Starting and ending in the captivating city of Jodhpur, this week-long equestrian trail ride offers an immersive journey through the rich history, ancient temples, and stunning architecture of the region, situated on the edge of the vast Great Thar Desert. Over the course of several days, ride deep into the rolling sand dunes on elegant Marwari horses, renowned for their stamina and grace. Traversing this enchanting landscape, witness the traditional rural life of the local villagers, whose mud huts and hamlets dot the desert.
Evenings are spent in luxurious tented camps that provide all the comforts of home, including en-suite bathrooms, fully made-up beds, and rugs for added coziness. These well-appointed camps offer a blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to unwind after a day of exploration.
The horseback ride is ideal for strong novices and intermediate riders, with Marwari horses perfectly suited for long days in the saddle. Along the way, you will delve into the fascinating cultural heritage of the region, visiting historic sites, temples, and desert oases. This unforgettable equestrian adventure combines the thrill of riding with the opportunity to connect with Rajasthan's storied past and vibrant desert landscape.
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Day 1
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, be greeted and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort, which rises majestically 100 feet high on a sheer cliff, standing 400 feet above Jodhpur's skyline. Often referred to as the Citadel of the Sun, this impressive fort is regarded as one of Rajasthan's most remarkable structures. Rudyard Kipling famously described it as "the work of giants." Today, Mehrangarh is recognized as one of the best-preserved forts in India. The group will also have the opportunity to explore the bustling Jodhpur market and the iconic clock tower area. Overnight stay at a hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 2
After breakfast, take a short drive to the tented camp at Mathania to be matched with a Marwari horse suited to each riders style and experience. Following lunch at the camp, set out on an afternoon trial ride to explore the surrounding area. The camp's tents are fully furnished, each featuring an en suite bathroom and complete with linens, towels, and other amenities. Overnight stay at the tented camp.
Day 3
Full-day ride from Mathania to Osian: Today’s journey heads northwest, traversing sand dunes and passing through small mud huts and hamlets, offering stunning views of the Great Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Pause along the way for a picnic lunch and a short siesta, before continuing on to the next camp, located on the outskirts of Osian. Osian, an ancient oasis in the Thar Desert, is often called the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan" due to its remarkable temples, particularly the Brahmanical and Jain temples dating back to the 8th to 11th centuries. Once a significant religious center, Osian's temples are renowned for their elegant architecture. Overnight stay at the tented camp.
Day 4
Full-day ride to Dantiwara Lake: After breakfast, set off through villages, riding across the plains of the Aravalli hills. Along the way, stop for a picnic lunch before continuing the journey to reach the camp located by the serene Dantiwara Lake. Overnight stay at the lake camp.
Day 5
Enjoy breakfast before embarking on another full-day ride from Hacra to Cullu. Today’s route heads north, through deeper sand dunes. The Marwari horses, known for their exceptional stamina, are perfectly suited for the desert terrain, carrying riders through the heart of the Marwar district, the region from which they derive their name. Overnight stay at the tented camp.
Day 6
Full-day ride from Cullu to Khichan: On the final day of riding, enjoy the opportunity for fast-paced riding across the open sands. Arrive in Khichan, a village renowned for the Demoiselle cranes that migrate here from the Mongolian steppes during the winter season (October to March). During peak migration in December, January, and February, their numbers can exceed 10,000. Khichan is also home to over 100 beautifully carved havelis, the elaborately decorated houses of former merchants. Overnight stay in Khichan.
Day 7
After breakfast say goodbye to the horses and transfer by road to Jodhpur for departure to onward destination.
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 India's five recognized indigenous horse breeds, originating from the Marwar region of Rajasthan. Renowned for their ability to cover long distances at good speed, they are highly resilient, capable of enduring extreme heat and harsh climatic conditions. Marwari horses are celebrated for their intelligence, stamina, endurance, spirit, and loyalty, along with their elegance, beauty, and distinctive animated gait. Standing between 15hh and 16hh, they are naturally lean, but their most iconic feature is their unique lyre-shaped ears, which can rotate and even touch at the tips. Their desert-adapted conformation gives them exceptional grace and balance.
The stable includes 80 Marwari horses, most of which are homebred and trained in English riding. They are ridden using the Indian Sawar saddle, ensuring each rider is matched with the right horse. Intuitive and responsive, these horses are accustomed to neck reining and can be guided 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.
Riders should be riding fit and confident in all paces including cantering on open ground. 4-6 hours riding on 4.5 days. The rider age limit is 12 years old. The maximum weight limit is 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.
The first and last night’s accommodation will be in a hotel in Jodhpur and Khichan staying in a twin room with an en-suite bathroom. For the remaining nights you will stay in well-appointed tents, each fully equipped with made-up beds, rugs, and comfortable furnishings, along with private bathrooms. A communal tent serves as a gathering space for meals and socializing in the evenings.
All meals are prepared by the staff, offering a mix of Indian and Western cuisine. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice, so please inform us when booking.
Tented Camp
Khichan accommodation
Accommodation used on tour:
1 x Night Hotel in Jodhpur
4 x Nights Tented Camp
1 x Hotel in Khichan
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) will 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
Photocopy of passport and visa (keep in plastic bag if on rides) - keep somewhere different to the originals.
7 day / 6 night / 4.5 riding day itinerary available year round.
2025/6: Available year round
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | per person sharing | 2,935 |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | single supplement | 299 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | per person sharing | 3,425 |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | single supplement | 349 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | per person sharing | 4,035 |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | single supplement | 399 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | per person sharing | 38,785 |
| 2025/6 | 7d/6n | 4 | single supplement | 3,865 |
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
During the ride it is possible you will see some of the wide range of small antelope species which inhabit the area. There are also many interesting birds and reptiles
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.
