ITINERARY:

Day 1: Sunday
Transfer from your airport/train station for a late afternoon arrival at your St. Jean Pied de Port Inn. A wonderful introduction to your ride’s venues, this ancient village is nestled along the Nive River and is the cross-roads of the route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle. 


Day 2: Monday
The ride begins with a winding ascent to the Monhoa mountain for a dramatic view of the countryside. A narrow path clinging to a steep hillside leads you across the Urdanzia Pass. From this point, you will discover a superb view of the Aduldes Valley. The ride continues to Banca where you will dine and lodge. 


Day 3: Tuesday
Your horse will carry you between France and Spain as you traverse the trail through the Lindus Pass. A ridge road leads to the crossing of the famous “ports” (which means “neck”) was once used by the Romans, the Visigoths, the Franks, the pilgrims of St. Jacques, the merchants and the armies of Napoleon. The ride then descends into the Aldudes Valley which was the kingdom of Charles V. In this valley, the houses are styled High Navarrese, with strings of white stone quoins.

Day 4: Wednesday
From Urepel, your horse will carry you along a winding backcountry trail to the quaint village of Aldudes where the “Gaintza Aldudes” cayolars are found. The cayolars are former hunting cabins. This will be your lodging for the evening. Along the way, you will pass close to the Harguibel peak before you descend into a Spanish virgin forest.

Day 5: Thursday
Sheep and pottok, the little Basque horse, dot your path as the ride travels from Urdos to the Col d’Elhorrieta, site of ancient stone circles and burial chambers. Just before the ride travels through the pass of Ispeguy, you will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the rolling valley. Your horse will then descend the trail to the charming village of St Etienne de Baïgorry nesteld at the base of the Pyrenees. The final trail leads through the vast Irrouleguy vineyards where you will enjoy wine tasting of the cabernet Mignaberry.

Day 6: Friday
Your horse will take you from Urdos, doorway to the valley Aldudes, to Souraïde, a quaint village in the valley of Mount Ereby. Sheep, cattle and pottok share the surrounding fields. You will visit Bidarray, famous for caves and waters teeming with trout. Winding mountain trails will then lead to the lofty Col des Veaux, then you will follow the ridge lines to the Three Crosses Pass. You will be delighted with the hot pepper facades on the houses in the village of D’Espeleete. Your overnight lodging will be in the highland of the Calves Pass.

Day 7: Saturday
A spectacular venue waits for you! From Souraïde, you ride towards Olhette through the traditional Basque village of Sare, ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, to start your climbing to the jutting Rhune mountain. At the summit you will have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Gascogne. The ride ends in Saint Jean de Luz.

Day 8: Sunday
After breakfast, you will be taken to Saint Jean die de Port in time for your departure to the Bordeaux train or airport.

DETAILS

Dates: June 10 -17, September 16 – 23
Airport/Train Station: Bayonne Train Station, Biarritz Airport or Bordeaux Airport
Meeting Place: Saint Jean Pied de Port Inn
Riding Days: 6
Riding Ability: Intermediate, must also be able to hike alongside the horses
Restrictions: Maximum rider weight – 90 kg
Group Size: 4 -10
Horses: Anglo Arab
Saddles: English
Lodging: 2** inns, Bed and Breakfast and hunting lodge
Non-riding activities: none
Price: $1,731 per person, double occupancy, $127 single supplement

Included: 8 days, 7 nights’ accommodations, horse, tack, guide, meals,
Not Included: airfare, first day dinner, transfer from train or airport to Saint Jean Die de Port: Bayonne Train Station or Biarritz Airport transfer to Saint Jean Pied de Port – 50 euros per person round trip, Bordeaux Airport transfer to Saint Jean – 90 euros per person round trip

With one of our good horses for company, you will be sharing your adventure with an amazing animal. You’ll also be traveling among a group and will meet fellow travelers who share your interest in sightseeing by horseback.

