NIMAS creates history, completes first-ever Brahmaputra rafting mission

28 days. 1,040 kms. One mighty river.

The Brahmaputra River is the 15th longest river in the world and traversing its entire stretch is an improbable task. But a team from National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang has dared to do the impossible.

The skilled team, led by its Director, Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, has paddled the entire 1,040 km stretch of the mighty Brahmaputra River, and its successful completion in the first-ever attempt makes the accomplishment all the more historic.

Navigating dangerous rapids

The expedition, a 28 day mission, was carried out under the protection of Ministry of Defense. In all, 9 rafters and 14 administration and support staff were onboarded.

To battle against the treacherous nature of the river, NIMAS put together a sturdy team which involved 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 highly skilled and capable individuals.

A total of 6 local rafters took inspiration as well and joined the team to assist them with direction and motivation.

Beginning from the Arunachal Pradesh leg, the first day itself proved to be quite challenging but rewarding at the same time.

A monumental victory for the squad came when they became the first ever team to raft the entire stretch of the Brahmaputra, from Gelling (first village in Arunachal Pradesh which is at the Indo-Tibetan border and from where the river enters India) all the way to Hatsingimari in Assam (along the Indo-Bangladesh border) covering a distance of 1040 kms.

Not only this, the expedition involved a series of internationally renowned challenging rapids, including Ningging Rapid, Palsi Rapid, Tooth Fairy Rapid, Kodak Rapid, Moying Madness Rapid, Karko Killer Rapid, Hairy Hari Rapid and many other class 3+ rapids, before the team arrived at Pasighat.

Halfway through the mission, the Assam leg of the expedition started from Poba in Jonai on the 22nd of January and NIMAS accommodated 4 additional local rafters from the region to join them in pursue of this record-making accomplishment.

The Assam 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.

Culture exchange

Apart from a mission that tests ones limits, it also became a journey of meaningful cultural exchange.

On their way to glory, the team was welcomed warmly by the local indigenous tribes, including the Memba, Adi, Mishing, and Bodo. The humble group of people there 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. 

'Relentless planning and leadership'

Throughout the course of 25 days of intense pedaling, the NIMAS team encountered fierce rapids on the scale of class IV and V for several days and dangerous flips that tested their mettle.

Apart from just grit, this expedition demanded months of strategic preparation, risk assessment, and team coordination as well.

Col Jamwal was understandably elated. 

“Conceiving such a monumental adventure and turning it into a reality was no easy task. It required not just physical readiness but relentless planning and leadership. Watching this dream unfold into history is a moment of immense pride,” said Colonel Jamwal.

Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, an Indian Army Officer and a mountaineering legend, is incidentally a man of firsts.

He is the only person in the world to have climbed the highest mountain of all seven continents along with the highest peak of all 28 Indian states as part of mission 'Har Shikhar Tiranga'.

He has led record-setting cycling expeditions as well, including a 5,374 km cycling expedition across six Southeast Asian nations in 2023, setting new Asian and Indian records.

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 and the feat stands as a beacon for adventure enthusiasts and sets a new benchmark for exploration in India.

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's northeastern frontier.