India Royal Rajasthan & Pushkar Camel Fair Tour
Iconic Cities, Ancient Palaces & Deluxe Desert Experience
- Available: October, November
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels
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Group Size:
5-15 Guests
Min Age: 12
Highlights
- Experience the Golden City, a 4X4 safari, and ritual bathing in the Thar Desert
- Explore the wonders of Jaipur's centuries-old fort, behold the Pushkar Camel Fair, and more!
- Live like royalty in luxurious hotels - former maharaja palaces - and deluxe desert tents
Itinerary
Arrive in New Delhi
Day 1
Welcome to India! Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport in vibrant New Delhi, meet an MT Sobek representative outside of customs, and transfer to the luxury Taj Mahal (Taj Man Singh) Hotel for our welcome dinner, followed by a good night's sleep.
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India
Meals: Dinner
Scenic Drive to Jaipur
Day 2
Take a scenic drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan affectionately known as the "Pink City" for its fine architecture fashioned out of pink sandstone. In the 19th century, Maharajah Ram Singh had all non-pink buildings painted pink - the color of hospitality - to welcome Britain's Prince of Wales. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, your home for the next two nights. This afternoon, visit the old, colorful markets of Jaipur, where you can purchase anything from fine gems and woodcarvings to ornamental knives, beautiful Rajasthani textiles, and trinkets.
Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace-Jaipur, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Pink City of Jaipur
Day 3
Enjoy a half-day excursion to Amber Fort, stopping at the elaborate Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of the Winds," en route. Ride up to Amber Fort, arriving at the perched fort above the city for views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. After lunch, explore Jaipur's City Palace, which occupies the center of Jaipur and houses the Royal residence and museums. Continue to Jantar Mantar, built from 1728 to 1734, where the stone and marble instruments accurately measure the harmony of the heavens.
Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace-Jaipur, India
Activity: Full day city touring & cooking class
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to the Holy City of Pushkar
Day 4
Today begins with an optional visit to Ladli Vocational School which provides general education, training in traditional arts, and meals to area children. Meet with staff, engage with students, and help serve lunch, if you wish. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Our destination today is Pushkar, a holy city said to be the seat of Brahma, set on the glassy shores of Lake Pushkar. Over the next two days, soak in the amazing annual spectacle of the Pushkar Fair and its thousands of camels, horses, and cattle brought in from miles around. Experience the festival's vibrant colors and energy as you observe bartering tribesmen, women wrapped in exquisite jewelry, and children dressed in their best traditional attire. It's a photographer's dream.
Accommodation: Aagman Camp-Pushkar, India
Activity: Half day Pushkar Fair
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wander the Colorful Pushkar Fair
Day 5
The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the last great traditional melas in India, and you have the entire day to wander around. Your visit is timed to ensure that you witness the best camel-trading moments, and you'll see owners using all of their persuasive skills to sell their camels at the most competitive prices. Both amateur and professional photographers will delight in capturing these skilled tradespeople in action!
Accommodation: Aagman Camp-Pushkar, India
Activity: Full day Pushkar Fair
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the Blue City of Jodhpur
Day 6
Head to Jodhpur today, known as "the Gateway to the Thar Desert" and "the Blue City" for the color of the buildings that surround its historical fort. After arrival, embark on a city tour, visiting the three-mile-long Mehrangarh Fort (Majestic Fort), one of India's most impressive, formidable structures. Its magnificent palaces have marvelously carved panels and latticed windows. The Fort Museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs (elephant saddles), costumes, and more. Later, walk through the "Blue City" of Jodhpur and see its medieval market.
Accommodation: Taj Hari Mahal-Jodhpur, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue to the Golden City of Jaisalmer
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to Jaisalmer, founded in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Often described as the Golden City, the commanding fort rises spectacularly from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The fort, etched in yellow sandstone, dominates the amber-hued city with its entire awesome splendor. There is no place like Jaisalmer! After checking into your hotel, enjoy a late afternoon drive out to Bada Bagh, where the royal family members were cremated. Afterward watch the sun set on Jaisalmer Fort.
Accommodation: The Gulaal-Jaisalmer, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Old Jaisalmer
Day 8
Wander around the old town of Jaisalmer and Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156. Perched on a 250-foot hill, the golden-hued fort stands like a sentinel in the barren desert landscape. It is the only "living fort" in India and within its ramparts lies an enchanting maze of narrow lanes dotted with lovely havelis (mansions), palaces, and 12th-century Jain temples. Also see Patwon Ki Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis, with unsurpassed stone carvings. The afternoon is free to wander around the city's lanes and alleys.