A horse riding vacation will give you numerous options, and with our company, you can bring a non-riding travel companion and still spend time together on vacation. Also, you have multiple accommodation options. For example, our riding vacation tours will take you through spectacular terrain in countries like Italy, Costa Rica and Spain where you can stay at different inns during your journey.

With our company, you don’t have to be an expert horseperson to enjoy a riding vacation. We have riding options for novices along with expeditions geared towards expert riders.

If you’re a history buff, then viewing the European countryside on horseback will be appealing since you’ll be seeing the land as it was originally discovered. Furthermore, we offer an Inn to Inn tour through Italy where your accommodations are within ancient castles. You’ll be enjoying traditional Tuscan dining along with classic Italian hospitality.

When you embark on a horse riding vacation, you will discover a world away from technology where you can find peace among nature.

*Image “20110724-20110724-IMG_2128.jpg” appears courtesy of Flickr user, danhurt under the Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) license.

By reading about packages that include skilled guides, high quality horses and breathtaking settings, you are likely trying to figure out when, where and how to make a vacation horseback riding happen. With a number of exciting packages that accommodate riders and horse lovers alike, the biggest challenge will be deciding which vacations on horseback can fit into your current time-off schedule.

Vacation horseback riding promises to be a new and enlightening experience for all participants. Whether you are looking to Foxhunt in Ireland, ride through the historic coffee plantations of Brazil or experience a more subdued and stately horse-drawn coach tour through historic Germany, High Pointe International Equestrian Tours offers an exciting array of vacations on horseback. For many, the chance to mix travel with a love of horses, while meeting new friends and saddling up to see exceptional scenery, will make this a dream vacation.

*Image, “riding home” appears courtesy of Flick user, mariachily under the Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) license.

Day 1: Arrival in New Dehli
Arrive into New Delhi. Representatives will meet you as you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi / Nawalgarh
Depart by road (journey of 6.5 / 7 hours) to Nawalgarh. Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Kothi which lies just a kilometre from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Palace has a lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool. After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to all the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on Horse riding in India. Later Devendra Singh will introduce each member to his horse and also advise them how to ride them. The guests then ride around the field tracks near the Palace to get accustomed to your horses. Riders not comfortable with their horses will be offered other horses.

Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan’s districts of Jhunjhunu & Sikar, known for the painted houses or “Havelis” of its wealthy merchant class, the Marwaris. This region could be called the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. The drive to Shekhawati is through picturesque village and farms. Founded in 1737 AD by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. The town exudes an old world charm and the colourful bazaar has the largest number of painted Havelies in Shekhawati. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 3: Nawalgarh
Morning ride out with a picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace. Optional: Get yourself “tattooed” by local village folk applying henna using their own intricate age-old patterns. Later sightseeing of Nawalgarh by car with guide visiting havelis, to see frescos and painted houses. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 4: Nawalgarh
Morning ride around Nawalgarh. During the ride visit farmhouses and village homes of people who keep local horse breed the Marwari horses. Visit the stables and have interactive meetings with the farmers. Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon talk by on Marwari horses followed by an interactive discussion on how to encourage local horse lovers to continue to keep Marwari horses, and beliefs of Indian people about horses. Traditional folk entertainment and dinner. Overnight Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 5: Nawalgarh – Churiajitgarh / Nabipura
Ride through semi desert areas with small farms and country side dotted with Khejri trees with a picnic lunch en route. Ride through semi desert farm countryside to reach a small woodlot and dry waterhole, surrounded by KER bushes many flocks of blue bull antelopes may be seen around campsite. Overnight: Camp.

Day 6: Nabipura/ Dabri / Fatehpur Beed
Morning ride through semi desert region and Fatehpur Beed. Picnic lunch near a typical Shekhawati architecture water tank “Johda”. 300 years ago, The Nawab of Fatehpur encircled an area riding on a horse from sunrise to sunset and declared it protected. Today Fatehpur Beed is an amazing 70-sq. km area with all species of desert plants. Camping in Beed one gets to see Desert Fox, Jackal, Blue Bull and Deer. The protected area proves that if human don‟t interfere a semi-forest can be created in a desert. Overnight: Camp near a ruined travellers home overlooking the entire Beed. This is a most beautiful campsite.

