A one-way equestrian tour through colourful Rajasthan, with all the highlights starting in beautiful Udaipur, taking in Johdpur and concluding in the historic city of Jaipur. Along the way, explore the scenic Leopard Trail, traverse the striking Osian dunes, and, at the right time of year (October) experience the festive atmosphere of Diwali, and the Pushkar Fair, one of the largest and most colourful horse and camel fairs in Rajasthan.
The accommodations include 4 nights in comfortable hotels, staying in twin en-suite rooms and 8 nights under canvas in larege, well appointed glamping tents. These tents are fully furnished and come with en-suite ablutions, offering a blend of adventure and comfort.
This horseback riding holiday is designed for strong intermediate riders who are fit and comfortable at all gaits. The itinerary combines cultural exploration, festive celebrations, and scenic rides, providing a comprehensive and exciting experience of Rajasthan.
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2025 Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive Udaipur by midday, pick up from airport and transfer to hotel, sunset boat trip around Lake Pichola. Beside Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India. Fantastic palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. Today is Diwali. There will be fireworks throughout Udaipur. It may be noisy, but the athmosphere is one of celebration and something to be experienced. Overnight: Udaipur Hotel.
Day 2
Morning: Sightseeing City Palace complex and shopping. Lunchtime: 1pm transfer by road 3 hours to Narlai.
Afternoon: Quick check in and change, meet the Marwari horses for a late afternoon 1 hour trial ride from hotel to Jodha Stud Farm (the horses home), where a delicious home cooked dinner is provided at the stable complex. Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family who still owns it and who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this little gem. Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel, with all its original character and structure retained. The rooms are scattered all around the property and each varies significantly in shape, size and décor. Overnight: Hotel ‘Rawla Narlai’.
Day 3
Ride to Dantiwara. Passing through villages and riding in the plains of the Aravalli hills, stopping for a picnic lunch before reaching thecamp situated in front of the lake. All tents have en suite bathrooms and come fully equipped with all furniture, linen, towels etc. Camp overnight.
Day 4
Full day ride to Perwa in the Bali Forest: Ride along the bottom of the Aravalli hills, South West, to the village of Perwa. Pass villages and rural farmsteads on the way through the volcanic smooth rock formations, stopping in the shade for a long picnic lunch. Camp overnight.
Day 5
Early morning Leopard spotting: Enjoy breakfast before riding to Jawai Bandh (reservoir), ying at the heart of a wilderness where leopards roam wild and free in a landscape surrounded by craggy granite formations of caves, kopjes (small hills), scrub and winding sand river beds. Late afternoon / Evening jeep search for Leopard. Camp overnight.
Day 6
Morning transfer by road Jodhpur and to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing: Mehrangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons. Much has been written about the Citadel of the Sun, for truly, it is one of the most impressive in all Rajasthan. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved fort in India. Evening shopping in the market and antiquities warehouse. Overnight: Jodhpur Hotel.
Day 7
Morning: short road transfer to Mathania to meet up with the horses for a full day ride from Mathania to Osian Today, heading North West. Ride over the pink granite which is local to the area and that was used to build the Meharangarh Fort, passing small hamlets and farmsteads, taking in the vistas from the edge of the Great Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Stop for a picnic lunch and siesta before heading off to reach the next camp on the outskirts of Osian. Camp overnight.
Day 8
Full day ride Osian to Hacra. Today heads deeper into the sand and dunes, dotted with local huts with thatched roofs in the scrub of desert vegetation, acacia bushes etc. Keep and eye open for wild Nilgai (Asian antelope), small chinkara gazelle, mongoose, as well as other flora and fauna local to this desert environment. Tonight's tented camp is close to the community hamlet of Hacra.
