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Horseback riding tours
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Pushkar Fair Riding Safari in Rajasthan
Rajasthan
India
Once a year we organize a horseback safari from Udaipur to the Camel Market and Pushkar Fair in this little town at the edge of the Thar Desert.
Being a certain highlight of our safari year, this safari is certainly most spectacular firstly for its great landscapes and secondly of course for the participation in the colorful Pushkar Fair, probably one of the most vibrant festivals of India.
The safari trail leads from the Aravalli Mountains with its unique geographic features down into the great Thar Desert and the little town of Pushkar. Considered a holy town, once a year Pushkar sports the biggest Camel Market of India, which is also a religious festival and a handicraft fair.
There are only a few places of interest along the way but the rather substantial change of landscape taking place is simply breathtaking.
After leaving the Aravalli Mountains behind, the riders will enter the semi-desert stretching around the edges of the Thar Desert where man fights hard in order to make a living from the poor soil. Camels replace horses and cows and the stony terrain of the hills gives way to the sandy desert ground.
A few highlights are along the route such as the interesting tribal culture of this region or the impressive fort at Kharwa, which our riders can visit. The local noble family is much interested in horses and if at home, never misses a chat.
But the real highlight of this safari is of course the Pushkar Camel Fair where every year around 25 000 animals, camels, horses and cattle, are traded. It is also a major festival so many people of the region come to Pushkar in order to enjoy the fair, take part in the religious ceremonies or indulge in purchasing all sorts of items.
The first set of dates is our safari Udaipur to Pushkar. The second set of dates is our safari from Pushkar to Udaipur (Pushkar Return Safari).
The time spend on the Pushkar Fair in both safaris is equal.
Terrain: From the Aravalli Hills to the flat sandy plains of Thar Desert.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
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Meeting:
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Udaipur or Pushkar
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Airport:
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New Dehli or Udaipur
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Transfer:
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From Udaipur to Pushkar or from Pushkar to Udaipur
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations (8 nights in tented safari camp and 1 nights in middle class hotel in UTransfer from Udaipur/Pushkar includedaipur), all meals, and evening entertainment during safari.
| A | 2013 | 10 day trip, AP | 10d / 9n | $2340 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Udaipur/Pushkar included
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$0
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2013
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Single supplement
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$225
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This first departure starts in Udaipur and ends in Pushkar. The second departure starts in Pushkar and ends in Udaipur.
Transfers to the starting point are not included, but we can help with the arrangements.
A sightseeing option from New Delhi via Agra etc is available and can be customized.
Rates do not include:
Flight Delhi-Udaipur or Delhi-Pushkar.
A sightseeing option from New Delhi via Agra is available and can be customized.
Itinerary (Udaipur-Pushkar)
Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur and time for sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in middle class hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Banaria, test ride, overnight stay in our safari camp
Day 3: Banaria - Jormuda
On the first safari day the trail will lead through the low Aravalli Mountains. The route goes through villages and fertile lands. On the way the riders have a chance to visit some temples and see Baoris (step wells) with marble chattris (small pavilions). Around 4 pm they will arrive in the safari camp which is situated at a small lake. If time permits they can visit Jhormuda Fort.
Day 4: Jormuda - Kherda
Another day through the mountains. Today the riders can visit a number of tribal villages. They are usually situated on top of small hills surrounded by a wall of thorn bushes. The houses are built in clusters with thatched roofs and with walls made of mud. Often they are nicely decorated with white tribal paintings. Here the riders can experience first hand the unique culture of the Rajasthani tribes.
Day 5: Kherda - Lalpura
Today the landscape becomes more level and open. The main range of the Aravalli Mountains is laying in the back now. The climate becomes drier and so does the vegetation. Trees give way to thorn bushes and the soil becomes sandy. Stretches of open country invite for an occasional gallop and the horses enjoy the soft and level ground. Camels become a regular sight.
Day 6: Lalpura - Jawaja
On this day the riders will truly feel the nearing desert. The land is now completely level and the hills are left behind. Flocks of cattle, goats, sheep and many camels are passing. All head towards the Pushkar Fair. Occasionally the riders will encounter nomads with colourful turbans and huge moustaches herding their camels to Pushkar. They transport everything they own and need for a living on the back of their animals. The small children and women with infants are allowed to ride, the rest of the family is walking.
