North East River Rafting & Adventure Sports Circuit5N/6D
North East River Rafting & Adventure Sports Circuit
Start & City : Bagdogra
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Without GST ₹72,324
per person on twin sharing
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Highlights
Raft two runs on the Teesta's Grade II to III rapids with certified river guides and a safety kayaker.
Sleep at a riverside camp with a bonfire by the water.
Fly tandem from Deolo hill above Kalimpong with views over the Teesta valley.
Ride a guided mountain-bike route on Kalimpong's ridge and village roads.
Visit Rumtek Monastery and ride the Gangtok ropeway.
See Durpin Monastery and Kalimpong's flower nurseries.
Essence of Journey
The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.
| Day | Route | Distance | Major Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bagdogra to Gangtok | About 125 km, 4 to 5 hrs | Teesta valley, MG Marg |
| Day 2 | Gangtok | About 50 km local | Rumtek, ropeway, Hanuman Tok walk |
| Day 3 | Gangtok to the Teesta, first rafting run | About 70 km, 2 to 2.5 hrs; run about 1.5 hrs | Warm-up run, riverside camp |
| Day 4 | Second rafting run, then Kalimpong | Run 2 to 3 hrs; about 15 km to Kalimpong | Longer run, Kalimpong evening |
| Day 5 | Kalimpong | Local drives | Paragliding at Deolo, mountain biking, Durpin |
| Day 6 | Kalimpong to Bagdogra, fly out | About 75 km, 2.5 to 3 hrs | Departure |
About
This Teesta River Rafting tour can book is a short, active week in Sikkim and the Kalimpong hills. The Teesta flows out of Sikkim's mountains in a green gorge, and its middle stretch has Grade II to III rapids that suit first-timers with trained river guides.
You start with two nights in Gangtok, then drop to the river for two rafting runs and a night at a riverside camp. The trip ends in Kalimpong, where you can paraglide from Deolo hill over the Teesta valley and ride mountain-bike trails through pine and village roads.
It is a sikkim river rafting package and a north east adventure sports tour for foreigners in one, with private transport, safety kit and guides arranged at every step.
What is this Teesta river rafting tour?
It is a private 6-day adventure trip in Sikkim and Kalimpong, starting and ending at Bagdogra airport. It includes two white-water rafting runs on the Teesta River (Grade II–III, suitable for beginners), a night at a riverside camp, tandem paragliding at Deolo hill, a guided mountain-bike ride and sightseeing in Gangtok. Prices start from about Rs. 72,300 per person (twin share, Premium tier). It runs October to May.
Three Adventure Sports, One Easy Route
| Activity | Where | What it’s like | Experience needed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
White-water rafting |
Teesta River |
Two runs: a shorter warm-up, then a longer run of 2–3 hours through Grade II–III rapids |
None |
|
Tandem paragliding |
Deolo hill, Kalimpong |
Fly with a licensed pilot over the Teesta valley |
None |
|
Mountain biking |
Kalimpong ridge and villages |
Guided half-day ride through pine forest and village roads |
Basic cycling |
Three Adventure Sports, One Easy Route
All three are within about an hour of each other, so you spend your time doing, not driving.
Rafting the Teesta: What to Expect
The Teesta flows out of Sikkim’s mountains through a deep green gorge. Its middle stretch, about two hours below Gangtok, has some of the best beginner-friendly white water in the Eastern Himalaya.
How hard are the rapids?
Mostly Grade II to III on the international scale. That means lively waves and fun, splashy rapids, but nothing technical. A trained river guide steers every raft, and you paddle on their instructions. Water levels change through the year, so some runs are gentler than others.
Why two runs?
The first run is a shorter warm-up so you can learn the commands and get comfortable. After a night at the riverside camp, the second run is longer, so you build up to the bigger rapids with confidence.
A note on river conditions
Parts of the Teesta changed after the floods of October 2023. Local authorities decide which stretches open each season, and the rafting team chooses the safest section on the day.
Safety First, Every Step
Licensed rafting teams with trained river guides.
A safety kayaker on every run, plus helmets and life jackets for everyone.
A full safety briefing before you get into the raft.
Licensed tandem pilots for paragliding.
Weather and river calls are made for safety. If an activity is cancelled, it is refunded or swapped.
Rafting and paragliding always carry some risk. These measures keep it low, and we never run an activity when conditions are unsafe. Travel insurance covering rafting and paragliding is required.
