About this expedition
Tucked into the forests of Kumaon, the Saryu is one of Uttarakhand’s lesser known rivers for rafting and kayakingexpeditions — a wilderness river trip for paddlers who want sustined worldclass class 4 whitewater, stunning riverside camps, and clear, relatively warm water.
Over four river days you move from a put-in near Bageshwar through thick wilderness setting, old river side temples, and remote, wild campsites before taking out at Rameshwar.
Trip starts and ends at Shivanandi River Lodge in Rudraprayag, our base for Himalayan river programs. There is also an option to go directly to Haldwani Airport after the trip instead of return to Shivanandi River Lodge.
Highlights
- Class IV whitewater in a remote wilderness setting
- Four river days with riverside camping, including Paradise Beach
- Finish at Rameshwar with flexible exit options
- Base at Shivanandi River Lodge before and after the river
- Guides with international whitewater certification
Season
November
6–10 Nov departure
Location
Saryu River, Kumaon (base: Shivanandi River Lodge, Rudraprayag)
Group Size
Small expedition groups
Skill Level
Hard | Class IV+
Duration
5 days
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival
- Arrive at Shivanandi River Lodge, Rudraprayag
- Meet the team, settle in, and prepare for the drive to the put-in the following day
Day 2 — Start Rafting at Bageshwar
- Travel to the put-in near Bageshwar and begin the Saryu descent
- Raft through the opening stretches and camp at the temple campsite
Day 3 — Rafting through the wilderness
- Continue downriver with Class IV whitewater in a thick wilderness corridor
- Camp at Sheraghat
Day 4 — Raft through the wilderness
- Another full day on the Saryu River with Class IV whitewater
- Camp at Paradise Beach — widely regarded as the finest campsite of the trip
Day 5 — Paradise Beach to finishing point
- Final river day: raft through class IV whitewater to the take-out at Rameshwar
- From here you can drive to Haldwani for onward flights, or return by road to Shivanandi River Lodge
Fixed Departure Dates
October - 2026
- October 14th(arrive at Shivanandi River Lodge) and October 18th(end at Rameshwar)
November - 2026
- November 6th(arrive at Shivanandi River Lodge) and Nov 10th(end at Rameshwar)
Fees
₹1,10,000 / head
What's Included
- Rafting and kayaking on the Saryu
- High-quality rafting and kayaking equipment
- Experienced, internationally certified river guides
- Meals during the expedition
- Riverside camping arrangements
- Transport to starting point at Bageshwarfrom Shivanandi River Lodge
- Transport from the Rameshwar finish to Shivanandi River Lodge / Haldwani Airport
What's Not Included
- Travel to Shivanandi River Lodge
- Flights or onward travel from Haldwani
- Personal expenses
Refund Policy
- 100% refund:If cancelled 20+ days before expedition start date
- 50% refund:If cancelled 15-19 days before expedition start date
- 30% refund:If cancelled 7-14 days before expedition start date
- No refund:If cancelled less than 7 days before expedition start date
Steps to book
Follow these steps to join the expedition:
- Fill out the enquiry form on this page with your details.
- Our team will contact you to confirm fitness, group sizeand seat availability.
- Make 50% advance payment to confirm your booking
- Complete the registration form
- Receive confirmation of your booking
Gallery
Scenes from the Saryu rafting and kayaking expedition.
Things to Carry
Pack light, quick-dry layers suited to riverside camping and Class IV water. Specialized rafting and kayaking gear is provided.
Essential Items
- Quick-dry clothing (synthetic or wool; avoid cotton)
- Swimming shorts / trunks
- Water shoes or sneakers that can get wet
- Warm layer for cool evenings in camp
- Sleeping bag liner or personal sleep layer (if you prefer your own)
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, SPF 30+)
- Towel
- Water bottle (1 liter minimum)
- Headlamp or torch
- ID proof
- Personal medications
Additional Good To Have Items
- Sunglasses with retainer
- Hat or cap
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Dry bag for personal electronics
- Insect repellent
- Camera (waterproof housing recommended)
- Snacks for the river
Important Note
All specialized rafting and kayaking equipment is provided by the expedition team.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enquiry form
Register your interest and we will get back as soon as possible