A groundbreaking feat of adventure and endurance, a skilled team from National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang led by its Director, Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal have successfully completed the first-ever attempt to pedal the entire 1040 km stretch of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The journey began at Gelling village in Arunachal Pradesh, where the river enters India from Tibet, and concluded at Hatsingimari, Assam, near the Bangladesh border.
This historic journey is a testament to human resilience, teamwork, and a deep commitment to exploring the untamed landscapes of India. The expedition braved unpredictable terrain, fierce weather, and remote stretches to accomplish what no one had attempted before.
This expedition demanded months of strategic preparation, risk assessment, and team coordination. “Conceiving such a monumental adventure and turning it into a reality was no mean task. It required not just physical readiness but relentless planning and leadership. Watching this dream unfold into history is a moment of immense pride,”Col RS Jamwal, the team leader shared.
The expedition was executed under the aegis of Ministry of defence , by a highly skilled and motivated team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, and took 28 days to complete, with 25 days of intense pedaling and 3 days for equipment maintenance. Team started from gelling on 14 Jan & culminated on 10 Feb at Hatsingimari. The team consisted of 9 rafters and 14 Adm & support staff including Capt. Kavitha, Hav. Ganesh Paul, Hav. Pramanik, Hav. Yogesh Patil, Mr. Ramayan Singh, Mr. Vipin Singh, Tosap Rime, Rfn. Sanjeep , Nb Sub Ravi , Hav Rakesh Yadav and 12 more adm & support team members. In Arunachal leg of the expedition, 6 local rafters joined us & in Assam leg , 4 local rafters joined us in this historic journey.
The journey began from Gelling village on the Siang River (Brahmaputra is called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh) notorious for its fierce Class 4 & 5 rapids. For four consecutive days, the team faced relentless challenges, including dangerous flips that tested their mettle. Navigating through these rapids required exceptional skill and resilience. The first day itself was dangerous as NIMAS team became the first ever team to raft from Gelling to Tuting and crossing through 11 dangerous rapids on the first day itself was a herculean task. The whole expedition route encompassed a series of internationally renowned challenging rapids, including the turbulent Ningging Rapid , the pulsating currents of the Palsi Rapid ,the formidable Class 4 plus Tooth Fairy Rapid, the perilous Class 5 Kodak Rapid. Furthermore, the expedition also navigated through, the formidable Class 4 Moying Madness and Karko killer Rapids, and the treacherous Hairy Hari Rapid and many other class 3+ rapids, before culminating at Pasighat.
The Assam leg of the expedition started from Poba in Jonai on 22 Jan. This leg witnessed a dramatic transformation of the river, transitioning from its furious rapids through the Arunachal Himalayas to a vast and powerful riverine system. Rafters faced formidable challenges like navigating colossal eddies, wrestling with unpredictable currents and constantly adopting to the river’s everchanging dynamics. The river’s sheer scale constantly presents a unique challenge, demands unwavering vigilance and strategic navigation to maintain the course. This leg tested the team’s physical and mental fortitude and offered a profound experience of the Brahmaputra’s raw power and majestic beauty.
Beyond the adventure, the expedition became a journey of meaningful cultural exchange. Enroute, the team was welcomed warmly by communities living along the riverbanks. Interactions with various indigenous tribes, including the Memba, Adi, Mishing, and Bodo, offered a deep insight into their vibrant traditions, way of life, and harmonious relationship with the river. These exchanges were filled with heartwarming hospitality, cultural performances, and stories of resilience. The warmth and wisdom shared by these communities became an unforgettable highlight of the expedition, reinforcing the profound human connections forged through exploration.
This feat stands as a beacon for adventure enthusiasts and sets a new benchmark for exploration in India.
Key Highlights of the Expedition:
(a) Covered 1040 km from Gelling village (Tibet border) to Hatsingimari (Assam-Bangladesh border).
(b) First documented expedition to pedal the entire stretch of the Brahmaputra River.
(c) Took 28 days to complete, including 25 paddaling days and 3 days for equipment maintenance.
(d) Navigated dangerous Class 5 rapids on the Siang River for four days, facing multiple flips.
(e) Overcame the challenge of navigating the vast and unpredictable Brahmaputra in Assam.
(f) Engaged in enriching cultural exchanges with the Memba, Adi, Mishing, and Bodo tribes, learning about their traditions and way of life.
(g) Promotes adventure tourism and eco-awareness in India’s northeastern frontier.
The successful completion of this expedition not only marks a historic first but also shines a spotlight on the vast potential of adventure tourism in India.
The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) is a premier Indian institution located in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, dedicated to training individuals in a wide spectrum of adventure sports. Its strategic location amidst the breathtaking Himalayan foothills provides an unparalleled natural training ground. NIMAS stands out as the only institute in India conducting activities across all three verticals of land, aqua, and aero.
NIMAS offers a diverse range of courses and programs, encompassing disciplines like Mountaineering, Mountaineering Terrain Biking (MTB), Paramotoring, Paragliding ; White Water Rafting and Scuba Diving. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by highly experienced instructors, ensuring both top-tier training and participant safety. NIMAS plays a vital role in promoting adventure especially across the Northeast region through expeditions, events, and outreach initiatives. NIMAS is a symbol of India’s rising prominence in the world of adventure sports, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to developing talent in this field. It serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring adventurers and plays a crucial role in cultivating a culture of outdoor activity and environmental awareness throughout INDIA.
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