Who This Trip Is For
First-time rafters who want a safe, guided introduction to white water.
Active couples and friends looking for a short adventure break in the Himalaya.
Families with teenagers aged 14 and over who are comfortable in water.
Travellers adding adventure to a longer India trip, especially Darjeeling or the wider North East.
You should be comfortable in water and in reasonable health. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but tell us if you have any concerns. Younger children can join the non-rafting parts of the trip.
ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES
Tier labels follow the standard of the room and the property, not a star count. The riverside night is at a simple camp or lodge near the rafting stretch, chosen each season for safe access. Where no property is named, it is flagged honestly rather than guessed.
| Destination | Nights | Premium | Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gangtok |
2 |
The Elgin Nor-Khill |
Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino |
Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa |
|
Teesta riverside |
1 |
Riverside camp, standard tent |
Riverside camp, deluxe tent |
Riverside lodge, best room |
|
Kalimpong |
2 |
The Himalayan Hotel (heritage) |
Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort |
Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort, suite |
North East River Rafting & Adventure Accommodation Categories
Permits for Foreign Visitors
Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim. It is free, and we arrange it for you before you travel. Just send a copy of your passport and Indian visa. Kalimpong, in West Bengal, needs no permit. Most visitors apply for an India e-Tourist visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in before they fly.
What to Pack
Quick-dry clothes and a full change of clothes for after rafting.
Sandals with straps or old trainers that can get wet.
Sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a light warm layer for evenings.
A dry bag for your phone, or leave valuables in the car.
A refillable water bottle. Sikkim restricts some single-use plastics.
3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY
| Tier | Per couple | Per person | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Premium |
Rs.144,648 to Rs.156,220 |
Rs.72,324 to Rs.78,110 |
Good hotels and a standard camp tent |
|
Luxury |
Rs.174,888 to Rs.188,879 |
Rs.87,444 to Rs.94,439 |
Spa resorts and a deluxe camp tent |
|
Ultra-Luxury |
Rs.246,708 to Rs.266,445 |
Rs.123,354 to Rs.133,222 |
Taj in Gangtok, suites in Kalimpong |
North East River Rafting & Adventure 3-Tier Pricing Summary
The upper figure allows for date and season variance of about 8%. Prices are indicative and confirmed on request.
WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION
An adventure-sports trip in Sikkim and Kalimpong, planned and run by BizareXpedition from start to finish.
Two rafting runs. A shorter warm-up run on Day 3 and a longer run on Day 4, so you build up on the river.
A night by the water. The riverside camp on Day 3 means no long drive between runs.
Safety arranged. Licensed rafting teams, helmets, life jackets, a safety kayaker on every run, and a briefing before you get in the boat.
Three sports, one route. Rafting on the Teesta, paragliding at Deolo and mountain biking in Kalimpong, all within an hour of each other.
One-way route. Gangtok first, then down to the river and up to Kalimpong, ending close to Bagdogra airport.
A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, plans and runs the trip itself.
Best Time for Rafting in Sikkim
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
|
Peak |
October to December |
Good water levels after the monsoon, clear skies and calm air for paragliding. |
|
Good |
March to May |
Warm days and lively water from snowmelt. Afternoon clouds can limit flying. |
|
Cool |
January and February |
Cold water and low levels; rafting runs are gentler. Clear mountain views. |
|
Closed |
June to September |
Monsoon floods make the river unsafe and rafting is stopped. The trip is not sold in this period. |
North East River Rafting & Adventure Season Adjustments
PRACTICAL NOTES
River conditions. The Teesta changed in places after the floods of October 2023. Local authorities decide which stretches open each season, and rafting teams pick the safest section on the day.
Who can raft. No experience is needed. You should be comfortable in water and in reasonable health. The usual minimum age is 14.
Safety. Licensed rafting teams, helmets and life jackets on every run, and a safety kayaker. Paragliding is with licensed tandem pilots.
Insurance. Travel insurance that covers rafting and paragliding is required.
What to wear. Quick-dry clothes, sandals with straps or old trainers, and a change of clothes. Leave phones and valuables in the car or use a dry bag.
Weather calls. Rafting and paragliding can be moved or cancelled for safety. Any unused activity is refunded or swapped.
