AI SummaryOperation of River Rafting / Kayaking Activities is a government-regulated scheme that promotes safe adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. It lets eligible businesses secure operating licenses and helps qualified individuals get professional status as river guides. In 2026 the state brought in stricter safety rules under the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Amendment Rules 2026, so the scheme now runs with tighter standards and clear penalties for operators who break the rules.
Operation of River Rafting / Kayaking Activities is a scheme implemented by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board under the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme keeps adventure tourism safe and organised by allowing licensed rafting companies to operate and issuing official certifications to qualified river guides. Applications are still open, and the updated rules apply to all new and renewing licenses.
Operation of River Rafting or Kayaking Activities - Introduction
Operation of River Rafting / Kayaking Activities is a state-level scheme for Uttarakhand. Under this scheme, rafting companies get permission to operate on designated rivers and qualified individuals can become certified river guides. The scheme supports the local tourism business while making sure safety standards stay high for tourists.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Operation of River Rafting / Kayaking Activities |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Travel & Tourism, Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Business Entity, Individual |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Tourism Department |
| Implementing Agency | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board |
| Tags | Tourism Business, River Rafting, License, Kayaking Activities, Aero Sports |
Benefits
This scheme supports adventure tourism by making sure companies operate safely and river guides get formal recognition. It gives economic benefits to local tourism businesses and adds to state revenue through a clear licensing process. With the 2026 rules, the scheme now also protects tourists better through mandatory safety gear and stricter checks.
Eligibility
To take part, you should meet these requirements:
- You should be a resident of Uttarakhand for at least ten years or a native of the state.
- You should have advanced practical and technical knowledge of adventure sports.
- For a firm license, you should show at least three years of experience in adventure activities. This is now a required condition under the 2026 rules.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
If you are seeking permission for river rafting or kayaking, you should submit your application between 1st July and 31st July for the River Ganga. For all other rivers, you may apply throughout the year.
STEP 1 - Opening a firm. Prepare an application letter and the prescribed form along with the required documents. The application fee is ₹1000.
STEP 2 - Becoming a river guide. You should be in good physical health and hold a valid First Aid certification from a recognized organisation such as the Red Cross or St. John's Ambulance. Under the 2026 rules the age limit for river guides and safety kayakers has been raised from 50 to 60 years, but those above 50 must submit a medical fitness certificate.
STEP 3 - After you submit your documents, the Department of Tourism checks them and presents them to the Technical Committee. Following an inspection, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board informs you of the decision within a maximum of 45 days.
STEP 4 - License renewal. Under the new rules, renewal of a license must now be completed within 45 days. The earlier timeframe was 90 days.
Documents
Documents for Rafting or Kayaking Firms:
- Application Letter and Prescribed Form
- Insurance Certificate of the firm
- Registration Certificate under the Firms Societies Act
- Uttarakhand Travel Business Registration Certificate
- Proof of three years of experience in adventure activities
- Comprehensive details of your staff and safety equipment
- Application fee receipt of ₹1000
Documents for River Guide License:
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor
- Proof of age (18 to 60 years under the 2026 rules)
- Class 10 educational qualification certificate
- Documentary proof of swimming ability
- Valid First Aid certification
Safety Rules Under the 2026 Amendment
With the Uttarakhand River Rafting/Kayaking Amendment Rules 2026, the government has tightened safety standards after past accidents. Conducting river rafting or kayaking without a license will lead to confiscation of the raft and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, while failure to renew a license attracts a fine of ₹50,000. Operators are also not allowed to sublet their licenses.
During a rafting trip, every guide and kayaker must operate alongside at least two rafts belonging to the firm. In the case of a single-raft operation, it must be accompanied by a minimum of one safety kayak on the river stretch. A single raft or kayak cannot be operated in isolation. Every operator and guide must make sure both they and the participants wear certified life jackets and helmets that meet national and international safety standards.
If tourists are found rafting without life jackets and helmets, a fine of ₹5,000 per participant is recovered from the license holder. The same rule applies to overloading. Fines of ₹5,000 each are also imposed on the license holder for using defective equipment and on the guide for failing to carry a valid identity card.
References
Official Policy and Guidelines
News on River Rafting/Kayaking Amendment Rules 2026
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for operating a rafting or kayaking firm?
You should be a resident of Uttarakhand for at least ten years or a native of the state, and you should have advanced technical knowledge of adventure sports along with three years of experience.
Who can apply to become a certified river guide?
You can apply if you are in good health, able to swim, have passed the 10th class, and hold a valid First Aid certificate. Under the 2026 rules the age limit is now 18 to 60 years, and those above 50 must submit a medical fitness certificate.
When can applications be submitted?
You should submit applications for the River Ganga between 1st July and 31st July. For other rivers, you may apply at any time during the year.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, the current application fee for running a firm is ₹1000.
What are the penalties under the new 2026 rules?
Operating without a license leads to confiscation of the raft and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Not renewing a license attracts a fine of ₹50,000, and missing safety gear draws a fine of ₹5,000 per participant.
Who evaluates the applications?
The Department of Tourism reviews your application first and then moves it to the Technical Committee for a final inspection.
How long does it take to receive approval?
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board will notify you of the permission status within 45 days of the Technical Committee's inspection.
Is prior experience required to run a rafting or kayaking firm?
Yes, you should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in adventure activities.