Accommodation: The Gulaal-Jaisalmer, India
Activity: Full day city touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel from Jaisalmer to Gajner
Day 9
After breakfast, drive to Gajner, stopping at Keechan village on the way. Keechan is home to migratory demoiselle cranes that feed on grains donated by the villagers. In the afternoon, check out the fort of Bikaner - which, unlike its counterparts in the region, does not sit on a hill. Check into your amazing lakeside hunting lodge owned by Maharaja of Bikaner.
Accommodation: Gajner Palace Gajner, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Kolayat Lake & Camp in the Thar Desert
Day 10
This morning take an early drive to watch ritual bathing at the ghats around Kolayat's lake. Kolayat is an important center of Hindu pilgrimage where thousands of holy people and local rural villagers gather to bathe. This day of the trip is the Day of Kartik Purnima, or the full moon - the holiest time for an auspicious dip in the water. In the afternoon, drive onward to Dechu in the Thar Desert. Situated on top of a sand dune, this is a great place to explore the desert life.
Accommodation: Samsara Camp-Jodhpur, India
Activity: Half day Kolayat Fair & camel ride
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jeep Safari in the Desert
Day 11
Embark on a 4X4 jeep safari in the Thar Desert! Driving over rural camel cart tracks and sand dunes, visit the adobe houses of various tribes who live here and learn about how they've adapted to harsh desert conditions. You'll also have a good chance of spotting Indian gazelle, Blue bull, and desert and Indian fox in the wilderness. In the afternoon, take a drive to Rohet and check into your palatial hotel.
Accommodation: Rohet Garh-Rohet, India
Activity: Full day desert safari
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Ranakpur's Temple & Head to Udaipur
Day 12
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, leaving behind arid western Rajasthan and heading toward the hilly regions of the south. En route visit Ranakpur, home to Jain temples dating back to the 14th century and some of Rajasthan's best marble carvings. After lunch in a shady glen, drive onward to arrive in Udaipur. Known as the City of Lakes, the romantic city and its gardens, temples, palaces, and, aptly, lakes lie in the Girwa Valley amidst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel-Udaipur, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 6-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stroll the Romantic City of Udaipur
Day 13
Udaipur's old city is a traditionally planned, fortified walled city with a maze of narrow winding lanes flanked by elaborately decorated doorways, stained-glass windows, and jali screens. Its massive havelis have large inner courtyards and shops. Visit the City Palace, built in 1570, including several palaces that blend Rajput and Mughal styles as well as temples and gardens. Half of it is still occupied by the royal family, and part has been converted into a museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a public boat ride on Pichola Lake.
Accommodation: Trident Hotel-Udaipur, India
Activity: Half day city touring & sunset boat tide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Old Delhi
Day 14
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. This afternoon, meander through Old Delhi with its narrow dirt roads, myriad people, and colorful bazaars that keep Delhi's traditional workmanship alive. Visit Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi, and then head to Red Fort. Here we trade our motor vehicles for bicycle rickshaws, which take you into the heart of Chandini Chowk, or "the Silver Square" - so named for its silver merchants. Negotiating alleyways, end up at Jama Masjid, the largest Muslim mosque in India. Tonight we enjoy a festive farewell dinner!
Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India
Activity: Half day city touring
Transportation: 1.5-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Delhi
Day 15
In the early morning, bid farewell to the group as you transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound or onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $8,295 price per person dbl occ+$175 internal airfare+$2,950 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 guests from $10,195 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,495 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $9,195 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $8,895 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $8,595 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $175
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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October, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Ashim Ahuja
A trained mountaineer with a travel bug, Ashim started his career in travel more than 20 years ago. After earning a degree in Japanese language, he was soon organizing tours and leading groups of Japanese, British and Americans all over the Indian subcontinent-from classic destinations to off-the-beaten-track corners. As someone who has seen most of the country, he is in a great position to explain the various contrasts one finds in their journey through India. Ashim looks forward to welcoming you on MT Sobek's India adventures.
Yatish Bahugana
A travel guide for over 30 years, Yatish is one of the most knowledgeable Indiaphiles we know. He was born and raised in Pauri, Garhwal, in the foothills of the Himalayas and studied Indian history and tourism at Garhwal University. Since 1983, Yatish has led innumerable cultural, historical, and wildlife tours-as well as safaris and treks throughout the Himalayas and the Indian subcontinent. He has also been engaged in regional research for books and documentary films. Yatish looks forward to sharing India with you on MT Sobek's adventures in Rajasthan.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip is easy to moderate. You will be touring cities, vibrant markets, ancient palaces and the Pushkar Fair. As well as jeep safaris, you have the opportunity to ride an elephant. While none of the activities are difficult, you will be on your feet for much of the day. Daily drives range from 2 hours to 8 hours.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Half day city touring
Day 3
Full day city touring & cooking class
Day 4
Half day Pushkar Fair
Day 5
Full day Pushkar Fair
Day 6
Half day city touring
Day 7
Half day city touring
Day 8
Full day city touring
Day 9
Half day city touring
Day 10
Half day Kolayat Fair & camel ride
Day 11
Full day desert safari
Day 12
Half day city touring
Day 13
Half day city touring & sunset boat tide
Day 14
Half day city touring
Accommodations
Relax in splendor at former maharaja palaces and five-star hotels, and enjoy desert camping at the luxurious Aagman Camp.