Day 9
Full Day ride Hacra to Cullu: Today the route heads North where the sand is deeper, but the trusty Marwari have a stamina not known in other breeds; they are desert horses carrying riders through the heart of their Marwar district, from where their name derives. Overnight: Tented Camp
Day 10
Full day ride Cullu to Khichan - final riding day: By now the riders have built up a good partnership with their horses and can take full advantage of the open lands! Arrive at Khichan, famous for the Demoiselle cranes that visit during the winter season (Oct to March). The birds migrate here from the Mongolian steppes and at the peak (Dec, Jan, Feb) the numbers reach over 10,000 which is a sight to see! Say goodbye to the horses as they travel home overnight for a well-earned rest. Overnight: Hotel Kurja Resort, Khichan
Day 11
Early morning visit to the nearby bird feeding grounds. After breakfast transfer by road 4 hours to Pushkar. This fair is one of the largest horse and camel fairs in Rajasthan. Visit the fair in the mornings and evenings to see the different styles of dress as people make the trek from all corners of Rajasthan in order to trade horses, camels and cattle. Evening visit to the fair and climb the hill to survey the fair and watch the sun go down in the ‘golden hour’ or, as it is known, ‘cow dust time’. Camp overnight.
Day 12
Full day at Pushkar Camel Fair. This is one of India’s most highly-rated travel experiences, a spectacle on an epic scale, attracting more than 11,000 camels, horses and cattle and it is visited by over 400,000 people during the 14 days. For visitors it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the colour, spectacle and carnival of one of the last great traditional melas. The full moon is when all pilgrims come to bathe in the holy lake on this auspicious day, and last minute trading deals are done before horses and camels depart for another year. Overnight: Tented Camp
Day 13
Early morning road transfer 3 hours to Jaipur, lunch and shopping. Early afternoon transfer to airport for departure to onward destination.
2026 Itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive Udaipur by midday, pick up from airport and transfer to hotel, sunset boat trip around Lake Pichola. Beside Lake Pichola, with the ochre and purple ridges of the wooded Aravalli Hills stretching away in every direction, Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India. Fantastic palaces, temples,havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. Overnight Udaipur Hotel.
Day 2
Morning: Sightseeing of the City Palace complex and shopping. After lunch at 2pm take a 3 hour transfer by road to Narlai. Settle into the hotel before dinner by candlelight on the roof terrace.Hotel Rawla Narlai is a delightful 17th century property, which was once a favourite hunting lodge of the Jodhpur Royal Family. It is still owned by members of the Jodhpur family who have invested vast amounts of time, money, love and care into restoring this little gem. Over the years it has transformed from a simple lodge into a stunning, stylish boutique hotel, albeit with all its original character and structure retained. The rooms are scattered all around the property and each varies significantly in shape, size and décor. Overnight: Hotel ‘Rawla Narlai
Day 3
Early morning opportunity for a 6am climb up the 700 steps up Elephant Hill to watch the sunrise over the plains. Escorted by a local Rabari shepherd, who will pace of the climb and serve hot chai and shortbread biscuits at the top, while taking in the sublime view. After returning for breakfast spend the morning relaxing, Enjoy the hotel pool and facilities, or take a village walk. In the afternoon, meet the Marwari horses for a late afternoon 1 hour trial ride from the hotel to Jodha Stud Farm (the horses home), where a delicious home cooked Rajasthani dinner is provided within the magic of the stable complex.Overnight: Hotel ‘Rawla Narlai’
Day 4
Full day ride to Dantiwara passing through villages and riding in the plains of the Aravalli hills. Stop for a picnic lunch before reaching the camp situated in front of the lake. All tents have en suite bathrooms and come fully equipped with all furniture, linen, towels etc.Camp overnight.