Permits. Sikkim needs a free Restricted Area Permit. Kalimpong, in West Bengal, needs none.
Water. Drink bottled or filtered water. Sikkim restricts some single-use plastics, so carry a refillable bottle.
Connectivity. Mobile data works in Gangtok and Kalimpong; signal is weak at the riverside camp.
Tipping. Appreciated but not required. Most guests tip river guides, pilots and the driver.
Booking Summary
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Itinerary (Day Wise)
This is a short, busy week in the hills, and you don’t need any experience to do it. Your driver picks you up at Bagdogra and follows the Teesta up to Gangtok for two nights, with time for Rumtek Monastery, the ropeway and an evening walk along MG Marg. Then you head down to the river. The first rafting run is a short warm-up so you can learn the paddle calls. That night you sleep at a riverside camp with a bonfire by the water. The next morning is the real run: two to three hours of splashy Grade II and III rapids, with a trained guide in every raft and a safety kayaker close by. Kalimpong is only a short drive away. There you fly tandem off Deolo hill with the whole Teesta valley below you, then take a mountain bike out through pine forest and village roads. You end at Durpin Monastery and the flower nurseries before the drive back to Bagdogra.
Day 1
BAGDOGRA TO GANGTOK | UP THE TEESTA VALLEY
Route: Bagdogra airport to Gangtok along the Teesta, about 125 km, 4 to 5 hours
Your driver meets you at Bagdogra. The road follows the Teesta up into the hills, and you get your first look at the river you will raft later in the week. Your Sikkim permit is checked at Rangpo.
Gangtok sits on a ridge at about 1,650 metres. Spend the evening on MG Marg, the town's car-free main street.
Note on the Sikkim permit
Every foreign national needs a free Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim. BizareXpedition arranges it before you travel; keep your passport with you on this drive.
Experience of the Day
First view of the Teesta
Entry into Sikkim
Evening on MG Marg
Food
Recommended: Taste of Tibet on MG Marg for momos.
Must-Try: Steamed momos with chilli chutney.
Activities to Do
Airport pickup and drive
Evening walk
Day 2
GANGTOK | MONASTERY, ROPEWAY AND A RIDGE WALK
Route: Rumtek Monastery (about 24 km), Gangtok ropeway, Hanuman Tok
Visit Rumtek Monastery, rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa and inaugurated in 1966, then ride the ropeway over Gangtok.
In the afternoon, walk the ridge path up to Hanuman Tok for views of the Kangchenjunga range on clear days. It is a good way to get your legs moving before the river.
Note on Rumtek
Rumtek has armed security at the gate; carry your passport. No photography inside the prayer hall.
Experience of the Day
Rumtek Monastery
Ropeway over Gangtok
Ridge walk to Hanuman Tok
Food
Recommended: Lunch at a café on MG Marg.
Must-Try: Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.
Activities to Do
Monastery visit
Ropeway ride
Ridge walk
Optional Nearby Excursions
Tsomgo Lake at about 3,750 metres (needs a separate permit and at least two foreign nationals together)
Day 3
THE TEESTA | FIRST RAFTING RUN
Route: Gangtok down to the Teesta rafting stretch, about 70 km, 2 to 2.5 hours; first run
Drive down to the river and meet your rafting team. After a safety briefing on paddling, commands and what to do if you fall in, you head out on a warm-up run of about 1.5 hours.
The Teesta here is wide and green, with Grade II to III rapids between calm stretches. A safety kayaker runs ahead of the raft. The evening is spent at a riverside camp, with dinner and a bonfire by the water.
Note on rafting
No experience is needed, and you do not have to be a strong swimmer, but you must be comfortable in water. Rafting is usually open to ages 14 and over. Helmets and life jackets are worn at all times.
Experience of the Day
Safety briefing
Warm-up rafting run
Bonfire by the river
Food
Recommended: Packed lunch before the run; camp dinner by the river.
Must-Try: River fish curry, where the camp kitchen offers it.
Activities to Do
Rafting
Riverside evening
Day 4
THE TEESTA | THE LONGER RUN, THEN KALIMPONG
Route: Second, longer rafting run; then about 15 km up to Kalimpong
The second run covers a longer stretch, with more rapids now that you know the commands. On calm sections you can jump in and float with the current in your life jacket.
After lunch, drive up to Kalimpong, a hill town at about 1,250 metres on a ridge above the Teesta. It was once a trading post on the route to Tibet.