Day 7: Fatehpur Beed / Ramgarh
Riding north, you will go further into the Shekhawati region. The sand dunes are dotted with greenery where farmers have found water from deep tube wells. Ramgarh is a town with many painted Havelis, an interesting traditional market place. Overnight: Camp in a farmer‟s field.

Day 8: Ramgarh / Mehansar Castle
You will pass through very high sand dunes and desert villages, to reach the beautiful small village of Mehansar of Shekhawati region. The hotel is a charming family run hotel with basic comforts but very tasty home cooked food. In case accommodation is not available we will set camp at Mehansar, and would go for a meal with the family at the Castle. Overnight: Mehansar Castle or camp.

Day 9: Mehansar / Lalsinghpura / Mehansar
Ride out with picnic lunch. Late afternoon sight seeing of Mahensar visiting the Gopinath temple and the famous „Sone Chandi Ki Haveli‟. Overnight: Mehansar Castle or camp.

Day 10: Mahensar / Delhi
Early morning ride around and say goodbye to your horses. After breakfast drive (7 hrs) to Delhi, and transfer directly to the international airport for your onward flight.

Details

Date: Year round

Meeting Place: Delhi Airport

Riding days: 8

Riding ability: walk, trot, canter

Horses: Marwari Horses 

Saddles: British Cavalry “savar” saddles

Group size: 2 – 10

Accommodations: see itinerary

Price: $5,530 per person, double

Included: accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 10, horse, tack, guide, all applicable taxes
Not Included: airfare, any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, table drinks, etc…, any other item or services not otherwise specified above

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive into New Delhi. You will be met as you arrive and transfered you to your hotel.

Day 2
Depart by road for Nawalgarh, a journey of 6 – 7 hrs. Arrive Nawalgarh by lunch time. Founded in 1737 A.D. by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. It has one of the biggest groups of havelis in the Shekhavati. Aath Haveli (“Eight Havelis”) is interesting, with amusing European influence reflecting in its frescoes. Chhawehhariya and Poddar havelis are perhaps the most splendid. The latter has been converted into what must surely be the worlds most picturesque school. Uttarian Haveli is notorious for its resident ghost. Here, even the telephone exchange has frescoes that are worth seeing. But the piece de resistance is Bala Quila Fort, whose frescoed kiosk is perhaps one of the finest examples of the art in all of Shekahawati.

Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Kothi with horses, camels, folk music flower garlands and non alcoholic welcome drink. Roopniwas is just a kilometer from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Palace has a lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool. Evening meet at the stables over tea, welcome gifts are distributed and Devendra Singh ji helps guest choose their horse and ride around the palace grounds. Cocktails and detail briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid region ecology followed by Dinner. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 3
Morning ride out with picnic breakfast around Nawalgarh to get accustomed to your horses. Afternoon sightseeing to Nawalgarh town by car / camel buggy with a guide. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 4
Ride from Roop Niwas Kothi to Dundlod Fort. After having traveled through sandy tracks of Shekhawati, you enter the village of Dundlod. the village is noted for its two impressive Goenka Haveli and its painted Goenka chhatri or cenotaphs. You will stay here as special guests in a quaint fort which stands in the middle of the village, almost Scottish in its design. Inside it is an interesting Mughal-style, divan khana or hall, with copies of Louise XIV furniture and old family portraits of the local thakur’s (chieftain) family. Overnight: Dundlod Fort.

