Price from
1600 USD
Duration
7 Days | 6 Nights
Level
3
Average Ride
Overview
Rajasthan is one of India's most captivating states, famed for its Rajput forts and palaces, desert villages, spice markets and the warmth of its people. Traveling by auto rickshaw adds an element of adventure and our back-road discovery takes us through barren desert and lush oases to remote villages where traditional Rajasthani life continues untouched by the outside world, as it has for centuries.
The fourth run of this epic journey is set to be a cracker. After congregating in Delhi you’ll be whisked (maybe that should be rattled) by train, deep into the desert. The rickshaw riders will alight and transfer to the beautiful oasis of Fort Khimsar, where they’ll set about learning to tame their three-wheeled beasts, whilst the cyclists will disembark in Jodhpur. After some instruction and a crucial practice and instruction ride for both groups, there will be time to pimp yo’ ride before a grand dinner to send us on our way.
From here we set out on a truly Indian journey which effortlessly combines the beautiful and the bizarre. Our route begins amidst desert and dunes and ends in the lush Araveli hills, passing by a motorbike temple, goats and holy cows, and of course, chai stalls. Our ride ends at Kumbalgarh, where we’ll have a chance to celebrate, but also time to visit the community and see some of the amazing work being done using Virgin funding. This exciting and epic journey will catapult participants headlong into Mother India’s maelstrom: camels, diesel and dust, holy men, monkeys, and maybe even the odd elephant all compete for your attention, but keep your eyes on the road!
Provisional Pricing is as follows:
Rickshaw Price Based on a Minimum of 30 (10 Rickshaws): US$1800 per person
Cyclists Price Based on a Minimum of 10 Cyclists: US$1600 per person
Cycling Route Approximately 275km
Deposit is US$400
Tour extension: A number of options are available for extending your trip, either before or after, or both. Popular choices include a stay in unbelievable Udaipur, or a pre- (or post-) trip visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Full details on these trips will be released shortly.
Highlights
Day to Day
Khimsar: 20km rickshaw riding or Jodhpur: 10km cycling
This morning rickshaw riders will be met off the train and transferred a short distance for some breakfast before moving on to our first night’s base, the desert outpost of Fort Khimsar where we’ll overnight in a wonderful heritage property complete with imposing ramparts, a lovely pool and even a private cinema! On arrival, we’ll have a full briefing to the week ahead. We’ll then have the chance to pimp yo rides, and take a test drive in the hotel grounds before making our way on a short ride to nearby dunes.
Cyclists will be met off the train in Jodhpur and transferred the short distance to our historic haveli, in the heart of the old city. After some breakfast, we’ll have the opportunity to hike up to mighty Meherengarh Fort. We’ll then have a bike fitting and take a short ride to get accustomed to our new bikes.
Rickshaw riding: 185km or Cycling: 50km
This morning the rickshaws move south to Osian, where we’ll have a break at the famed temples which offer impressive views over the surrounding desert. From here we’ll continue south towards Jodhpur, circumnavigating the busy city, and on to Rohet. The cyclists will exit the bustling city and make their way to the edge of the desert. Both groups end their ride at an old favorite, Rohet Garh, which we have been using since the inaugural Cycle India in 2011.
Rickshaw riding: 150km or Cycling: 100km
An early morning stop at Om Banna Motorbike Temple, and then our two separate convoys will push further south towards wonderful Rawla Jojowar. The Rawla has a pool, whilst beyond the gates, the pretty village is worthwhile exploring and time permitting there’s also the option to take a jeep ride through the stunning local countryside for the rickshaw riders (at extra cost).
Rickshaw riding: 90km or Cycling: 60km
Today we continue to make our way south, the Aravalis looming ever closer as we end our ride at Ranakpur nestled in a valley at the foot of the hills. We stay at a lovely hotel with a great pool and a spa, and in the afternoon there’s the option for both groups to visit the famed Jain Temples which feature incredibly intricate carved marble.
Rickshaw riding: 75km or Cycling: 60km
Today we make our final push up, up and away to Kumbalgarh. Even though it’s a short ride this will be a challenging day, with narrow, hilly roads and other traffic to negotiate. Rickshaw riders will have the chance to visit the impressive Kumbalgarh Fort which enjoys spectacular views of the lush surrounding countryside. Our ride ends at Aravali, WE’s fantastic project base, which overlooks the surrounding hill country. We’ll have a celebratory dinner to mark our incredible odyssey.
This morning we’ll visit one of the local communities supported by Virgin for the handover of donation rickshaws and bicycles. There will also be time to meet the locals and, of course, plenty of Indian hospitality and celebration! In the afternoon we’ll transfer to Udaipur for the overnight train back to Delhi.
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
This unique tour allows you to explore the fascinating state of Rajasthan, India by rickshaw and bikes! You’ll have so much fun driving these small traditional vehicles, visiting important sites and staying in Indian palaces along the way. This tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in this subset of India’s rich culture on a true adventure.
