A team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, led by Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal, has successfully completed the first-ever rafting expedition to pedal the full 1040 km stretch of the Brahmaputra River. The journey, which began in Gelling village in Arunachal Pradesh and concluded at Hatsingimari in Assam, was carried out under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence.
The expedition, which took a total of 28 days, involved 25 days of intense rafting and 3 days for equipment maintenance. The team navigated through some of the most challenging stretches of the Brahmaputra, including dangerous Class 4 and 5 rapids in Arunachal Pradesh, such as Ningging, Palsi, Tooth Fairy, and Kodak. In the Assam leg, the team dealt with massive currents, unpredictable river dynamics, and vast stretches of the river, which presented a unique challenge in maintaining their course.
Led by Col. Jamwal, the team consisted of 9 rafters and 14 administrative and support staff. The expedition also included local rafters from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam who joined the team to navigate the river’s challenging sections. The journey was an extraordinary test of physical endurance, teamwork, and strategic navigation.
Throughout the expedition, the team interacted with local communities living along the river, including indigenous tribes such as the Memba, Adi, Mishing, and Bodo. These exchanges provided valuable insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage and its close connection to the Brahmaputra River.
The success of this historic journey highlights the potential of adventure tourism in India, particularly in the northeastern region. It also showcases the resilience and determination of the team, who overcame significant challenges to accomplish a feat never before attempted.
The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) is dedicated to promoting adventure sports and training individuals across various disciplines. Located in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, NIMAS is a key institution in India’s growing adventure sports landscape.
Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal, the Director of NIMAS, is a distinguished Indian Army officer and mountaineer with numerous achievements to his name, including summiting Mount Everest three times. He has led several record-setting expeditions.