Day 5
Ride from Dundlod Fort to Mandawa Castle. This morning you leave your hotel and ride through the town onto dry sandy tracks through farmland. Lunch will be in a desert woodlot of “ker” bushes at churi. At this time of the year most land is planted with crops being raised by monsoon rain. Mandawa was founded mid-18th century, it has interesting murals in the large rugged fort (c1755) built by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Goenka Haveli‟s worth visiting include Laduram Tarkesvar (1878) and Dedraj Turmal (1898); the Ladia havelis – Gulab Rai (1870) and Sneh Ram (1906), Murmuria (1935), Newatia (1910) and the Saraf (1870) havelis are interesting. The Siva temple here has a rock crystal lingam. The Mandawa Haveli near Sonthalia Gate displays local craft. Castle Mandawa was built in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendent of Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhavati. Two imposing gateways lead to the central courtyard where canons stand as a reminder of the past when they were used to repel the enemy. The Diwan Khana (Durbar Hall) looks into the reception and lounge area and provides ample space for the guest to relax over exotic refreshments. The courtyards and the terraces come to life in the evenings with enchanting candle-lit dinners and traditional fire dance. The rooms are large and airy and retained the old flavor using period furniture and local furnishing. They provide a blend of modern comfort in medieval surroundings. Overnight: Mandawa Castle.

Day 6
Ride from Mandawa Castle to Mehansar Fort. This morning you leave your hotel and ride through the town onto dry sandy tracks. Visit a typical local farmer families home at village Dhakas. Lunch is near Nangli on a high sand dune “Gogameri”. Here there is a temple dedicated to famous folk hero”Gogaji”. The area has a large population of peacocks in the wild. Mahensar was founded in mid 18th century. It is one of less visited towns of Shekhavati, but definitely one of the most rewarding. Sone Chandi ki Haveli (“Mansion of Gold and Silver‟) belonged to the Poddar family of jewelers, has the finest frescoes in Shekhavati. Don’t miss the frieze of the battle scene, as delicate as a miniature painting. The Raghunath Temple with beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner school of art are worth seeing. Overnight: Mehansar Fort, a charming simple basic family run hotel serves delicious food.

Day 7
Ride from Mehansar Fort to Desert Resort / Jainiwas Kothi. The desert resort is recreated in the style of a typical Rajasthani Village. The mystery and romance of the desert are captured in the unusual architecture of the resort. Created by local craftsmen using mud and brick, the cottages reflect the traditional harmony between man and nature in the region. Each cottage and room is furnished in a distinctive style. The exteriors are decorated with traditional lime paste mandana or rice flour patterns which are redone daily by women from the village, while the interiors are ornamented with mirror-work and glass beads in myriad colors. Authenticity blends seamlessly with modernity. Each cottage has a double bed, an intimate seating area, and a spacious bathroom, complemented by woven fabric and hand-made pottery. Apart from the cottages guests can choose to stay in a spacious deluxe suite of rooms, furnished with old wooden furniture and designed to recreate the royal ambience of the past. The Jainiwas is a resort situated next to the desert resort and is a horse ranch type of accommodation. The cottages have a horse ranch type design. Overnight: Desert Resort in Mud Cottages or Jainiwas Kothi.

Day 8
Ride from Desert Resort Mandawa to Kothi Naharsingani. The ride takes you through semi-desert farming country a typical shekahawati landscape – field dotted with Khejri trees – low sand dunes, small villages with common grazing woodlots with desert flora and fauna. The route will be Desert Resort to Phuskhani village – Churi Ajitgarh-Mukangarh- Naharsinghani. Picnic lunch en route. On arrival stay at Naharsinghani Farm house. The Farm was a desert retreat of the erstwhile Mandawa Family. It is a working farm. In the evening experience traditional folk entertainment around a camp fire followed by a traditional Indian meal. A talk will also be given on the history of the region and customs and traditions that are prevailing in India. Overnight: Naharsinghani Farm house. (Accommodation in Rooms with modern western style toilets) or in oriental Shamiana type tents pitched in the courtyard depending on the weather.

Day 9
Ride from Kothi Naharsingani to Roop Niwas Kothi Nawalgarh. Overnight Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 10
Morning departure from Nawalgarh by private vehicle for Delhi,after breakfast to connect international flight the same evening.

