Nagaur Fair Ride - India

Riders are met upon arrival at Delhi airport.

RIDER REQUIREMENTS

Riders are expected to be aware, experienced English riders who have ridden out on trails, and are comfortable at walk, trot, canter and riding at speed (gallop). Riding will be at least 4 - 6 hours per day in a variety of terrain - a good level of fitness is important.

HORSES AND TACK

The horses used are the indigenous Marwari breed and thoroughbred crosses, some of them polo ponies. The Marwari is a slim, athletic breed, the average size being 15 h.h. A few of these horses have uncertain temperaments, as they were bred to be war horses. English trekking type saddles are used. Saddle bags are provided.

ACCOMMODATIONS

On the camping portion of the trip, spacious, 2-man tents with cots are utilized. Shower and toilet facilities are set up separately. During the non-camping portion of the trip accommodations have been reserved in quite good hotels, and converted palaces, which are more rustic. Hot water and electricity are reliable in most of the hotels, however, in some of the smaller villages the supply may be somewhat limited, but service is excellent and the beds are comfortable.

CLIMATE

During the tour expect the days to be sunny and warm, (with temperatures between the 70's and 80's) and the evenings cool and sometimes chilly (40's). Although January/ February are not the monsoon season, there is still a slight chance of rain, so come prepared.

EXPENSES

Included in costs are lodging, all camping arrangements, meals (except in Delhi and Jaipur), a one litre bottle of mineral water per person, per day on the riding days, horses, tack, English speaking guide, local transfers and internal air.

Not included are meals in Delhi and Jaipur, camera fees, bottled waters (about USD 1.00 per bottle), cold drinks, alcoholic drinks (expect to pay about $3 per day for sodas, beer etc. when camping), laundry, lunches enroute or gratuities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The electrical current is 230-240 volts, 50 cycles AC in the majority of the hotels utilized on the trip. If taking small electrical appliances (shavers or hair dryers), a conversion kit will be necessary.

FINAL DETAILS

The following information will be provided upon confirmation of your booking:
• packing list
• helpful travel hints
• meeting time and location
• information about documents, currency and U.S. customs
• contact information (names, addresses and telephone numbers of ride organizer and accommodations)

January 20 Arrive in Delhi where you will be picked up at the airport and taken to the Hotel Imperial or similar. Rooms will be available after 12:00 noon. If arriving late night of the day before, or early morning on this day, additional accommodations can be arranged by the outfitter (at riders own expense).

January 21 The day is free to visit Delhi and rest. In the evening board the overnight sleeper train for Bikaner.

January 22 Arrive in Bikaner in the morning, staying in the lovely Lalgarh Palace Hotel, where you can visit the museum and the old town.

January 23 In the morning drive to Kaku via the Karni Mata Temple which many people refer to as the Rat Temple and try out the horses that afternoon. Overnight in an old haveli and in some new bungalows adjacent to it. You will be entertained in the evening by fire dancers who walk barefoot on live coals and carry them in their mouths in an ancient ceremony which seems to defy nature.

January 24 In the morning ride out about 30 kms. toward Nagaur through the Thar Desert near the border of Pakistan. Trees and grass are space. In some places the wind and shifting sands have created spectacular sand dunes which tower above the plain. Despite the austerity of the land a surprising number of people have learned to eek out a living here. Enroute you will pass several small villages. Night in camp.

January 25 Ride on about 25 kms. to Nagaur where your tents are set up a mile or so beyond the outskirts of town.

January 26 Spend the day in Nagaur visiting the fair on horseback and on foot. There are about 25,000 camels on display as well as a number of horses and cattle. People come from hundreds of miles away to buy and sell, and it is an excellent chance to see the ways of ancient India. There are many shops selling handicrafts, cloth, jeweler, etc. Few tourists visit this fair, as it is little known abroad and is mainly for the local people. Overnight in camp.

January 27 Break camp and ride to Khimsar (about 40 kms). Khimsar is quite a large desert village with a magnificent castle built by an oasis centuries ago. It has been beautifully restored and converted into a splendid hotel where you spend the night.

January 28 Ride out toward Osiyan for about 30 kms. and make another camp in the desert. Each camp will be ready as you ride up in the afternoon.

January 29 Continue on towards Osiyan, camping about 10 kms. short of Osiyan at a farm next to a huge sand dune.

January 30 Drive to Jaisalmer (5 to 6 hours) where the night in spent in the Gorbandh Palace Hotel. In the afternoon visit Jaisalmer which has the reputation of being one of the most picturesque walled towns in the world.

January 31 Sightseeing in the morning and in the afternoon drive to Jhalamand just outside Jodphur (about a 5 hours drive). Overnight Jhalamand Garh.

February 1 After breakfast, sightseeing of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in Jodphur. After sightseeing check into the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel which is a magnificent architectural achievement and a beautiful place to stay for the night. Afternoon visit of the town.

February 2 Take early morning train to Jaipur. Arrive and check into hotel. Afterlunch, sightseeing of Jaipur and overnight.

February 3 Morning sightseeing of Amber Fort and elephant ride. Afternoon flight to Delhi where riders departing that night will have share day rooms for wash and change at the Hotel Imperial or similar.

Cost for the trip, January 20 - February 3, 2001, is $3,075 , which includes hotels, horses, all camping arrangements, meals (except in Delhi and Jaipur), one bottle of mineral water, per person, per day, on riding days, local transfers and internal air. It does not include meals in Delhi and Jaipur, camera fees, additional mineral water, cold drinks, alcoholic drinks (expect to pay about $3 - $5 a day for sodas, beer etc. when camping), laundry, or lunches in hotels in Delhi and enroute. Single supplement is $580. A 2% processing fee will be added to all signups using Visa/Mastercard with our online secure reservation form. The processing fee will NOT apply to clients paying with check or money order mailed with a printed copy of our online reservation form.