This ride takes you through a rather arid part of Rajasthan. The “Marwari” breed of indigenous horses also derive their name from this region, which was inhabited by the warrior Rajput clans of erstwhile India. The history of this region is steeped in tales of war and chivalry, which is eminent in the forts and their armory possessions. The ride through the countryside is characterized by sand dunes, remote villages, forts, scrub forests and riverbeds. You also get to interact with local village people and experience local folk dance and music. A visit to the local horse breeders and seeing their beautiful Marwari horses will be a rewarding experience.
Native wildlife that you may encounter on the trail include Desert Fox, Wild Cat, Indian Gazelle and Nilgai (largest Indian antelope). Birdlife is plenty.
You will ride astride indigenous horse breeds, namely “Marwari”, “Kathiawadi” and “Sindhi”. These horses come from a lineage of erstwhile war horses of India. They are beautiful and elegant horses with an over-all look of refinement, known for its inward curved ears. They are an exotic breed loved world over by horse lovers. Their height averages between 14 and 16 hands high.
This ride will bring you to the state of Rajasthan. Located in the west of India, it is the largest province of the Republic of India by land area. The state comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. Jaipur is the capital city of the state.
Marwar region of the Thar is situated northwest of the Aravalli hills range and is characterized by sandy plains and scrub forests. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words “Maru” meaning desert region, and “Wad” meaning place. Annual rainfall is low, ranging from 10 cm to 40 cm. Temperatures range from 48 to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer, to below freezing point in winter.
Day 1 - Arrival in Jodhpur. Check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2 - Visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. Post lunch, drive to village of Osian dunes. Late afternoon ride on and around the sand dunes of Osian, while trying out your horses. Overnight in luxury safari camp.
Day 3 - Post breakfast, ride out 25 KM to Tiwari through stretches of dunes and some rocky outcrops. We will stop midway for lunch and a short siesta. Overnight in camp.
Day 4 - Post breakfast, ride out 30 KM to Gopalsar through farmlands, dunes and hillsides. Some portions of the trail will be steep and you may choose to walk the stretch along with your horse. We will stop midway for lunch atop a small hill with sweeping views of the area below. Overnight in a guest house owned by a horse breeder and trainer.
Day 5 - Post breakfast, ride out 25 KM to Judia through farmlands, dunes, dry riverbeds and shrub forests. We will stop midway for lunch in the dry riverbed. Overnight in camp.
Day 6 - Post breakfast, ride out 25 KM to Korna through farmlands, soft sand tracts and small hamlets. We will stop midway for lunch by a small fresh water lake. Overnight in camp
Day 7 - Early morning sunrise ride out around Korna Lake. There will be plenty of opportunity to see the migratory birds and antelopes around the lake. Breakfast on the lake. Post breakfast, drive to Jodhpur for your onward journey.
Note: Optional visits to Jaipur and Agra (Taj) can be arranged by us at an additional cost. Enquire at travel@krossterrain.com
Accommodation in Jodhpur will be in category 4 Star Hotels with comfortable rooms and amenities. At Osian, accommodation will be in luxury safari tents with comfortable amenities and restaurant onsite.
While on the trail ride, accommodation will comprise of Safari Tents and Guest House farm stays.
During your stay in the city hotel properties at Jodhpur, food will be as served in the menu options available at the hotel. This includes a good selection of Indian and continental food.
Desert camp at Osian will be service pre-selected and fresh meals. While on the trail, all food is cooked fresh in camp kitchen and includes Indian and Continental dishes, accommodated as much as possible as per your diet request. The food may mostly be vegetarian in certain camp sites depending on local cultural sensitivities. Apologies - no Beef or Game Meat is served. Nonalcoholic beverages will include soft drinks, tea, coffee and juices.
It is advised that you point out your dietary requirements during the time of booking.
The ride is open from October to February and can accommodate flexible dates as per your request. Minimum group size is 4 riders.
Prices -
Inclusions – Accommodation Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) All internal transfers indicated in the itenarary Guide Horses Backup support vehicle and luggage transport Support Team Taxes Wi-Fi
Exclusions - International flights Personal injury & health insurance Alcoholic Drinks Items and services of personal nature such as laundry (can be arranged) Telephone or Fax services Emergency evacuation costs Legal fees Entry fees and camera charges for forts, monuments, museums, parks etc Gratuity
Runs - October/February Distances - Jodhpur – Osian = 70 KMs Korna – Jodhpur = 65 KMs Average travelling speed by road = 70 KM/HR Temperatures - Oct to Feb Min from below 0 °C Max about 25 °C
Packing advice - Comfortable Clothes, Breeches / Jodhpurs, Riding Boots / Chaps / Gaiters, Sneakers / Sport Shoe, Slippers, Prescribed Medications, Sunscreen, Shades / Sunglasses, Warmers, Travel documents
Rider Profile -