River Rafting in Teesta River, Sikkim

The sport of River Rafting has gained immense popularity all over the world. The rafting in river Teesta is very famous. Rafting in Teesta river of Sikkim is no less than a hardcore challenge for all the adventure sports enthusiasts. In fact river rafting in Sikkim welcomes you with two mighty rivers mainly - Teesta and Rangeet. The river offers a series of white water rapids with different intensities at frequent intervals. While moving across the rough and rugged terrain one can also relish the surrounding landscapes of the region.

The river Teesta originates at Cho Lhamu Lake and then drifts down the mountains forming white rapids which are tailor made for Kayaking or rafting. The river however is not as developed as those in Garhwal or Kumaon but it is making a name for itself as a good stretch for white water rafting. Most of the white water rivers follow the internationally recognised grading scale. The scale is as follows: -

Grade I:	Small, easy waves; mainly flat water
Grade II:	Mainly clear passages; some areas of difficulty
Grade III:	Difficult passages; narrow in places and with high waves
Grade IV:	Very difficult, narrow and requiring precise manoeuvring
Grade V:	Extremely difficult. Very fast-flowing waters which can be manoeuvred only by experts
Grade VI:	For all practical purposes, unmanageable- even suicidal

Most of the Teesta either falls in grade III or IV so having a prior knowledge of rafting becomes essential before setting your feet in the sport.

Rafting Stretches on River Teesta
Makha and Rongpo : Makha and Rongpo strecth is propably the shortest run on the Teesta river, the trip takes around two and a half hours.

Dikchu and Teesta Bridge : This run is longer and more gruelling.

Dikchu and Kali Johra (West Bengal) : A five day run, it starts from Sikkim and ends in Kali Johra located in West Bengal.

Bordang and Melli : Rafting between Borgand and Melli is another exciting option across Teesta river.

Best Season For Rafting in Teesta
October to June is the best season to set out for enjoying river rafting in river Teesta.