Aagman Camp-Pushkar, India
Aagman Camp is a fusion of fantastic deluxe accommodation set in a rustic landscape. As well as great service and delicious food, its cozy, fully furnished tents come complete with electricity, en suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and clean, crisp linens. Enjoy an evening by the bonfire with traditional folk music before sleeping under the stars at this memorable camp.
Jai Mahal Palace-Jaipur, India
Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable palace dates back to 1745. Jai Mahal Palace is an opulent masterpiece in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, blending spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing comforts that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is located downtown, close to the main shopping center and historical monuments.
Rohet Garh-Rohet, India
The Rohet Garh is a well-known heritage hotel offering comfortable accommodations in a serene lakeside setting. Its beautiful gardens, sprawling lawn, and variety of musical birdlife complement traditionally inspired, carefully furnished rooms. Guests can revel in the Tattva Spa's soothing treatments and therapies, and in the mastery of the Rohet Garh chefs, who enthusiastically serve the finest traditional regional cuisine.
Samsara Camp-Jodhpur, India
Samsara Camp is a majestic oasis nestled in the Thar's endless dunes. The resort property is the perfect place to enjoy long evenings under the desert stars with entertainment including local bards and folk dancers. Samsara welcomes exploration-fatigued guests with delicious food, comfortable accommodations (including hot/cold running water in morning and evening, and electricity), and friendly service.
Taj Hari Mahal-Jodhpur, India
The Taj Hari Mahal pulls out all the stops for its guests, celebrating the grandeur of Rajput and Mughal architecture with an arch-shaped swimming pool, latticed windows, and flower-strewn water fountains. Plush suites are filled with miniature artwork and jewel-toned furnishings. Dine on local and globally influenced cuisine, including iconic dal baati and Jodhpuri maas, complemented by world-class wines. Don't miss the chance for a wellness treatment at the peaceful spa.
Taj Mahal Hotel – Delhi, India
Dignitaries and heads of state visiting New Delhi prefer the Taj Mahal Hotel given its stateliness, its timeless hospitality and service, its original culinary innovations, and the quiet, restrained luxury that permeates every guest's stay. Central to the Taj Mahal Hotel's prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities.
Trident Hotel-Udaipur, India
A handsome five-star hotel in a peaceful setting on Lake Pichola, the Trident Hotel inspires guests to lose themselves in its large grounds — which contain the Bada Mahal, a 150-year-old wildlife conservatory — a swimming pool, two high-end restaurants, bar, spa, and fitness center. Guest rooms exude a quiet, comforting elegance with touches of local flavor added to these modern accommodations.
Gajner Palace Gajner, India
Lose yourself in the sprawling and majestic Gajner Palace, built by HH Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The hotel, known as a jewel of the Thar Desert, stretches over 6,000 acres and is revered for its panoramic landscape and architectural beauty, including distinctive terraces and balconies. Rooms at the Gajner Palace are sumptuous and thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences.
The Gulaal-Jaisalmer, India
East meets west at the luxurious Gulaal Hotel, built in Jaisalmer's traditional haveli architecture style. All rooms are elegantly decorated with rich, inviting wallpapers and beautiful rugs, and are replete with modern amenities. Relax in lavishly designed spaces, wander the balconies, or take in the terrific view of Jaisalmer Fort — all at this magical Thar Desert hotel.
Weather
Daytime temperatures range between 70F and 95F while nighttime temperatures will be as low as the 50s. The weather should be dry and clear.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Delhi Airport.
Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, you do, but you can go online to apply for an Indian e-visa, which is fast and convenient.
Do I need to book an extra night's hotel for the night before the trip starts?
No, we have included this night since so many flights arrive in the middle of the night.
Is my transfer included even if I arrive early?
Yes, your transfer is included even if you arrive early.
Can I book an extension to my trip?
Absolutely! Please contact your Adventure Coordinator to learn more about our pre-set extensions in India.
Does this trip contribute to any local philanthrophy efforts?
Yes! You will have the option to visit the Ladli Vocational School which provides general education, training in traditional arts, and meals to area children. You can meet with the staff, engage with the students and help serve lunch.