Details

Date: August 1st – 10th, 2012

Meeting Place: Dehli Airport

Riding days: 8

Riding ability: walk, trot, canter

Horses: Marwari Horses

Saddles: British Cavalry “savar” saddles

Group size: 2 – 10

Accommodations: see itinerary

Price: $5,275 per person, double

Included: accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 10, horse, tack, guide, all applicable taxes
Not Included: airfare, any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, table drinks, etc…, any other item or services not otherwise specified above

Day 1: New Delhi Arrival
Arrive into New Delhi. Our representatives will meet you as you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi / Nawalgarh
Drive (a journey of 6.5 / 7 hours) to Nawalgarh. Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Kothi which lies just a kilometer from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Palace has a lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool.
After lunch you will be taken to the stables where you will be introduced to the team for the safari. It will be followed by a briefing on horse riding in India. Later Devender Singh will introduce each member to his horse and also advise them how to ride them. The guests then ride around the field tracks near the Palace to get accustomed to the horses. Riders not comfortable with their horses will be offered other horses.

Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan’s districts of Jhunjhunu & Sikar is known for the painting houses or “Havelis” of its wealthy merchant class, the Marwaris. This region could be called the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. The drive to Shekhawati is through picturesque village and farms. Founded in 1737 AD by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. The town exudes an old world charm and the colourful bazaar has the largest number of painted Havelies in Shekhawati. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 3: Nawalgarh
Morning ride out with a picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace. Optional: Get yourself “tattooed” by local village folk applying henna using their own intricate age-old patterns. Later sightseeing of Nawalgarh by car with guide visiting havelis, to see frescos and painted houses. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 4:
Ride southeast towards the Aravali range. Riding on sand tracks through arid farm lands with patches of green where some farmers manage a winter crop if they have struck water from an aquifer. Arrive for lunch where a picnic is set up and enjoy live music by folk musicians. After lunch you move towards the Aravali mountains, follow a dry riverbed with lots of Acacia bushes. The view of Aravali ranges in the distance makes the ride very scenic. Reach your camp sight near Parasrampura, where your overnight camp has been set up ready to receive the riders. Overnight: Camp.

Day 5: PARASRAMPURA/ LOHARGAL
Ride down the dry sandy riverbed to the foothills of Aravallis to the pilgrim town of Lohargal. It is said Bhima the strongest of the five Pandava brothers, one of the heroes of the epic Mahabharat, had his mace cast here. Hence, the name „Lohargal‟, meaning iron smelting. This has also a place of pilgrimage. Amidst the many old step wells and ruins old structures is the Birla Rest house facing a 2500ft sheer rock face. In the grounds are many Banyan trees where our horses and kitchen tents are placed. Guests use the rooms, which are furnished by our camp equipment. Overnight: The Birla Rest House.

Day 6: Lohargal / Gorian
Morning ride southwest towards Sikar following the mountain range again down a dry riverbed till Raghunathgarh. The stone quarries of Raghunathgarh have resulted in deep ravines. Riding past them is a great experience. Halt for lunch at mid-day. Overnight: Camp in a farmer‟s field.

Day 7: Departure
Morning horse riding followed by breakfast then say good-bye to your horses. Drive to Jaipur (2.5 hours) or Delhi (7 hrs) via Sikar.

Details

Date: Year round

Meeting Place: Dehli Airport

Riding days: 4

Riding ability: walk, trot, canter

Horses: Marwari Horses 

Saddles: British Cavalry “savar” saddles

Group size: 2 – 10

Accommodations: boutique hotels / upscale camping

Price: $3,550 per person, double

Included: accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 7, horse, tack, guide, all applicable taxes
Not Included: airfare, any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, table drinks, etc…, any other item or services not otherwise specified above

Day 1:
Airrival in New Delhi

Day 2: Delhi / Nawalgarh
Morning drive to Nawalgarh 6 – 7 hrs. Nawalgarh in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan’s districts of Jhunjhunu & Sikar, known for the painting houses or ” Havelis ” of its wealthy merchant class, the Marwaris. This region could be called the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan. The drive to Shekhawati is through picturesque village and farms.

