IntoIndia

The mighty Tsang Po River rises in the heart of the Himalayas, then flows eastwards through Tibet, before turning south towards India. It cuts a path between the Greater Himalayan Range and the Assam Himalaya, the highest point being Namche Barwa, at 7782 m. Our expedition starts a few kilometers from the Tibetan border where the river changes its name to the Brahmaputra as it crosses the border into India. This expedition takes us through unique tribal lands in the most inaccessible region of India. Access is restricted to one thousand visitors per annum and the people here are virtually untouched by the modern world. 

The Brahmaputra is possibly the biggest white-water run in the world. Some of the few people who have taken on this epic river, think it bigger than the Colorado, Zambezi or White Nile. It’s upper reaches in Tibet, where it is called the Tsang Po, were only fully explored by an leading international team of kayakers in 2003. This river has all the big water features with holes the size of houses, five meters waves, huge eddy-lines and sucking whirlpools, it is not for the faint hearted! The area is rich in wildlife with tigers, elephants, leopards, deer and over 300 different species of birds.

This is the premier rafting expedition in the world today, a must for rafting enthusiasts and those looking for an extra challenge. We don’t recommend this trip to first-time rafters, due to the length and grade of the river. Kayakers wishing to do this trip should have previous big-water experience.

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Arrive in Delhi.

   Airport pick up and transfer to your hotel.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Plane
   3. Hotel

   Delhi to Dibrugarh.

   Fly from Delhi to Dibrugarh.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Ferry
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Hotel

   Dibrugarh to Pasighat.

   Take the ferry ride across the Brahmaputra to Pasighat.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Hotel

   Pasighat to Yingkeong.

   Drive from Pasighat to Yingkeong.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Yingkeong to Tuting.

   Drive from Yingkeong to Tuting.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Rest day at Tuting

   Visit a local village, practice rafting and prepare all expedition equipment.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Tuting to Pango.

   Raft / Kayak to Pango, our first day on the river

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Pango to Cherring.
   
   Paddle from Pango to Cherring.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Rafting / Kayaking

   Cherring to Yingkeong.

   Enjoy more great whitewater today as we continue to Yingkeong. 

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Yingkeong to Geko.

    Paddle from Yingkeong to Geko.

11. Day 11

    Activities

    1. Sightseeing
    2. Tent

    Rest day in Geko.

    Rest on the banks for the mighty river, visit a local village or try kayaking.

12. Day 12

    Activities

    1. Tent
    2. Rafting / Kayaking

    Geko to Rotung.

    Rafting from Geko to Rotung.

13. Day 13

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Hotel
    3. Rafting / Kayaking

    Rotung to Pasighat.

    Last day of rafting as we finish the river expedition just outside Pasighat.

14. Day 14

    Activities

    1. Ferry
    2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    3. Plane
    4. Hotel

    Pasighat to Delhi.

    Take the ferry crossing back to Dibrugarh and then fly to Delhi.

15. Day 15

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Depart India.

    After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

Download

Please note that any personal details collected via our website, including email addresses and telephone numbers, will only be used for the purpose of getting in touch with you as appropriate.

Under no circumstances will any such details be passed on to third-party organisations or will IntoIndia send unsolicited email to you as a result. For more details please view our Privacy Policy.

Private departure dates can be arranged for group bookings. Contact us for more information.

• Ireland: 01 443 3314
• UK: 020 8133 8682
• USA: 415 315 9411

The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible to have the necessary personal equipment you need for this river expedition.

River Wear for Rafters

• A pair of sandals.
• A pair of shorts or swimming costume.
• A long sleeved shirt to wear under your life jacket on hots days.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses.
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A good thermal (polypropylene) layer consisting of long johns and pullover.

River Wear for Kayakers

• Kayak and paddle.
• A pair of good sandals, neoprene boots, kayaking shoes (teva's).
• A pair of shorts or swimsuit.
• 2 long sleeved thermals.
• A short sleeved thermal.
• A pair of shorts.
• A pair of thermal tights.
• A shortie or full cag. (splash jacket).
• Sunglasses with chums (rope so they don't fall off your head).
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A PFD (life jacket).
• A helmet. Ideally one that protects your face from the sun.
• A spraydeck.

Evening wear.

• Light weight walking boots. Something comfortable to change into. Needed for hikes in the evening and on rest days.
• Two pairs of socks.
• 2 or 3 cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• A second set of thermal wear consisting of long johns and pullover to wear off the river.
• A pair of lightweight trousers.
• A pair of shorts.
• A fleece or pullover. 
• A heavy fleece or down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag, preferable 3/4 season's.
• A thermorest if you have one. We will provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen or fleece hat.
• A book and/or writing paper.
• Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.
• Water bottle.
• A Camera.
• Small towel for washing.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

The following is a typical day on the river and most days will follow this format.

Wake up with the morning sun and the comforting noise of the river flowing past your tent. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

We get on the water around 9:30 with all the gear in dry bags and waterproof barrels securely strapped to the rafts. We have a quick brief of the days plan and discuss the major rapids.

Your time on the water will be split between thrilling white water and scenic calm stretches. During the flat sections you can relax, take a swim or take your camera from the dry bag to shoot some wildlife and scenery.

Around midday we usually stop at a sandy beach for lunch. The cook and guides will prepare a healthy lunch to keep you energised for the rest of the day. After lunch we get back on the water for more white water and beautiful scenery before stopping for the day by mid afternoon.

Once everybody is changed into dry clothes we set up camp. After this there is plenty of time to relax, read a book or go for a walk. In the evening the cooks provide a three-course meal as you relax and watch the sunset, enjoying the remoteness of your surroundings. Our cooks provide the best in Indian and Western cuisine, tailored to your own taste and dietary needs.

After dinner, sit around the campfire discussing the day's adventures and speculate what tomorrow might bring.