The Nagaur Fair Ride
16 days - Delhi to Jaiphur
Few tourists visit the Nagaur Fair - it is mainly for local people who travel hundreds of miles to visit and trade in horses, camels or cattle. The fair takes place in late January or early February, depending on the full moon.
The ride takes place in north west Rajasthan. You will ride through the Great Indian Desert and visit the great sights of Delhi, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. You will camp in the desert for several nights as well as stay in some really interesting hotels in the cities.
The horses uses are the beautiful Marwari horses from the Dundlod stables, which are transported west to the start of the ride.
- Day 1
- Arrive Delhi. Transfer to a hotel where you spend the night.
- Day 2 & Day 3 (B,D on day 2 and B,L,D on day 3)
- Enjoy a morning tour of Delhi with the afternoon to relax. In the evening board an overnight sleeper train to Bikaner to arrive the following morning. Transfer to Laxmi Niwas Palace for a 1-night stay. Take the day to relax or visit Bikaner and its camel farm.
- Day 4 to Day 9 (B,L,D)
- After a short transfer to meet the horses, set off with your guide into the Thar Desert. Ride past spectacular sand dunes and through remote villages encountering the people who seek to make a living from these harsh lands. Desert-adapted wildlife such as the desert fox and chinkara gazelles are possible sightings. Nights are spent in luxury tented camps and occasionally in comfortable bungalows and havelis.
- Day 10 (B,L,D)
- Spend the day exploring Nagaur Fair on horseback and on foot. Overnight in a tented camp.
- Day 11 (B,L,D)
- Transfer to Khimsar for an overnight stay in the luxurious Khimsar Fort.
- Day 12 & Day 13 (B,L,D)
- Following breakfast, transfer to Jaisalmer and visit this 12th century desert stronghold. Known as "the mirage of golden stone", its yellow sandstone walls and 99 bastions take on a golden hue in the afternoon sun. Spend two nights at Fort Rajwada.
- Day 14 (B)
- Enjoy a drive to Jodhpur to visit the old city and Mehrangarh Fort. Overnight in the exquisite Bal Samand Palace.
- Day 15 (B)
- Board a morning train to Jaipur for an afternoon visit of this colourful city. Overnight the Raj Palace Hotel.
- Day 16 (B)
- Enjoy a visit to the imposing Amber Fort transfer to Jaipur Airport.
-
- Cost per person:
- Ride Only: £2,300.
- Includes: Accommodation and meals as indicated, transfers, and all riding.
- All Inclusive: Prices on request.
- Includes: Flights, taxes, accommodation and meals as indicated, transfers, and all riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. £585 if not prepared to share.
- Departure Dates: 23 Jan 09.
- The Accommodation: The accommodation is either in hotels or under canvas, using deluxe tents. The tents used are large, colourful and comfortable and have three folding windows besides the entrance. All the tents are carpeted and furnished with proper beds, one small table and two chairs, mirror, and candles with candle stands and towels. The toilets/shower facilities have to be shared whilst camping. Hotel rooms are en-suite. Occassionally private homes may have to be used, in which case facilities would also be shared.
- Food & Drink: All the meals are served fresh and hot and prepared by camp staff. The breakfast and dinner are served at the camp. There is a proper dining table and chairs at the camp. For lunch, a buffet is laid out and the food is served hot. Breakfast comprises of canned fruit juice, cereals, bread, butter, jam / marmalade, eggs and fruits. Dinner consists of soup, one non vegetarian dish, two or three vegetables, lentils, Chapatis (Indian bread), rice and dessert. The cooks are well trained and can offer a variety of food.
- Laundry: Is possible but not when in the desert.
- Children: Children are welcome and riding ability is important than age. Children should be competent riders capable of controlling a horse at a canter with a group of other riders. They must be accommpanied by an experienced adult rider.
- Non-Riders: Non-riders are welcome and can either follow the ride in the back-up vehicle or in a seperate vehicle, which would enable you to visit some sights along the way (an additonal fee would be applicable if a seperate vehicle was required).