Founded in 1737 AD. by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman, whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. The town exudes an old world charm and the colourful bazaar has the largest number of painted Havelis in Shekhawati.

Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Kothi with flower garlands, folk music, horses camels and a non alcoholic welcome drink. The Kothi lies just a kilometer from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Kothi has lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool. Today is the Diwali festival….. Festival of lights. Celebrate the festival at the Roop Niwas Kothi. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 3: Nawalgarh
Morning meet at the stables for tea, distribution of welcome gifts then ride around the palace grounds to choose your horse. Detail briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid region ecology followed by Lunch. Ride out with picnic Tea to the country side. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 4: Nawalgarh
Morning ride out with Picnic Breakfast followed by visit to various farms and meet village folk. Afternoon sight seeing of Nawalgarh town visiting havelies with painting and fresco. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 5: Nawalgarh / Parasrampura / Lohargal
Morning ride in southeast direction to Lohargal. You follow a dry riverbed with lots of Acacia bushes. The view of Aravali range in the distance makes the ride very scenic. Picnic lunch in Acacia cluster near Parasrampura. Where lunch has been transported by Jeep, which also carries folk musicians. After lunch you move towards the Aravali mountains range. At the foothills of Aravalli‟s is the Pilgrim town of Lohargal. It is said Bhima the strongest of the five pandav brothers, one of the heroes of the epic Mahabharat, had his mace cast here. Hence, the name „Lohargal‟, meaning
smelting. This is also a place of Hindu pilgrimage. Amidst the many old step wells and ruined old structures is the Birla Rest house facing a 2500ft Sheer rock face. In the grounds are many Banyan trees where our horses and kitchen tents are placed. Guests use the rooms, which are furnished by our camp equipment. Overnight: Birla Rest House.

Day 6: Lohargal / Rewasa / Sujas
Morning ride in the southwest direction towards Danta following the mountain range again down a dry riverbed till Raghunathgarh. Then crossing the highway leaving Sikar district. Halt for Lunch at mid-day. Now you approach a large marshy tract with Salt Pans. Evening reach campsite, which is on a flat area. Overnight: Camp.

Day 7: Sujas / Kochor / Sulyas (Ramgarh)
The riding terrain is through semi desert region with lots of Khejri trees and some farmhouses with mud huts. Halt for Lunch at Kochor Village then the ride passes by the Roopgarh fort near a mountain pass. We camp near a small dry water hole surrounded by acacia bushes. Overnight: Camp.

Day 8: Sulyas / Ghatwa / Shyamgarh
Ride along farm tracks then via a mountain pass at Roopgarh, Rides will go past village Ghatwa, Here a famous battle had taken place between Rao Shekha and Gour Rajputs where twenty five thousand men laid their lives. The area is still known “Godati” the area of “Gaurs” the erstwhile rulers. From a high sand dune adjoining the mountain ranges riders get a breath taking view of the five famous forts of this region. Lunch is at a ancient water hole. Later ride to you camp, set on the backdrop of Shyamgarh fort surrounded by Ker bushes. Overnight: Camp.

Day 9: Shyamgarh / Bhagwanpura / Nawa Salt Lake
Morning ride towards Nawa Salt Lake. This ride is the most picturesque part of this Safari. After lunch the ride takes you around the periphery of the 100 Sq. Kms Salt lake. You will be coming across many shepherds and sheep flocks around you during riding. Not to be missed are the beautiful sunrise and sunsets while at this camp site. Overnight: Camp.

Day 10: Nawa Salt Lake / Pushkar
Leaving the erstwhile marwar and Jaipur maharaja states today we enter the Ajmer region, a region being governed directly by the British. The people of Ajmer region have colourful dresses and ornate noticeable bright colored turbans.

