The legendry Chenab, ‘‘Asikini’’ for the ancient Greeks, ‘‘Cantabara’’ for the ancient Romans, and Chandrabhaga for the native Indians, finds its mention, as a mighty river, in ancient scripture and literature. The 250 Kms long Chenab, originating from Chandra & Bhaga at Tandi (Lahul), till its union with the Arabian Sea, possesses of the steepest river descents, in the world. A winding river that criss crosses the high mountains & plains of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.
In Jammu, tamed off late, by the Baglihar and previously by the Salal dam, the Chenab has slowed down, but not losing its might, presenting an opportunity for adventure ventures, like river rafting, a play-ground for thrill seeker’s, who have the lust for life and the thirst for adventures.
With the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu promoting such activities and the successful endeavor of river rafting survey of Chenab, conducted by the technical expert team of Extreme Himalayan Adventures, the endeavour has opened the doors of Reasi, becoming a river rafting destination. The 12 kms long stretch of the river from Reasi to Dera Baba comes very close to an ideal; feature full, safe white, river rafting section. With more trips and river trials, to understand the technicalities of the river has rendered the river into the safe river rafting section.
At the ‘‘Put in point’’ with the raft in place and the safety gear of life jacket and helmet on, after a brief on paddling technique and safety features, by the accompanying expert river guide, one is ready to explore the world of white water rafting in Jammu. The 12 kms long, Reasi to Dera Baba river section, with thirteen, Grade one to three rapids (river waves) named and classified as ‘The Twist’’, The Curve’’ ‘‘Riju’s T’’ “Naveen’s Surprise’’ ‘‘Zorawar’s Dream’’ etc offer the ultimate safe white water thrill on Chenab. While the placid sections of the river, in between these rapids, offering ‘‘body surfing’’ experience.
The rapids, gushing with clean white water, are the peak exciting moments of the river run. A wide range of river features can be seen. Ranging from small Grade one rapids to the turbulent ‘‘Riju’s T’’, a grade three. ‘‘The Twist’’, a grade two rapid roars to get you started while the ‘‘The Curve’’ spins the raft 360 degrees.
You will surely find yourself getting introduced to various river features like a ‘‘hole’’, ‘‘pour over’’, ‘‘eddy’’ and so on. One can carry their camera in a ‘‘dry bag’’ on board, a water proof bag meant to keep stuff dry. Click the exciting moments as you go long, with some precautions it is perfectly safe to carry a handy cam & capture the river moments live.
Six kms down in river, is a sandy bank, ideal for a river break of tea & snacks. A short break half way is welcomed by all. The sighting of the migratory river duck, swimming and fishing, is a welcome sight. Finding your self in the middle of a river system, not accessible by road and to get a panorama of the surroundings from the middle of the river, doesn’t happen every day. It’s an experience to remember.
The quiet and wide one kms long phase of the river, perfect for ‘‘body surfing’’ experience, is a must. Though the water is moderately cold, the idea to surf in the middle of the Chenab is very exciting and thrilling. With a recheck of the life jackets and helmets, a safety brief by the river guide, off you go in the river. The moderate uniform current of the river, provides a fifteen to twenty minutes ‘‘surf time’’. Once back in the raft, paddling helps to get over the chill.
The approach to Dera Baba is a shallow river channel, with several grade two rapids a waiting, the rafting ends on the bank of the famous Dera Baba Gurudwara, one hour forty minutes later, 12 kms down stream from Baradar