Day 7: Jawaja - Kharwa
Pushkar and the Thar Desert are coming near. Another day of riding through the half-desert and encountering hundreds of animals. Again the trail leads through tribal land and the riders can admire their hamlets and villages. After arrival in the camp the massive fort in Kharwa can be visited.
Day 8: Kharwa - Pushkar
On the last day of the safari the trail leads over sand roads through thick thorn bush vegetation. Occasionally a field can be seen where a farmer tries to grow pulses on the infertile land. The main means of livelihood here is animal husbandry. On the way a small temple can be visited and the riders can admire the ruins of ancient forts. Arrival in Pushkar is around 3:30 pm but a part of the Mela (fair) has to be crossed in order to reach our camp which is situated within walking distance of the fairground. The riders will have a short glimpse of the fair and the camel market. In the evening they have a chance to walk over to the fair or attending dance programs.
Day 9: Pushkar Fair
After breakfast the riders can see the Pushkar Fair on horseback. Since the trading ground is on a huge sand dune outside the town, it is a very comfortable and easy way to discover it. Lunch can be either eaten in our camp or, if the riders want, packed and eaten along the way. In the afternoon they can set out on their own to either visit Pushkar or have another round at the fair. At the fairgrounds, colourful programs are taking place all day long. Horse and camel races run, as well as fun competitions such as water pot races or a turban tie competition. Information about the timings will be given by us in the camp.
Day 10: Morning free to do sightseeing in Pushkar and then departure.
*Possibility to add on other sight-seeing options for the tours end.
--- the second week runs in the opposite direction of the first week.
Itinerary (Pushkar-Udaipur)
Day 1: Arrival in Pushkar and transfer to our camp (transfer from Udaipur is available). Afternoon free to explore the Fair and to get to know the horses. Overnight stay in our safari camp.
Day 2: Pushkar Fair
After breakfast the riders can see the Pushkar Fair on horseback. Since the trading ground is on a huge sand dune outside the town, it is a very comfortable and easy way to discover it. Lunch can be either eaten in our camp or, if the riders want, packed and eaten along the way. In the afternoon they can set out on their own to either visit Pushkar or have another round at the fair. At the fairground, colorful programs are taking place all day long. Horse and camel races run, as well as fun competitions such as water pot races or a turban tie competition. Information about the timings will be given by us in the camp.
Day 3: Pushkar - Kharwa
Beginning the safari, the trail leads over sand roads through thick thorn bush vegetation. Occasionally a field can be seen where a farmer tries to grow pulses on the infertile land. The main means of livelihood here is animal husbandry. On the way a small temple can be visited and the riders can admire the ruins of ancient forts. Arrival in Pushkar is around 3:30 pm but a part of the Mela (fair) has to be crossed in order to reach our camp which is situated within walking distance of the fairground. The riders will have a short glimpse of the fair and the camel market. In the evening they have a chance tp walk over to the fair or attending dance programs.
Day 4: Kharwa - Jawaja.
Another day of riding through semi desert, encountering hundreds of animals going to Pushkar or coming from the fair. Today the trail leads through tribal land and the riders can admire their hamlets and villages.
Day 5: Jawaja - Lalpura.
On this day the riders will slowly leave the desert behind. The land however still is level but the hills can be seen in some distance. Flocks of cattle, goats, sheep and many camels are passing. All head towards the Pushkar Fair or are driven back home. Occasionally the riders will encounter nomads with colourful turbans and huge moustaches herding their camels to Pushkar. They transport everything they own and need for a living on the back of their animals. The small children and women with infants are allowed to ride, the rest of the family is walking.
Day 6: Lalpura - Kherda.
The main range of the Aravalli Mountains is laying in front of the riders now. The climate is still dry and so is the vegetation. But now trees are lining the way and the thorn bush vegetation is left behind. Stretches of open country invite for an occasional gallop and the horses enjoy the soft and level ground. Camels are still a regular sight.
