Kumad Singh, District Tourism Development Officer, Kullu, says there is a sharp increase in commercial rafting activity every year in the valley. She adds that in 2005, only 12 agencies were registered for commercial rafting by the department and 44 rafts were passed for operation, whereas 35 river rafting agencies were registered and 66 rafts were passed for operation in 2007.

She attributed the increase to the fact that rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports. “Kullu valley has special importance in the field because it has a wide range of river rafting regions, which suit both amateurs and professionals,” she says.

Iqbal Sharma, president of Himachal Adventure Sports Association, says, “In Kullu valley, rafting can be enjoyed downstream on Beas river on different stretches, depending upon grading of rapids from Grade I (easy) to Grade-IV ( very difficult), which makes it a favourite among adventure sports enthusiasts.”