Himalayan White Water Kayaking Summer Program for Kids
A special opportunity for kids to explore their wild side by immersing themselves in the prestine rivers and mountains of the Himalayas while learning white water kayaking from the top instructors in the country.
Course Description
The White Water Kayaking Kids Summer Camp at Shivanandi River Lodge is designed to introduce children to the outdoors, build survival skills, and develop a lasting love for nature and rivers through the immersive experience of learning white water kayaking.
The program runs for a minimum of 4 days with the option to extend to any number of days. Parents have the option to learn white water kayaking alongside their child, making it a memorable family adventure in the Himalayas.
At the end of the course the student will:
- Be able to navigate a kayak in grade 1-2 rapids
- Be able to perform basic self-rescue techniques and have more confidence in water
- Have a deeper understanding of how to deal with water and river features
- Have better survival skills and knowledge about the outdoors
Dates
April & May 2026
Choose any 4 days, extendable
Location
Shivanandi River Lodge
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Age
10-15 years.
Parents may also join as participants.
Skill Level
Beginner
Basic comfort in water is required.
About Shivanandi River Lodge
Shivanandi River Lodge is built by one of the most experienced and renouned white water kayakers in India, Shalabh Gahalaut. Shalabh is a pioneer in the sport and is a well known personality in the white water kayaking community worldwide.
Shivanandi River Lodge is a popular destination among adventure and outdoors enthusiasts and especially among kayakers from across world. The lodge offers a family-friendly base with comfortable accommodation, meals, a natural swimming pool and direct access to the river Alaknanda and other classic Himalayan rivers in the region. Its peaceful and natural setting and make it ideal for kids their families to connect with nature and learn white water kayaking.
Eligibility
- Age 10-15 (kids). Parents may also join as participants.
- No prior kayaking experience required
- Ability to swim and float comfortably in deep water with the help of a PFD (life jacket)
- No medical conditions that prevent participation in moderate physical activity
Safety
Safety and emotional comfort is our top priority when it comes to teaching kids white water kayaking. Here are some highlights about safety during the course:
- Slow and controlled progression of skills
- Certified and highly experienced instructors with experience in teaching children
- Multiple certified rescue and first aidprofessionals at all times during the sessions
- Kid-appropriate safety gear
- Kids will not be taken on rapids above Grade 2
Curriculum
Introduction to kayaking
- Kayak design
- About kayaking equipment
- River safety briefing
- Seat positioning
- Kayak carrying technique
Basic paddling
- Forward stroke
- Back stroke
- Basic self rescue skills
- Wet exit
- Edge control
River running
- Protocols for river running
- Signals
- Running Grade 1 and 2 rapids
Day-wise Plan
Day 1 — Introduction
- Orientation and safety briefing
- Introduction to kayak and equipment
- Simple strokes in an eddy
Price
Rs. 40,000/- per head.
What's Included
- Instruction from professional white waterkayaking instructors
- Equipment (kayak, paddle, spray skirt, helmet, life jacket)
- Course completion certificate
- Accommodation in Rooms (at Shivanandi River Lodge)
- Meals (Standard Vegetarian Indian)
What's Not Included
- Non vegetarian meals(Additional cost)
- Beverages
Refund Policy
- 100% refund:If cancelled 20+ days before course start date
- 50% refund:If cancelled 15–19 days before course start date
- 30% refund:If cancelled 7–14 days before course start date
- No refund:If cancelled less than 7 days before course start date
Gallery
A glimpse into life at Shivanandi River Lodge.
Things to Carry
To ensure a comfortable experience for your child (and yourself if you're joining), please bring:
Essential Items
- Quick-dry clothing (synthetic or wool, avoid cotton)
- Swimming wear
- Water shoes or sneakers that can get wet
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+)
- Towel and extra set of clothes
- Water bottle (1 litre minimum)
- ID proof (for parent/guardian)
Good to Have
- Hat or cap
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
- Camera (waterproof) or phone in dry bag
Important Note
All kayaking equipment is provided by National Outdoor School. Do not bring valuables that cannot be secured during river activities.
Instructor Profiles
Shalabh Gahlaut
Shalabh is a pioneer of white water kayaking in India with decades of experience in the sport and is the first to kayak a number of rivers in the Indian sub-continent.
Shalabh has vast experience in teaching children. He is a father of 2 daughters and has helped his children to become passionate kayakers and environmentally conscious individuals with a deep love for nature and the outdoors.
His family built Shivanandi River Lodge together wishing it to be a place of relaxation, a place close to the mountains and rivers, and a home for the family. The family home evolved into a lodge and a popular destination among adventure and outdoors enthusiasts, especially among kayakers from across the world.
Arjun Sagoi
Arjun is a highly accomplished white water kayaker in India. He is the founder along with Shalabh Gahlaut of Alakananda Whitewater, a leading white water kayaking and rafting company in India. Arjun has vast experience working as a river guide and rescue professional in reputed white water kayaking and rafting companies in India and Iceland.
Arjun's wishes to share his vast knowledge about kayaking, rivers and mountainswith children and help them to become better individuals.
Jogi Nayak
Jogi is a passionate kayaker and an advocate for the sport. His passion for white water kayaking has made him explore more than 25+ rivers across various countries.
He is certified as a White Water Rescue Technician from Rescue 3 international, Level 2 Swift Water Rescue Professional from ITRA and a certified river guide from US National White Water Center, which is the training ground for olympic level athletes.
He believes that white water kayaking is not just a sport, but a way of life that connects people with nature and helps them discover their true potential. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others, and helping them develop their skills and confidence on the water and outdoors.
Jogi's mission with National Outdoor School is to make quality outdoor education accessible to all and build a community of nature lovers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and world class athletes.
Daman Singh
Daman Singh is a highly accomplished white water kayaker in India. He has won accolades in International competitions and has vast experience across rivers in India, Nepal and Iceland. He loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others, guiding them into becoming better paddlers. He is among top white water kayakers in the country.
Daman is also a certified white water rescue professional. He has vast experience working as a river guide in reputed companies like Alakananda Whitewater, India and Arctic Rafting, Iceland.
Additional Info
How to Get There
Shivanandi River Lodge is located in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand which is well connected by road.
- By road: Rudraprayag is about 4–5 hours from Rishikesh, 5–6 hours from Haridwar, and 5–6 hours from Dehradun. You can drive or hire a taxi.
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From the airport, Rudraprayag is roughly 5–6 hours by road.
- By train: Nearest major railheads are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From there, take a taxi or bus to Rudraprayag.
- Once in Rudraprayag, follow directions to Shivanandi River Lodge. We can share detailed directions and contact details for the lodge after you register.
Things to do near Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is a gateway to the Char Dham and offers plenty for families when not on the river:
- Rudraprayag town and confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini Rivers
- Day hike to Karthik Swamy temple
- Trip to Chandrashila Peak
- Riverside picnics
- Local villages and mountain views
Enquiry form
Register your interest and we will get back as soon as possible