Day 7: Kherda - Jormuda.
Today the landscape becomes hilly. The desert is left behind and the riders enter the lower ranges of the Aravalli Mountains. The riders can visit a number of tribal villages. They are usually situated on top of small hills surrounded by a wall of thorn bushes. The houses are built in clusters with thatched roofs and walls made of mud. Often they are nicely decorated with white tribal paintings. Here the riders can experience first hand the unique culture of the Rajasthani tribes. After arrival in the camp, which is nicely situated at a small lake, Jormuda Fort can be visited.
Day 8: Jormuda - Banaria.
On the last safari day the trail will lead through the low Aravalli Mountains. The route goes through villages and fertile lands. On the way the riders have a chance of visiting temples and see Baoris (step wells) with marble chattris (small pavilions). Around 4 pm the camp will be reached.
Day 9: Transfer back to Udaipur after breakfast, afternoon sightseeing in Udaipur, overnight stay in middle class hotel
Day 10: Program ends after breakfast
Details 2011 - special departures
Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife Safari, 13.09. – 20.09.2011
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli Mountains in the post-monsoon.
Discover Southern Rajasthan as its greenest and lushest season of the
year.
Festival Safari, 26.09. – 05.10.2011
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) during the Indian festival of Navratri and Dusshera.
As an additional attraction, this safari takes place on the Indian
festivals of Navratri, which runs 9 subsequent days or better nights and
finally the festival of Dusshera, the day where Indian people celebrate
the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravanna.
Also on this day in Rajasthan the Rajputs hold traditionally a prayer in
which they have their weapons and horses blessed. We uphold this
tradition with a small horse prayer in which the riders can participate
and learn a lot about Indian traditions and customs.
Diwali Safari, 18.10. – 27.10.2011
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) and participation in the Indian festival of Diwali.
The Indian festival of Diwali can be compared with Christmas in the
West. It is the festival of light and it is the most important
celebration of the Hindu year. The myths and stories behind Diwali are
most diverse and the mode of celebration depends a lot on region and
community. Most Hindus celebrated the return of their God-king Ram from
exile. In order to show him his way, all houses light oil lamps and
candles. The houses are decorated with paintings and lights in all rooms
and corners.
Diwali is an especially pretty festival to be around.
Pushkar Fair Safari, 29.10. – 07.11.2011 and 07.11. – 16.11.2011
9-days horseback safari to the Pushkar Fair and Camel Market
Once a year we organize a horseback safari from Udaipur to the Camel
Market and Pushkar Fair in this little town at the edge of the Thar
Desert.
Being a certain highlight of our safari year, this safari is certainly
most spectacular firstly for its great landscapes and secondly of course
for the participation in the colorful Pushkar Fair, probably one of the
most vibrant festivals of India.
The safari trail leads from the Aravalli Mountains with its unique
geographic features down into the great Thar Desert and the little town
of Pushkar. Considered a holy town, once a year Pushkar sports the
biggest Camel Market of India, which is also a religious festival and a
handicraft fair.
There are only a few places of interest along the way but the rather
substantial change of landscape taking place is simply breathtaking.
After leaving the Aravalli Mountains behind, the riders will enter the
semi-desert stretching around the edges of the Thar Desert where man
fights hard in order to make a living from the poor soil. Camels replace
horses and cows and the stony terrain of the hills gives way to the
sandy desert ground.
A few highlights are along the route such as the interesting tribal
culture of this region or the impressive fort at Kharwa, which our
riders can visit. The local noble family is much interested in horses
and if at home, never misses a chat.
But the real highlight of this safari is of course the Pushkar Camel
Fair where every year around 25 000 animals, camels, horses and cattle,
are traded. It is also a major festival so many people of the region
come to Pushkar in order to enjoy the fair, take part in the religious
ceremonies or indulge in purchasing all sorts of items.
The first set of dates is our safari Udaipur to Pushkar. The second set
of dates is our safari from Pushkar to Udaipur (Pushkar Return Safari).
The time spend on the Pushkar Fair in both safaris is equal.
Mewar Trail, 27.11. – 06.12.2011
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain with sunshine guarantee!
New Year’s Safari, 26.12.2011 – 02.01.2012
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli Mountains
(Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife Safari) with the option of coming a day
earlier in order to visit the Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival in
Udaipur. New Year is celebrated in our safari camp in Ranakpur.
Details 2012 - Special departures
Solstice Safari, 14.01. – 23.01.2012
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) in the flowering time of the Dhak Trees and poppy flowers.
Frontier Trail, 28.01. – 04.02.2012
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli-Mountains
(Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife-Safari) in the Indian Winter Season.
Possibility of transfer to Jodhpur after the trail.
Indian Flower Safari, 11.02. – 20.02.2012
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) in the flowering time of the Dhak Trees and poppy flowers.
Basanti Safari, 01.03. – 08.03.2012
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli-Mountains
(Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife-Safari) in the Indian Spring Season, the
best time to spot wildlife. After the safari it is possible to stay for 2
days more and experience the Indian festival of Holi marking the
beginning of spring.
The Indian festival of Spring is all about color and the passing of
winter. On the first day in the evening a large bonfire is burned amid
large celebrations. On the second day people throw water and colored
powder on each other.
Autumn Safari (Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife Safari), 30.09. – 07.10.2012
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli Mountains in the post-monsoon.
Discover Southern Rajasthan as its greenest and lushest season of the
year.
Festival Safari, 14.10. – 23.10.2012
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) during the Indian festival of Navratri and Dusshera.
As an additional attraction, this safari takes place on the Indian
festivals of Navratri, which runs 9 subsequent days or better nights and
finally the festival of Dusshera, the day where Indian people celebrate
the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravanna.
Also on this day in Rajasthan the Rajputs hold traditionally a prayer in
which they have their weapons and horses blessed. We uphold this
tradition with a small horse prayer in which the riders can participate
and learn a lot about Indian traditions and customs.
Diwali Safari, 05.11. – 14.11.2012
9-days horseback safari over the Malwa Plain (Mewar Trail) and participation in the Indian festival of Diwali.
The Indian festival of Diwali can be compared with Christmas in the
West. It is the festival of light and it is the most important
celebration of the Hindu year. The myths and stories behind Diwali are
most diverse and the mode of celebration depends a lot on region and
community. Most Hindus celebrated the return of their God-king Ram from
exile. In order to show him his way, all houses light oil lamps and
candles. The houses are decorated with paintings and lights in all rooms
and corners.
Diwali is an especially pretty festival to be around.
Pushkar Fair Safari, 16.11. – 25.11.2011 and 25.11. – 04.12.2012
9-days horseback safari to the Pushkar Fair and Camel Market
Once a year we organize a horseback safari from Udaipur to the Camel
Market and Pushkar Fair in this little town at the edge of the Thar
Desert.
Being a certain highlight of our safari year, this safari is certainly
most spectacular firstly for its great landscapes and secondly of course
for the participation in the colorful Pushkar Fair, probably one of the
most vibrant festivals of India.
The safari trail leads from the Aravalli Mountains with its unique
geographic features down into the great Thar Desert and the little town
of Pushkar. Considered a holy town, once a year Pushkar sports the
biggest Camel Market of India, which is also a religious festival and a
handicraft fair.
There are only a few places of interest along the way but the rather
substantial change of landscape taking place is simply breathtaking.
After leaving the Aravalli Mountains behind, the riders will enter the
semi-desert stretching around the edges of the Thar Desert where man
fights hard in order to make a living from the poor soil. Camels replace
horses and cows and the stony terrain of the hills gives way to the
sandy desert ground.
A few highlights are along the route such as the interesting tribal
culture of this region or the impressive fort at Kharwa, which our
riders can visit. The local noble family is much interested in horses
and if at home, never misses a chat.
But the real highlight of this safari is of course the Pushkar Camel
Fair where every year around 25 000 animals, camels, horses and cattle,
are traded. It is also a major festival so many people of the region
come to Pushkar in order to enjoy the fair, take part in the religious
ceremonies or indulge in purchasing all sorts of items.
The first set of dates is our safari Udaipur to Pushkar. The second set
of dates is our safari from Pushkar to Udaipur (Pushkar Return Safari).
The time spend on the Pushkar Fair in both safaris is equal.
New Year’s Safari, 26.12.2012 – 02.01.2013
7-days horseback safari into the Aravalli Mountains
(Aravalli-Nature-and-Wildlife Safari) with the option of coming a day
earlier in order to visit the Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival in
Udaipur. New Year is celebrated in our safari camp in Ranakpur.
Meeting:
Udaipur or Pushkar
Airport:
New Dehli or Udaipur
Transfer:
From Udaipur to Pushkar or from Pushkar to Udaipur
This first departure starts in Udaipur and ends in Pushkar. The second departure starts in Pushkar and ends in Udaipur.
Transfers to the starting point are not included, but we can help with the arrangements.
A sightseeing option from New Delhi via Agra etc is available and can be customized.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Mawari
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Pace:
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First slow with a lot of climbing, then long trots, canters and occasional gallops in the sandy desert plain.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Nearly
all the horses we use for safaris and trail riding are Marwari horses.
This breed is native in Rajasthan and best suited for long rides in this
region. Formerly bred for the purpose of war , the Marwari horse
has Arab and Turkmeni ancestors, which were brought to India by
Central-Asian and Muslim invaders. His home is the desert kingdom of
Marwar from where it spread through the whole of Rajasthan. Its name
means quite literally “from the land of death”. Over centuries it was
bred in the harsh desert climate of Rajasthan by warring Rajput clans.The
Marwari horse is a medium-sized, elegant horse. The most distinguishing
features of the Marwari horse are its lyre-shaped ears, which curve
inward and often meet at the tips. Besides providing a sharp hearing,
they can be turned by 180 degrees. The Marwari has a longish head with a
broad forehead, wide-set and alert eyes and a well-shaped rather small
mouth. It is elegantly proportioned with a proud head carried on a
well-arched neck. The legs are straight and sound with small and very
hard hooves.The riding style is different to both English and
Western and on the spirited Marwari horse. We offer lessons on the
horses prior to the ride. A couple of extra days for pre-safari lessons
may make your riding experience more enjoyable. Please let Hidden Trails
know if you would like to book lessons before your ride.Let us
introduce you to our special royal Marwari horses, an ancient breed of
warhorses whose history is entwined with the history of Rajasthan and
the Rajputs. It is rightly said that “one cannot separate a Rajput from
his horse” and there is a saying: “If God did not create the horse, he
would not have created the Rajput.”This makes it quite clear
what a role the horse played and is still playing in Rajasthan. The cow
is holy but the horse is divine and still serves as a symbol of strength
and wealth. So a visit to Rajasthan is a visit to a horse country of
the finest order. In every village a fort can be found, in every village
some horses can be found. And even in these poorer village horses,
often thin and over-worked, one can still see a former gleam of royalty
in their eyes. The Marwari horse used to be the horse of the
king and his nobles. Bred for war and show, they still display a
remarkable pride and dignity. Their ears are distinctively curved
inwards in a lyre-shape and often meet at the tips, which makes them
unique and easily recognizable. The fortunes of the Marwari
horses changed with the ascendancy of the British in India. British
officers found the Marwari to be undersized and hot tempered, so they
imported shiploads of Australian Whalers who were quick, tough and
inexpensive.The Maharajas turned to luxury and extravagance and
copied British ways. Instead of keeping Marwari horses, they bought
expensive thoroughbreds or Australian mounts. Having surrendered their
very reason d'etre, India's former kings and nobles lost a fundamental
part of their soul and left their heritage and traditions behind. After
independence things did not improve for the Marwari horse, in fact the
situation worsened. Being perceived as a symbol for the despised
feudalism, many Marwari horses were castrated, killed and scattered. The
breed was neglected for decades and few pure specimen survived.Finally
the Marwari horse was saved by its own people. Local land gentry
managed to rescue a few animals and started their own breeding programs.
Tourism and horseback-safaris have provided a tremendous boost to the
revival of the Rajput culture and ultimately to the future of the
Marwari horse. Today there are countless breeders in Rajasthan, Gujarat
as well as the Punjab and the prospect of the Marwari horse looks
brighter than it has for a long time.The safari is run by a
member of the noble family of Boheda Shaktwat and his wife. The
Shaktawats of Boheda trace their lineage to Shakti Singh (1540-1594),
brother of Maharana Pratap. By killing two soldiers who were chasing
Maharana Pratap after the battle of Haldi Ghati, Shakti Singh saved his
brother's life and was thus rewarded with extensive jagirs (land grants)
and titles.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least 190 days required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Visas Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Note: Nationals not referred to in th. more
Climate: Summer: 38.3 degree C (Max.) 28.8degree C (Min)
Winter: 28.3 degree C (Max.) 11.6 degree C (Min)
Rainfall: 61 cms
Clothing: Summer: light tropical
Winter: light woolen
Best Season: September- March.
This list is only a guideline for you
- Travel documents and Voucher
- Flight tickets
- Passport
- Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING GEAR
- Riding breeches or comfortable jeans for the ride
- Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
- Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
- Riding gloves
- Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
- Lightweight Rain coat
PERSONAL CLOTHING
- Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Underwear and socks
- Pyjama
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Swimsuit
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
- Personal Toiletries
- Small backpack or bag to carry with you on when you ride
- Insect protection
- Personal medications
- Small flashlight
- Handkerchiefs
- Adapter for electric appliances
- Camera and enough extra films and batteries
- Sun hat and sun block
(each horse has two saddle bags, but your lunch packet and water bottles have to fit in already)
Your luggage will be transported by car, so you do not have to take everything with you on horseback. We however recommend you to use lockable bags or suitcases. We are not responsible for the loss of any valuables unless they are handed to us before the safari. For each item we will give you a receipt.
Malaria:
Rajasthan has a very low malaria risk and this mainly during the rainy season (end of June till end of August). Rajasthan is in any case a low risk area without the more severe form of malaria tropica prevalent in Africa. We thus do not advice any malaria medication.
Some
non-aggressive mosquitoes can be there in March around certain camp
sites during dusk so we advise our riders to bring some repellent in
order to protect themselves against bites.
Effective repellents can
be also purchased locally at a low cost. In any case usually, a normal
repellent is sufficient to prevent bites.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation during the riding portion of the tour (in most cases) will be in a safari camp. The reason for this is that many of our routes lead through scarcely populated areas away from the usual tourist paths. So very often the night has to be spend in the nature away from human dwellings.
However all of our campsites are chosen with great care and offer a maximum safety and superb views. Away from the busy Indian towns or villages they are a paradise for nature lovers and bird-watchers.Though away from civilization, our camp offers all necessary facilities to the riders. The tents are comfortable and inviting with double or single occupancy. Each tent is equipped with beds, chairs, bedrolls, and floor covering. The camp is having both toilet and shower facilities. Hot water is provided in buckets. Towels, soaps, etc. are supplied.
Breakfast and dinner is served in our dining area, an open space with a sunroof, tables and chairs. Breakfast is Continental style with fruits of the season, eggs and toast. Lunch will be either taken as package on the trail or brought to you by Jeep. Dinner is a traditional 3-course menu of Indian food (non-spicy). Vegetarian food preparation is possible. Our camp gives a very colorful impression, reminding of the hunting camps of the Maharajas. The tents made in the traditional Indian style with a roofed entrance where the riders can leave their shoes. Grouped around the dinning area they are encircled by a partition enclosure of cloth with a colorful Rajasthan pattern.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Mawari
|
|
Pace:
|
|
First slow with a lot of climbing, then long trots, canters and occasional gallops in the sandy desert plain.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
Nearly
all the horses we use for safaris and trail riding are Marwari horses.