Day 5
Full day ride to Perwa in the Bali Forest.We make our way along the bottom of the Aravalli hills South West to the village of Perwa. We pass villages and rural farmsteads, making our way through the volcanic smooth rock formations, stopping in the shade for a long picnic lunch. Camp overnight
Day 6
Early morning Leopard spotting before breakfast, then ride to Jawai Bandh.The route continues onward to reach Jawai Bandh (reservoir). Lying at the heart of an wilderness,leopards roam wild and freely set against a landscape surrounded by craggy granite formations of caves and kopjes (small hills), scrub and winding sand riverbeds. Enjoy a late afternoon on an evening jeep search for Leopard. Camp overnight
Day 7
The horses are loaded into trucks and will meet the group in the desert on day 9. In the morning, transfer by road Jodhpur and to the hotel where you can get laundry washes and pressed, ready for the next phase of the trip. Opportunity en route to visit some women’s empowerment initiatives and NGOs such as ‘Camel Charisma’ at Ranakpur that produce camel milk, paper and cloth, run by the Raika camel herding community. ‘Ghoomar’ at Pali, is a self-help women's initiative which is supported by an NGO called Srijan (Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action). Ghoomar was formed and is run by local women of the Garasiya tribe who now make and sell food pulp from the local fruits. ‘Sambhali Trust’ is a non-profit charitable organisation based in Jodhpur, whose focus is the development and empowerment of women and girls in Rajasthan. Overnight: Jodhpur Hotel
Day 8
A free day to rest by the hotel pool, book a massage or take a guided tour around the old part of this ‘blue’ city. Afternoon sightseeing of Mehrangarh Fort. Mehrangarh Fort stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. Burnishedred sand stone, imposing, invincible, and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons one. Much has been written about the 'Citadel of the Sun', one of the most impressive buildings in all Rajasthan. So colossal are its proportions that Rudyard Kipling called it “the work of giants”. Today, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in India. Evening shopping in the market and antiquities warehouse. Overnight: Jodhpur Hotel
Day 9
A short road transfer to Mathania starts the day to meet up with the horses. Today is a full day ride Mathaniato Osian heading ide North West over the pink granite local to the area that was used to build the Meharangarh Fort. Pass small hamlets and farmsteads, taking n the vistas from the edge of the Great Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Stop for a picnic lunch and little siesta before heading off again to reach the next camp on the outskirts of Osian. Overnight: Tented Camp
Day 10
Full day ride Osian to Hacra:Today the route heads deeper into the sand and dunes. Pass local huts with thatched roofs while riding though the scrub of desert vegetation, acacia bushes etc. Riders may encounter wild Nilgai( Asian antelope) small chinkara gazelle, mongoose as well as other flora and fauna local to this desert environment. We arrive at our tented camp close to the community hamlet of Hacra.Overnight: Tented Camp
Day 11
Today the ride heads northwest over the pink granite and small hamlets before stopping for lunch and little siesta before heading off again to reach the next camp on the outskirts of Osian. Overnight:Tented Camp
Day 12
Full day ride to Culluto Khichan: This is the final day of riding and the terrain is perfect for final gallops and canters on the way home. Arrive at Khichan, famous for the Demoiselle cranes that visit during the winter season (Oct to March). The birds migrate here from the Mongolian steppes and at the peak (Dec, Jan, Feb) the numbers reach over 10,000 which is a sight to see! Say goodbye to the horses as they travel home overnight for a well-earned rest. Overnight: Hotel Kurja Resort, Khichan
Day 13
Early morning visit to the nearby bird feeding grounds. After breakfast, transfer by road for the 2 hour trip to Jodhpur airport.
2025 Itinerary includes 4 nights hotel accommodation and 8 nights in tented camps.
2026 Itinerary includes 6 nights hotel accommodation and 6 nights in tented camps.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The Marwari horse breed is one of five recognised indigenous horses of India. The name derives from its homeland, the Marwar region of Rajasthan. They are capable of covering long distances with good speed and can withstand intense heat and adverse climatic conditions. Marwari are known for their intelligence, spirit, stamina, endurance, alertness, loyalty, elegance, beauty, and animated gait. They average between 15hh ~ 16hh, are naturally lean, but the most recognised feature is their unique lyre shaped ears that rotate as well as touch at the tips. Their conformation, adapted for desert conditions, gives them an unequalled grace and balance.
There are 80 Marwari, most home bred and trained to English riding, using the Indian Sawar saddle, ensuring the right horse for each rider. They are very intuitive and responsive and are accustomed to a bit of neck raining / riding with one hand.
Riders will need to be able to control fit, responsive horses at a walk, trot and canter in a group, and be able to ride up to 6 hrs daily
Fit riders who are confident in canter on open ground. 4-6hrs riding on 7 days. Rider minimum age limit 12 years old. Maximum weight limit 90kg. Not suitable for non-riders.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Four nights are spent in different hotels in twin rooms with en-suite ablutons, including the beautiful Rawla Narlai. 8 nights are spent under canvas in traditional luxury walk-in tents, fully equipped with private bacthrroms, made-up beds and furnishings. Meals are provided from dinner on the first day to breakfast on departure. Meals are varied and are prepared for the group by the support team. Most special dietary requirements with advance notice.