Due to development many changes have taken place in this area, commercial salt pans, fencing of farmers fields by barbed wire, sand tracks converting to paved roads and large number of 2-w and 4- w vehicles moving on these country roads, it is not very safe or fun to ride in the direction of Pushkar. Pushkar from all directions has changed completely in the last few years. Therefore our horses are moved by boxes early in the morning after being fed. The riders after breakfast would hear a talk by Shri Devendra Singhji on the whorls in hair growth of the horses and the beliefs connected with them, while buying and selling horses. It is a new subject for western horse lovers and a whole book can be written on it. Shri Durga Singh will tell the riders about all the facets of Pushkar fair. Guests then say say good bye to the camp staff and move in jeeps towards Pushkar. En route visit gujjar shepherds and have a picnic. Short of Pushkar fair ground would meet up with the horses and ride into the fair. Pushkar has smooth spread of white-domed houses and temples reflected in a tranquil lake and is surrounded by orchards and rose farms, and this area is famous for typical pink Indian roses that have a strong aroma. You arrive in the holy village of Pushkar by late afternoon.

The fair takes place each October/November when traders and pilgrims flock to Pushkar for livestock trading, camel display and other festivities, pilgrims bathe in the holy lake on EKADASHI (eleventh day of waxing moon) and culminating with people gathering at dawn to take a dip in the holy waters on the night of the Full Moon (Kartik Poornima). Pushkar is a festival of sound and color and provides excellent opportunity for photography. Overnight: Tented Camp, Pushkar.

Day 11: Pushkar
In Pushkar explore the incredible camel & cattle fair. Ride morning and evening with Safari leader Shri. Devendra Singh Ji. Overnight: Tented Camp, Pushkar

Day 12: Depart Pushkar
Morning visit the fair and then proceed to your onward destination

Details

Date: November 13th – 24th, 2012

Meeting Place: Dehli Airport

Riding days: 9

Riding ability: walk, trot, canter

Horses: Marwari Horses

Saddles: British Cavalry “savar” saddles

Group size: 2 – 10

Accommodations: see itinerary

Price: $5,910 per person, double

Included: accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 12, horse, tack, guide, all applicable taxes
Not Included: airfare, any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, table drinks, etc…, any other item or services not otherwise specified above

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi.
Arrive into New Delhi. Our representatives will meet you as you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi / Nawalgarh
Depart by road for Nawalgarh, a journey of 6 – 7 hrs. Arrive Nawalgarh by lunch time. Founded in 1737 A.D. by Thakur Nawal Singh, a warrior statesman whose name is enshrined in history and folklore. It has one of the biggest groups of havelis in the Shekhavati. There are literally dozens of them to wander into. Aath Haveli (“Eight Havelis”) is interesting, with amusing European influence reflecting in its frescoes. Chhawehhariya and Poddar havelis are perhaps the most splendid. The latter has been converted into what must surely be the worlds most picturesque school. Uttarian Haveli is notorious for its resident ghost. Here, even the telephone exchange has frescoes that are worth seeing. But the piece de resistance is Bala Quila Fort, whose frescoed kiosk is perhaps one of the finest examples of the art in all of Shekahawati.

Royal Welcome on arrival at the Roop Niwas Kothi boutique hotel with horses, camels, folk music flower garlands and non alcoholic welcome drink. Roopniwas is just a kilometer from the town and is a fascinating blend of European and Rajput style of architecture. The Palace has a lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a swimming pool. Evening meet at the stables over tea, welcome gifts and Devendra Singh ji helps guest choose their horse and ride around the palace grounds. Cocktails and detail briefing of the tour and introduction talk on the arid region ecology followed by Dinner. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 3: Nawalgarh
Morning ride out with a picnic breakfast to the countryside, return in time for lunch. Afternoon free time at the palace. Optional: Get yourself “tattooed” by local village folk applying henna using their own intricate age-old patterns. Later sightseeing of Nawalgarh by car with guide visiting havelis, to see frescos and painted houses. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi.