The Human Story
Kalimpong was a market for wool, musk and salt brought over the passes from Tibet in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many old trading families still live in the town.
Experience of the Day
Longer rafting run
Floating on calm water
Drive up to Kalimpong
Food
Recommended: Lunch by the river; dinner at your hotel.
Must-Try: Kalimpong cheese and local bread, a specialty of the town.
Activities to Do
Rafting
Drive
Day 5
KALIMPONG | PARAGLIDING AND MOUNTAIN BIKES
Route: Deolo hill (about 5 km), mountain-bike ride, Durpin Monastery
Morning is the best time to fly. From Deolo hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, you take off tandem with a licensed pilot and glide over the town and the Teesta valley for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the wind.
In the afternoon, ride a guided mountain-bike route along the ridge and through village roads, then visit Durpin Monastery and one of Kalimpong's flower nurseries, known for orchids and cacti.
Note on paragliding
Flights depend on wind and weather and may move to another time or be cancelled for safety. Pilots set weight limits, usually about 100 kg.
Experience of the Day
Tandem paragliding from Deolo
Mountain-bike ride
Durpin Monastery
Food
Recommended: Lunch in Kalimpong town.
Must-Try: Momos and Kalimpong lollipops, a soft local toffee.
Activities to Do
Paragliding
Mountain biking
Monastery and nursery visit
Day 6
KALIMPONG TO BAGDOGRA | DEPARTURE
Route: Kalimpong to Bagdogra airport, about 75 km, 2.5 to 3 hours
Drive down the Teesta valley past the rafting stretch to the plains and Bagdogra airport.
Experience of the Day
Last look at the Teesta
Airport drop
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at your hotel.
Must-Try: A last cup of Darjeeling tea.
Activities to Do
Drive to Bagdogra
Onward flight
Tour Information
Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.
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Important factors to consider before your trip!
Cancellation
Need To Know
Be Responsible Traveller
- Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
- Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
- Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
- Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
- Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
- Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
- Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
- Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — North East River Rafting & Adventure Sports Circuit
We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.
Where is river rafting done on the Teesta?
On the middle stretch of the Teesta, between Sikkim and the Kalimpong hills, about two hours below Gangtok. The exact section is chosen each season by local authorities and rafting teams.
What grade are the Teesta rapids?
Mostly Grade II to III, which suits beginners with trained guides. Water levels change through the year, so some runs are gentler than others.
Do I need experience for this teesta river rafting tour international guests can book?
No. You get a full safety briefing, and a licensed guide steers every raft. You should be comfortable in water.
Is the sikkim river rafting package safe?
Rafting carries some risk, which is kept low with licensed teams, helmets, life jackets and a safety kayaker on every run. Runs are cancelled if the river is unsafe.
When is the best time for rafting in Sikkim?
October to December and March to May. Rafting is stopped during the monsoon, from June to September.
Can I paraglide on this trip?
Yes. Tandem paragliding from Deolo hill in Kalimpong is included on Day 5, weather permitting. No experience is needed.
Do foreigners need a permit for Sikkim?
Yes, a free Restricted Area Permit, which BizareXpedition arranges before you travel. Kalimpong needs no permit.
Why does the trip end in Kalimpong and not Gangtok?
Kalimpong is next to the rafting stretch and closer to Bagdogra airport, so the trip runs one way with no drive back to Gangtok.
What should I wear for rafting?
Quick-dry clothes, strapped sandals or old trainers, and sunscreen. Life jackets and helmets are provided.
Is this north east adventure sports tour for foreigners suitable for families?
Yes, for teenagers aged 14 and over who are comfortable in water. Younger children can join the non-rafting parts of the trip.
Can I add more adventure?
Yes. Rafting on the Rangit river near Jorethang, a second camp night, or trekking near Darjeeling can be added.
How much does this rafting trip cost?
This 6-day trip costs about Rs.144,648 to Rs.156,220 per couple at the Premium tier, or Rs.72,324 to Rs.78,110 per person. Luxury runs Rs.174,888 to Rs.188,879 per couple, and Ultra-Luxury Rs.246,708 to Rs.266,445. Prices include hotels, the camp, car, guides, rafting, paragliding, biking and GST, but not flights.
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North East River Rafting & Adventure Sports Circuit
best deal price
Without GST
₹72,324
per person on twin sharing
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