New Year’s 2006 Rajasthan Relief Ride

Trip cost

Day 1: Dec 28
Arrive in Delhi and spend the night at Claridges Hotel, or similar.

Day 2: Dec 29
Travel from Delhi to Roopangarh by coach (approximately 6 hours). We’ll overnight at Roopangarh Fort, built by Maharaja Roop Singh of Kishangarh in 1648. A fascinating structure, the fort’s medieval stone granaries, royal armories, jails and formidable battlements can still be seen.  After a light refreshment, we’ll gather with the horses for a casual afternoon ride.

Day 3: Dec 30
Hold General Medical Camp in Roopangarh village. Overnight at Roopangarh Fort.

Day 4: Dec 31
In the morning we’ll ride from Roopangarh to Jag. In the afternoon we will distribute livestock to the below poverty level families of Jag. Expect to spend New Year’s Eve in our beautiful tented camp on the outskirts of Jag, an area of Rajasthan bordering the desert and the vast plains of Sambhar Lake.

Day 5: Jan 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Ride from Jag to Panchota, in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan. The Nagaur district is known the world over for its beautiful pink and white Makara marble. The marble is mined in six different bands spanning nearly 10kms. Nagaur is the fifth largest district in Rajasthan with a vast terrain spreading over 17,718 sq. K.M. Its geography combines plain, hills, and breathtaking dunes.

Day 6: Jan 2
Panchota eye surgery clinic screening day. Guests support the surgery team with registration and screening to identify villagers eligible for the cataract eye surgery procedure.  The cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens from the eye and the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).  Overnight at Panchota tented camp.

Day 7: Jan 3
We’ll ride from Panchota to Jijot. Along the way we may see the khejri trees commonly found in this district. The Kherjri tree’s leaves provide fodder for livestock, and it also gives gum, both of which have commercial value. The Khejri tree has been traditionally protected by the Bishnois of Rajasthan, for its value in checking soil erosion. Overnight in Jijot tented camp.

Day 8: Jan 4
Jijot is a small village nestled on the Sambhar Lake flats alongside the Aravelli range. We plan on visiting a school in order to treat school children as well as deliver educational materials in the morning. The afternoon will be spent delivering livestock to families.Overnight in Jijot camp.

Day 9:Jan 5
The ride from Jijot to Gachas will take us through a range of varied terrain from sandy dunes to farmed millet fields. The landscape is peppered with Sambhar deer, water buffaloes and Blue Bulls, Overnight in Gachas tented camp.

Day 10: Jan 6
The morning will be spent treating children an delivering educational materials at the school in Gachas. The afternoon will be spent at your leisure in the camps or touring in and around Gachas.

Day 11: Jan 7
Ride from Gachas to Kudan Bisar is one of the longest segments o and an early departure is necessary. It will take us through several small villages, which will give you a wonderful sense of rural India. Water buffalo, cows, pigs, camels and poultry are everywhere. At times you can find oxen turning wheels to bring up water from village wells. We will overnight in our tented encampment on the outskirts of Kudan Bisar

Day 12: Jan 8
Ride Kudan Bibasar to Dundlod. The village of Dundlod lies in the heart of Shekhawati region.  We will overnight at Dundlod Fort, a monumental castle built in 1750 and studded with nostalgia of Shekawats, the warrior Rajputs who with stood the onslaught of Mughal hordes. You will spend the night in a historic room retaining all of its old charm with some modern conveniences.

Day 13: Jan 9
Spend the day visiting ancient villages around Dundlod. The area is a famous for its Havelis whose walls are covered with magnificent frescoes of ancient India. We will enjoy a farewell dinner in Dundlod Forts Royal dinning Hall

Day 14: Jan 10
Travel from Dundlod to Jaipur by coach. Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha clan, the astronomer king Sawai Jai Singh. The pink color of the buildings was used in attempt to recreate the look of red sandstone buildings found in Mughal cities.  It was repainted in 1876, during the visit of the Prince of Wales.

Day 15: Jan 11
Sightseeing in Jaipur. You have the option of traveling with a guide who can lead you to the famous City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and the Jal Mahal.  At the Amber Palace note the beautiful facades turn different colors depending on how the sun reflects on them.  A stop at the Palace of Winds is also amazing.  Past visitors suggest going across to the top floor shop for great pictures. Also, keep an eye out for snake charmers!

Day 16: Jan 12
Travel by coach from Jaipur to Delhi for transfer to aiports for return flights.

THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.