Day 4: Nawalgarh
Morning ride around Nawalgarh. During the ride visit farm houses and village homes of people who keep local horse breed the Marwari horses. Visit the stables and have interactive meetings with the farmers. Picnic lunch en route. Afternoon talk on Marwari horses followed by a display of an ancient horse medicine book “Salotra”. It is a hand written book which is family inheritance, followed by an interactive discussion on how to encourage local horse lovers to continue to keep Marwari horses, and beliefs of Indian people about horses. Traditional folk entertainment and dinner. Overnight: Roop Niwas Kothi Nawalgarh.

Day 5: Nawalgarh – Barwasi – Naharsinghani
Ride through semi desert areas with small farms and country side dotted with Khejri trees. En route picnic lunch and visit farms where women farmers are supported by NGO to encourage natural resource management and use of eco friendly farming technique to increase yield. Overnight: Naharsinghani jod, an old ranch house.

Day 6: Naharsinghan/Churiajitgarh/ Nabipura
Ride through semi desert farm countryside to reach a small woodlot and dry waterhole, surrounded by KER bushes many flocks of blue bull antelopes may be seen around camp site. Overnight: Camp

Day 7: Nabipura / Dabri / Fatehpur Beed
Morning ride through semi desert region and Fatehpur Beed. Picnic lunch near a typical Shekhawati architecture water tank “Johda”. 300 years ago, The Nawab of Fatehpur encircled an area riding on a horse from sunrise to sunset and declared it protected. Today Fatehpur Beed is an amazing 70-sq. km area with all species of desert plants. Camping in Beed one gets to see Desert Fox, Jackal, Blue Bull and Deer. The protected area proves that if human don’t interfere a semi-forest can be created in a desert. Overnight: Camp near a ruined travellers home overlooking the entire Beed. This is a most beautiful campsite.

Day 8: Fatehpur beed / Khuri/ Shynanmata
Riding west today you will enter territory of the erstwhile Bikaner state. There will be a sudden change in terrain to large sand dunes which will be surprising. Going will be slow after lunch. Overnight: Camp in the protected woodlot of the shynanmata rock edifice temple

Day 9: Shynanmata / Khuri / Talchapper
Today we ride west, leaving the sand dunes you will come to flat loam soil ground. Most of the ride will be through or around the peripheries of Tal Chappar, the famous black buck game sanctuary. The Scarf’s/Turbans will be useful as fine dust rises when you ride past this flat ground. You will get to see black buck deer and other deer species during the ride. Overnight: Camp (set up on the peripheries of the sanctuary).

Day 10: Tal Chappar Blackbuck Sanctuary
Full day ride and explore the area around the peripheries Talchappar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tal Chappar wildlife Sanctuary covers 71 sq. Kms of desert scrubland. It has largest herd of blackbuck antelope in India, besides chinkara gazelle, desert cat, desert fox and other dry land wildlife. Flocks of demoiselle and common cranes can be seen at nearby lakes and wet lands. Bird life include sand grouse, quails, cream coloured desert courser. Picnic lunch. Overnight: Camp
(set up on the peripheries of the sanctuary).

Day 11: Talchapper / Bikaner / Delhi
Early morning ride around and say goodbye to your horses. After
breakfast drive (3.5 hrs) to Bikaner. On arrival Lunch at Bheruvilas. After lunch, sightseeing of Bikaner visiting the Junagarh fort and if time permits the royal cenotaphs
Evening transfer to the Railway station for overnight train to Delhi. Overnight: On board train.

Day 12: Delhi onward flight
Early morning arrive in Delhi. Assistance on arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Spend the day at leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for flight for onward destination.

Details

Date: October 24th – November 4th, 2012

Meeting Place: Dehli Airport

Riding days: 9

Riding ability: walk, trot, canter

Horses: Marwari Horses 

Saddles: British Cavalry “savar” saddles

Group size: 2 – 10

Accommodations: boutique hotels / upscale camping

Price: $5,050 per person, double

Included: accommodations, all meals from breakfast on Day 2 to dinner on Day 11, horse, tack, guide, all applicable taxes
Not Included: airfare, any expenses of a personal nature like tips, laundry, table drinks, etc…, any other item or services not otherwise specified above