Adventurists eye rafting world record in Beas

MANALI: A 13-member team of adventurists from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, will attempt to set a world record this month by scaling the length of the Beas riding two rafts and three kayaks.


ABVIMAS instructors, under the leadership of the institute’s director, will start the arduous journey from Manali on October 23.

The challenge is to reach Dehra in Kangra district in four days after covering around 230km. So far, nobody has attempted this feat. Limca Book of Records officials will closely observe the expedition. If successful, it will be a world record.

The river is wild and fast with high rapids and sharp boulders between Manali and Raison, while water can be shallow and slow at some places. Beas has two reservoirs — one at Larji and another near Pandoh in Mandi — where rafts and kayaks will be lifted manually to the other side of the dam from where the rafters start their journey.

The team did a recce of the Beas and discovered that they will have to lift the rafts and kayaks for 5km beyond Larji dam as the stretch has very shallow water. Most stretches of the river are dangerous for rafting and only a few have been approved by the government where tourists enjoy rafting.

ABVIMAS director Col Neeraj Rana said each the rafters will be accompanied by kayakers. “The kayaks will ensure the safety of the rafters. Our target is to reach Dehra bridge on October 26. If we feel that we are unable to cover the distance in time, we shall travel in the night too. It’s a big challenge, but we shall make it happen,” he said.

The aim behind attempting the world record is to promote adventure sports, especially water sports in the Beas.