Canyon section of the Alakananda River
Put In: GPS (30°29'48.2"N 79°28'37.4"E) Note: upstream, river left of bridge, steep slope
Take Out: GPS (30°24'28.7"N 79°23'13.9"E) Note: confluence with Birahi Ganga
Class: 3-4 with one burly class 5 landslide rapid
Description:
Initially, we attempted to gain access to the canyon via a hydroelectric scheme that is located upstream of our eventual put-in location. This upstream access would have allowed us to gain a few more rapids. Unfortunately, we were turned away by the workers. I do believe this access could be granted, but it will definitely take some shmoozing of multiple groups; none of the employees seemed willing to say yes outright.
Arriving at the pedestrian bridge, a quick scout revealed access downstream and on river right, or upstream river left, over the hill, and with a steep embankment to the water’s edge. The upstream access, although a little more tedious, allows for another fun rapid.
There is essentially no warm-up for the first rapid, and scouting is difficult because the main line is on the far side of the river and obscured by a house-sized boulder. Thankfully, the main line is wider and paddles smoother than it looks.
After the first rapid, you will find yourself in a fairly deep and steep canyon with some relatively boily and pushy whitewater, mostly grade 4.
After a handful of slightly more open rapids, you will notice a massive landslide on river left. This landslide has created a fairly nasty rapid, with large portions of the flow going into multiple siphons. Manish and Daman both fired up the entrance to this rapid, but then portaged the bottom that disappears under some massive boulders. There is also a portage “trail” on the river left; the “trail” is on landslide rock, be careful!
After the landslide section, the river really starts to shine. The river is tucked into a very tight and containing canyon with waterfalls cascading down. The rock strucer itself is stunning with wild striations and exquisite formations. There is also a bunch of fun class 3-4 rapids.
This section currently has yet another dam being built on it, and will probably have a large portion of it dewatered soon.
Birahi section of the Alakananda River
Put In: GPS (30°24'28.7"N 79°23'13.9"E) Note: confluence with Birahi Ganga
Take Out: GPS (30°19'54.4"N 79°18'52.7"E) Note: confluence with Nandakini
Class: 3 with a couple of easy class 4
Description:
A great section to warm up on, which allows you to get acquainted with the volume and style of the Alakananda River.
Nandprayag section of the Alakananda River
Put In: GPS (30°19'54.4"N 79°18'52.7"E) Note: confluence with Nandakini
Take Out: GPS (30°15'45.4"N 79°12'45.7"E) Note: confluence with Pindar
Class: 3-4
Description:
This section starts and ends with a couple of bigger confluence rapids and is interspaced with some epic views and the occasional big water boof.
Karnaprayag section of the Alakananda
Put In: GPS (30°15'45.4"N 79°12'45.7"E) Note: confluence with Pindar River
Take Out: GPS (30°17'46.9"N 79°04'14.7”E) Note: Shivanandi
Class: 3-4
Description:
Two fun class 4 rapids, tons of rolling waves, water volume is getting big.
Lower Canyon of the Alakananda
Put In: GPS (30°17'46.9"N 79°04'14.7”E) Note: Shivanandi
Take Out: GPS (30°17'14.4"N 78°59'01.6”E) Note: Rudraprayag
Class: 3
Description:
Mellow class 3 could be a good teaching section, which goes through one tight canyon that is really pretty yet super easy.