Rawla Narlai
Tented Camp
Kurja Resort Hotel
Accommodation used during 2025 tour:
1 x Night Udaipur Hotel
1 x Night Rawla Narlai Hotel
1 x Night Jodhpur Hotel
1 x Night Hotel Kurja Resort
8 x Nights Tented Camp
Accommodations used during 2026 tour:
1 x Night Udaipur Hotel
2 x Nights Rawla Narlai Hotel
2 x Nights Jodhpur Hotel
1 x Night Hotel Kurja Resort
6 x Nights Tented Camp
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. You’ll need to get a visa before travelling to India. This can be applied for online at the following website, www.indianvisaonline.gov.in Make sure you get the right visa for your travel and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay. If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you cannot enter India again. Make sure you meet entry requirements. You can find further information on the Indian High Commission website or the Indian Immigration Bureau website. To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India. Your passport must be machine readable, with 2 blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of your visa application. Always keep a copy of your passport and your Indian visa separate from your passport, in case of loss Airport tax User Development Fees (UDF) apply at many airports. The fees are around Rs.1,000 per international passenger and Rs.150 to 260 per domestic passenger. This should already be included in the cost of airline tickets. If for any reason the fee is not included in your ticket it will be collected at the airport check-in counter in Indian rupees. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The temperature although warm during the day (max 30C) can drop in the evenings to approx 13C. It is therefore essential to have a warm fleece to hand especially when camping
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever occur all year round. There’s been an increase in the number of cases of dengue fever, including in New Delhi.
Health authorities have classified India as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Cases of Chikungunya Virus have been confirmed in India, including in New Delhi. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in India and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.
As with all countries where the bacteria present in water and around food are not those to which we are accustomed you are advised to exercise a degree of care. Bottled water is widely available, but check that bottle seals are intact and water levels reach the top. Fruit and raw vegetables which can be peeled are fine. Avoid ice cubes, diluted fruit juices and any unpasteurized/un-boiled milk.
In India the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Most of the time there is a good signal 4G or 5G with only the occasional black spot - usually due to mountains in the way.
We suggest buying a local INDIA eSIM from AIRALO for their smartphone for cheap data at local rates - they just switch off their home provider on arrival in India and switch on the AIRALO eSIM. It is inexpensive and the eSIM selects the nearest and best signal so not tied to one network provider. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Gloves
Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
Long sleeved shirts
Scarves for the dust
Jacket/cardigan for the evenings and mornings
Thermal underwear
Change of shoes for evenings
Windcheater or light waterproof
Warm woollen or fleece clothing
Thick socks
Swimming gear (some of the resorts have nice pools.)
Wide brimmed hat
Camera / phone chargers. It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
This ride has a 13 day / 12 night / 7 riding days with set departure
2025: 20 Oct - 1 Nov (limited spaces available).
On request between October 2025 and February 2026
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | per person sharing | 3,985 |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | Single supplement | 599 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | per person sharing | 4,649 |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | Single supplement | 699 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | per person sharing | 5,479 |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | Single supplement | 795 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | per person sharing | 52,655 |
| 2025/6 | 13d/12n | 7 | Single supplement | 7,729 |
India (Lonely Planet Country Guides)
City of Djinns 
The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia 
An Indian Summer
Into India
No Full Stops in India
Rajasthan; India's Enchanted Land
Rajasthan; Land of Kings
The Royal Palaces of India
Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan
Plain Tales from the Raj
Wild Nilgai( Asian antelope) small chinkara gazelle, mongooses well as other flora and fauna local to this desert environment.
India forms a natural sub-continent with the Himalayas to the north. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which are sections of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east respectively.
The official language of India is Hindi written in the Devanagari script and spoken by some 30% of the population as a first language. Since 1965 English has been recognised as an 'associated language'. In addition there are 18 main and regional languages recognised for adoption as official state languages. There are another 24 languages, 720 dialects and 23 tribal languages.
India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - especially if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload. Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you.
The time difference for India is GMT/UTC +5.5hrs and the dialling code is +91. India has adopted metric weights and measures.
