you can take a walk and behold the sight of rre birds while getting ready for the expedition with all the equipment including the raft. You will start feeling the thrill the night before you set on for the expedition.

Seppa is chosen as the starting point since here the river is comparatively calm. You would cross just a few rapids, which are pretty easy ones for an experienced rafter, and drift through the thick canopy of foliage. As you drift downwards, the river starts unfolding its true character. You would encounter some really thrilling grade IV rapids, which you need to cross quite deftly. Indeed, these are vigorous rapids to encounter in any white water rafting, especially during the initial legs of rafting.

 During a Kameng River Rafting Arunachal – A lesser known Adventure, you don’t just encounter rapids, but also pass through some stunning gorges offering spectacular views. Once you have negotiated the grade IV rapids, grade III ones will appear that are more fun providing a bouncy ride since by that time new rivers and streams start pouring water into the river. After leaving the first gorge, you can rather sail through the Seppa town. You can pitch a camp here on the beach. With new mountain streams of various sizes and origins emptying into the Kameng River, this spot calls for some rest and enjoying the enchanting natural surroundings. It is an ideal place to laze around, walk, and to explore the remote gorge. You can also get to see some rare birds and do some fishing in the river.

From here on the volume of water increases as the Kameng River is joined by the Bichom River. The grade IV rapids become more treacherous and they will really test your mettle. In fact, you may need to do some scouting before negotiating the rapids in the gushing river in this offbeat adventure in Arunachal.

The view of the dam site and the white water during the course of negotiating the rapids and gorges nourishes the adventurous element of rafting on the Kameng River. On the last day, you will encounter a stunning gorge and a number of grade III and grade IV rapids. You will reach Bhalukpong on the last day of the rafting where the river enters the plains of Assam and becomes slow.

 Rafting is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the expansive beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. The Kameng River is one of the rafting zones across the state that provides travellers with the opportunity to partake in white water rafting. Comparatively, unexplored this white water rafting adventure is uncrowded allowing you to enjoy the pristine waters, rainforests, and gorges freely. Many local adventure companies offer exciting rafting packages that you can book online. Best time of rafting on the Kameng is from the middle of September to the end of June. So plan and book your trip accordingly and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime!