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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
Safari Ride
Meeting:
Udaipur or Pushkar
Airport:
Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR)
Transfer:
Udaipur airport or railway station
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Rates and Dates for 2023
Rates include:
Accommodations, All meals with non-alcoholic drinks, 8 riding days & Transfers
Helmets, half-chaps, boots, breeches, gloves and seat savers available to lend.
| A | 2023 | 10 day trip (Udaipur-Pushkar) | 10d / 9n | $2450 |
| 3 days Diwali Festival pre-tour extension, dbl, pp | $350 |
| 3 days Diwali Festival pre-tour extension, single | $425 |
| B | 2023 | 10 day trip (Pushkar- Udaipur) | 10d / 9n | $2350 |
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2023
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Round trip transfer from Udaipur is included
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$0
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2023
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Single supplement
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$225
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages, Entrance fees, Gratuities & Optional extra excursions (Agra, New Delhi...)
Sample Itinerary: Udaipur-Pushkar - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival in Udaipur
Time for sightseeing. Dinner and overnight in middle class hotel .
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Boheda Palace in Udaipur
Day 2: Test Ride & Sightseeing
After breakfast pick up from your hotel and transfer to Deogarh, the starting point of the safari. On the way we can visit the Sas Bahu Temple at Nagda, a 10th centaury example of pre-Islamic Hindu architecture with beautiful stone carvings. After reaching our camp we have lunch together and our safari briefing. Our first camp is situated at the shore of a lake, which is situated pleasantly in the hills. In the afternoon we will try out the horses and go for a ride through the surrounding countryside. Overnight stay in our safari camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Deogarh
Day 3: Deogarh to Sohangarh
The first day ride goes through the lower hills of the Aravalli Mountains with lush vegetation, countless birds and fertile cultivation area. The terrain is rocky and we pass through some villages and an area of marble and granite mining. Arrival in the camp around late afternoon. Today our camp is situated near the former hunting palace of a nearby noble family. If the family is at home, they are happy to have a little chat with us. Overnight stay in our safari camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Sohangarh
Day 4: Sohangarh to Lalpura
Another day riding through the hills. The landscape becomes somewhat drier and the underground rocky. After lunch the riders pass through some tribal villages. Arrival in our safari camp in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Lalpura
Day 5: Lalpura to Jawaja
Today the riders need to cross a part of the Aravalli Mountains which is still in between us and Pushkar. In the morning we climb up the hills, which are rocky and partly steep. The landscape has changed and green trees and lush vegetation have given way to thorn trees and shrubs. The landscape becomes lonely and somewhat desolate. The riders can enjoy great views over the mountains. Lunch is held at a scenic spot on the way. In the afternoon the peak height is crossed and the riders start a slow descent towards our camp. Arrival there in the late afternoon and overnight stay in our safari camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Jawaja
Day 6: Jawaja to Kharwa
Today the riders enter the semi-desert, which borders the vast expanse of the Thar Desert. Large areas of wasteland with little more than thorn bushes have to be traversed. The ground becomes sandy and the predominant colours are now yellow and brown, compared to the previous green. The terrain is level and the hills are left behind. Open savannah invites for long trots, canters and gallops and occasionally antelopes such as Nilgai or Chinkara can be spotted.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Kharwa
Day 7: Kharwa to Sarsari
Another day of riding through semi-desert dotted with occasional tribal villages. Close to Pushkar already, the riders will encounter herds of cattle, camels or sheep, going or coming from the Fair. The trading in Pushkar starts a long time before the actual fair and in the course of nearly a month thousands of animals are streaming into the otherwise sleepy town of Pushkar. The major attractions, such as horses and camels are however usually brought in the last and are thus mainly traded during the Camel Fair.
Arrival in the camp around late afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Sarsari
Day 8: Sarsari to Pushkar
The last day ride before reaching Pushkar leads through first semi desert and then proper desert along a range of mountains, which offer breathtaking views. In the morning the riders cross a countryside dotted with thorn trees, home of Nilgai and Chinkara antelopes. Villages are rare and the underground is rocky with occasional stretches of sand. After lunch the trail leads along a major trade route to Pushkar and the riders will pass many animals, especially cattle, camels and occasional horses. Sand roads invite for fast riding, only broken by an occasional village.
Pushkar is reached in the afternoon. In order to reach our safari camp, which is conveniently situated on a small farm at the outskirts of the town, the riders have to ride over parts of the Fair and can catch a glimpse of the colourful gathering.
After arrival in our camp, a walk over the Fair or the participation in some of the evening activities are possible.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Pushkar
Day 9: Ride over the Pushkar Fair
Today the riders have a chance of exploring the Pushkar Fair on Horseback. Starting in the early morning we ride over the trading ground and can observe the animals being watered and fed. Afterwards, the area around Pushkar is explored. Pushkar is situated at the edge of the desert in spectacular scenery. A lonely mountain ridge of the Aravallis run from south to north and Pushkar is thus at a meeting point between desert and mountains. Behind the fair ground there are sand dunes over which we can ride and enjoy smooth canters. Return to our camp for breakfast.
After breakfast the riders have a chance of visiting the Camel Fair on foot and participating in the cultural activities organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Board or strolling through the town of Pushkar, going to the lake and seeing some of the temples. Overnight stay in our safari camp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Pushkar
Day 10: Departure
Morning free to do sightseeing in Pushkar and then departure.
*Possibility to add on other sight-seeing options for the tours end.
Note: the second week runs in the opposite direction of the first week. When doing the Pushkar to Udaipur route it's possible to arrive earlier and add 3 days prior to the tour date to join in the Diwali Festival. The program would start on 12th of November (arrival and Lakshmi Puja celebration in the evening) and finish on 15th morning. We offer accommodation near our farm with breakfast and dinner, Diwali family celebrations and two 2-hour rides to get to know the horses.
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Meeting:
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Udaipur or Pushkar
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Airport:
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Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR)
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Train station:
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Udaipur railway station
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Transfer:
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Udaipur airport or railway station
Pick-up/ drop-off is available from Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR) or Udaipur railway station.
For the itinerary ending in Pushkar you can either fly back to Delhi out of Jaipur (2 hours by car) or take the super-fast train out of Ajmer (15 min. drive).
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Level:
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 Moderate
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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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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Max
12
participants
(per group)
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Max Capacity
16
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Daily Schedule
A normal safari day includes between 5 and 6 hours in the saddle plus a lunch break (lunch is either taken as a lunch packet or brought to the riders by our jeep) and several smaller breaks for sightseeing on the way or a tea stop in the little hamlet by the way.
Our Horses
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.
Our horses live in comfortable stables and paddocks and are left to roam free during the day on our farm. All our horses have been handpicked by us as we wanted to have only the best suited horses for our safari. As we have some foals every year, some of our riding horses were born in our stable and raised and trained by us. In fact, we are very proud that today we have a stable of finest Marwari horses fit for riding and breeding.
We believe in the principle of Natural Horsemanship which means that we keep our horses as natural as possible and train them according to NHS. Some of them are ridden with a hackamore, just a halter or even a simple neck rope. All are very well trained, obedient and a pleasure to ride. Our horses are cared for with love and affection. They are properly fed, vaccinated, de-wormed and shoed.
On the safaris we take only horses which are 100% fit and prepared. Already before the safari, we try to find a suitable horse for each rider according to riding skill and preference. Spare horses go along each trail in case another horse goes lame or one rider wants to change.
Tack & Riding Style
We have imported saddle tack for all our horses in order to maximize comfort for horse and rider.
The riding style is different to both English and Western. 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.
Guides
The safari is run by a member of the oldest and most honored noble families of Udaipur, whose history is interwoven with horses for many centuries, and his German wife.
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
Udaipur area
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Month
|
Jan
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Feb
|
Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
76
|
83
|
92
|
100
|
104
|
99
|
90
|
87
|
90
|
92
|
86
|
79
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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49
|
54
|
63
|
73
|
81
|
81
|
78
|
76
|
74
|
67
|
59
|
51
|
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
24
|
28
|
34
|
38
|
40
|
37
|
32
|
31
|
32
|
33
|
30
|
26
|
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
9
|
12
|
17
|
23
|
27
|
27
|
26
|
24
|
23
|
19
|
15
|
11
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The largest state in India, Rajasthan's climate can be divided into 4 seasons: summer, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. Temperatures vary depending on the season and the region.
Summer (April to June)
Summers in Rajasthan are particularly hot with temperatures rising up to 48°C during the day. However, in places like Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur, the weather is pleasant and the views offered are breath-taking.
Monsoon season (July to September)
Monsoon is a far more pleasant experience, the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the rain showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan. It is a particularly good time to visit if you wish to avoid the crowds you'd usually find during peak tourist season.
Post Monsoon and Winter (October to March)
The temperatures continue to drop once the monsoon has passed, and come October winter sets in that lasts till March. During December and January, there can be a severe variation in temperatures during the day and the night. In fact, temperatures are known to drop as low as 0°C. This is the best time to visit Rajasthan as the desert sun is not as intense and the days are pleasant.
Your luggage will be transported by car, so you do not have to take everything with you on horseback. We do, however, recommend that you use lockable bags or suitcases. Princess Trails is 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.
Each horse has two saddle bags, but your lunch packet and water bottles have to fit in before anything else can.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding breeches or comfortable jeans for the ride
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Lightweight Rain coat
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Small backpack or bag to carry with you on when you ride
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Small flashlight
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries
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Sun hat and sun block
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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
Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be spent in a combination of hotels and camps. You will spend 1 night in a hotel and 8 nights in tents, staying in 8 different locations total.
Description
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. Very often the night has to be spent in the nature away from human dwellings.
Accommodation Itinerary (Udaipur to Pushkar) - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Boheda Palace Hotel in Udaipur
Night 2: Camping near Deogarh
Night 3: Camping near Sohangarh
Night 4: Camping in Lalpura
Night 5: Camping in Jawaja
Night 6: Camping in Kharwa
Night 7: Camping in Sarsari
Nigh 8 & 9: Camping in Pushkar
Boheda Palace Hotel in Udaipur
This small hotel has been classified as a heritage building thanks to its traditional architecture. Each of the 16 rooms all come equipped with a TV, air conditioning, private facilities and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel’s most appreciated feature is without doubt its rooftop terrace offering panoramic views over the city. There are laundry facilities onsite (extra charge).
Camps
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. The camp offers all necessary facilities to the riders. The tents are comfortable and inviting Indian hunting tents with high ceilings, double or single occupancy. The tents are made in the traditional Indian style with a roofed entrance where the riders can leave their shoes. Each tent is equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillow, cushion, quilts, and woolen blankets. The camp has bathroom trolleys with two showers (bucket shower with hot water) and toilets. Hot water is provided in buckets. Towels, soaps, etc. are supplied. Grouped around the dinning area, they are encircled by a partition enclosure of cloth with a colorful Rajasthan pattern.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10.
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).
Alcoholic beverages are not included but alcohol can be purchased (not expensive) or brought. Beer, wine (Indian), whiskey, rum, gin and vodka are available.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English
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Horses:
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Marwari
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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
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Max
12
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Daily Schedule
A normal safari day includes between 5 and 6 hours in the saddle plus a lunch break (lunch is either taken as a lunch packet or brought to the riders by our jeep) and several smaller breaks for sightseeing on the way or a tea stop in the little hamlet by the way.
Our Horses
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.
Our horses live in comfortable stables and paddocks and are left to roam free during the day on our farm. All our horses have been handpicked by us as we wanted to have only the best suited horses for our safari. As we have some foals every year, some of our riding horses were born in our stable and raised and trained by us. In fact, we are very proud that today we have a stable of finest Marwari horses fit for riding and breeding.
We believe in the principle of Natural Horsemanship which means that we keep our horses as natural as possible and train them according to NHS. Some of them are ridden with a hackamore, just a halter or even a simple neck rope. All are very well trained, obedient and a pleasure to ride. Our horses are cared for with love and affection. They are properly fed, vaccinated, de-wormed and shoed.
On the safaris we take only horses which are 100% fit and prepared. Already before the safari, we try to find a suitable horse for each rider according to riding skill and preference. Spare horses go along each trail in case another horse goes lame or one rider wants to change.
Tack & Riding Style
We have imported saddle tack for all our horses in order to maximize comfort for horse and rider.
The riding style is different to both English and Western. 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.
Guides
The safari is run by a member of the oldest and most honored noble families of Udaipur, whose history is interwoven with horses for many centuries, and his German wife.
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 |
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Pushkar Fair Riding Safari in Rajasthan
Tour Code:
IT-INRT03
10 days /
9 nights
~$2,450.00
Dates: November
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur (UDR)
Activities:
Hikes, bird- and wildlife-watching, boating (in Udaipur), spa (in Udaipur), horse riding lessons (in Udaipur) and jeep rides.
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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