Published By: Shriparna

River trekking is gaining momentum in mainstream tourism and here’s where to explore it

River trekking is a combination of trekking, climbing and swimming in river.

River trekking as a concept is yet to mature in Indian tourist, yet India is blessed with big adventurous river that can be explored for river trekking as an outdoor adventure activity. River trekking is a combination of trekking, climbing and swimming in river. Understanding the geographical nature of the river, one has to undertake rock climbing, knotting, traversing through jungles, climbing on wet rocks and finding an exit from rivers. Japan, Phillippines, Taiwan, South Africa are the most popular river trekking destinations.

Here are some of the popular destinations around the world where river trekking is gaining momentum like mountain trek or other adventure sports.

River trek in Hualien, Taiwan

One of the most popular places in the world, often called the harbinger of river tracing tourism in Asia is Hualien, Taiwan, which is home to the Shakadang river, the Sanzhan River and the Feicui valley.

With safety equipment and experienced coach, you can undertake the intermediate level trek that takes half the day where you enjoy the crystal-clear stream when walking upstream. And then you have you have to swim over it while you encounter a deep pool and climb over it to conquer a waterfall. With life vest, a non-swimmer can do river tracking as well.

KumodoKodo and Niyodo river trek in Japan

Japan offers some of the best hiking experiences. You can go Kumodo Kodo trek  that consists of an ancient pilgrimage trail  and also considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek route consists of spending nights in the wilderness in a tent and discover cultural  and natural spots on the way.

Other popular river trails in Japan is the gorge hiking along Niyodo river.  There are hiking trails with spectacular views of the gorge, a café with amazing river views and even hot springs.

Cauvery and Chadar river trek in India

Chadar Trek is one of the challenging treks in the Ladakh region. The strenuous mountain trail on the ice-clogged river under the blue winter sky passes through valleys, mountain caves and frozen waterfalls. It is one of the most challenging treks and suitable only for the brave hearts.

Another more playful river trail suitable for all kinds of adventure seekers is the Cauvery river trek. The trek includes wading in the waist deep river water to reach the islands formed by the Cauvery, rambling barefoot in the woods surrounded by dense green trees of Coorg, and the sounds of chirping birds and gushing river water accompanying you. What awaits you are breath-taking views and beautiful flora and fauna on the way.  The best season to undertake the trek would be summer or winter