This breed is native in Rajasthan and best suited for long rides in this
region.Formerly bred for the purpose of war , the Marwari horse
has Arab and Turkmeni ancestors, which were brought to India by
Central-Asian and Muslim invaders. His home is the desert kingdom of
Marwar from where it spread through the whole of Rajasthan. Its name
means quite literally “from the land of death”. Over centuries it was
bred in the harsh desert climate of Rajasthan by warring Rajput clans.The
Marwari horse is a medium-sized, elegant horse. The most distinguishing
features of the Marwari horse are its lyre-shaped ears, which curve
inward and often meet at the tips. Besides providing a sharp hearing,
they can be turned by 180 degrees. The Marwari has a longish head with a
broad forehead, wide-set and alert eyes and a well-shaped rather small
mouth. It is elegantly proportioned with a proud head carried on a
well-arched neck. The legs are straight and sound with small and very
hard hooves.The riding style is different to both English and
Western and on the spirited Marwari horse. We offer lessons on the
horses prior to the ride. A couple of extra days for pre-safari lessons
may make your riding experience more enjoyable. Please let Hidden Trails
know if you would like to book lessons before your ride.Let us
introduce you to our special royal Marwari horses, an ancient breed of
warhorses whose history is entwined with the history of Rajasthan and
the Rajputs. It is rightly said that “one cannot separate a Rajput from
his horse” and there is a saying: “If God did not create the horse, he
would not have created the Rajput.”This makes it quite clear
what a role the horse played and is still playing in Rajasthan. The cow
is holy but the horse is divine and still serves as a symbol of strength
and wealth. So a visit to Rajasthan is a visit to a horse country of
the finest order. In every village a fort can be found, in every village
some horses can be found. And even in these poorer village horses,
often thin and over-worked, one can still see a former gleam of royalty
in their eyes. The Marwari horse used to be the horse of the
king and his nobles. Bred for war and show, they still display a
remarkable pride and dignity. Their ears are distinctively curved
inwards in a lyre-shape and often meet at the tips, which makes them
unique and easily recognizable. The fortunes of the Marwari
horses changed with the ascendancy of the British in India. British
officers found the Marwari to be undersized and hot tempered, so they
imported shiploads of Australian Whalers who were quick, tough and
inexpensive.The Maharajas turned to luxury and extravagance and
copied British ways. Instead of keeping Marwari horses, they bought
expensive thoroughbreds or Australian mounts. Having surrendered their
very reason d'etre, India's former kings and nobles lost a fundamental
part of their soul and left their heritage and traditions behind. After
independence things did not improve for the Marwari horse, in fact the
situation worsened. Being perceived as a symbol for the despised
feudalism, many Marwari horses were castrated, killed and scattered. The
breed was neglected for decades and few pure specimen survived.Finally
the Marwari horse was saved by its own people. Local land gentry
managed to rescue a few animals and started their own breeding programs.
Tourism and horseback-safaris have provided a tremendous boost to the
revival of the Rajput culture and ultimately to the future of the
Marwari horse. Today there are countless breeders in Rajasthan, Gujarat
as well as the Punjab and the prospect of the Marwari horse looks
brighter than it has for a long time.The safari is run by a
member of the noble family of Boheda Shaktwat and his wife. The
Shaktawats of Boheda trace their lineage to Shakti Singh (1540-1594),
brother of Maharana Pratap. By killing two soldiers who were chasing
Maharana Pratap after the battle of Haldi Ghati, Shakti Singh saved his
brother's life and was thus rewarded with extensive jagirs (land grants)
and titles.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 190 days required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorisation. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. An additional form must be completed. Passengers are advised to check with the tourist board for up-to-date information before departure.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist visa: £30 (multiple-entry; six months); £50 (multiple-entry; one year). Business visa: £105 (one year); £160 (more than one year). Transit: £8 (single/double-entry). Prices for certain other nationals vary, nationals are advised to contact the embassy to check cost.
Validity
Tourist: six months or one year for multiple entry. Transit: maximum stays of 15 days within three months. Business: three or six months, or up to two years for multiple entry.
Applications to:
Embassy or high commission (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. There are also Indian Visa Application Centres in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
Working Days Required
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Applications made at the visa centres will take at least 2-3 working days. Postal applications take a minimum of 10 working days. Where referrals are required, applications may require 20-25 working days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Pushkar Fair Riding Safari in Rajasthan
Tour Code:
IT-INRT03
10 days /
9 nights
~$2,340.00
Dates :
November
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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