Ride small, calm, sturdy and sure-footed Tibetan mountain horses that are adapted to the terrain and the high altitudes that you will be riding at. Suitable for all levels of riders as the pace is very slow due to terrain conditions.

MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

You must be comfortable riding in the open and over varied terrain. Less experienced riders can safely participate in this expedition as the terrain is mountainous and dictates that there is no fast riding. You must be prepared for steep ascents and descents and be able to adjust your seat accordingly.

Rider weight limit is 100kgs/15.7st/220lbs

PACE

The terrain is mountainous and dictates that there is no fast riding. You must be prepared for steep ascents and descents.

TACKING ABILITY AND PARTICIPATION

There is no support vehicle and so you and the riding team are responsible for all of the horses and camp tasks.

TRIP CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED EXPERIENCE

You need to be physically fit for long hours in the saddle. Riding is all at altitudes between 3400 m and 5200 m so acclimatisation is progressive throughout the ride. The temperature can change suddenly and the wind can be very violent, be prepared for large variations in temperature between night and day. There may also be frosts overnight.
Having previous experience of a riding a trail of several days would be an advantage but it is not compulsory. Guests who do not ride regularly are requested to get fit prior to the ride. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding across rough ground and in open spaces. You may be asked to dismount on particularly tricky parts and lead your horse on foot - please wear sensible footwear.

Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.

EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

You should bring saddle bags of medium size.
Helmets are not provided and you should bring your own.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit

COMFORT

Nice hotel in Agra. Standard hotel with double or triple rooms, ensuite, in Leg and Alchi.
Small 2 man tents, with mattresses. Comunal toilet tent Meals will be very simple as you are carrying supplies with you for the duration of the trip.

CLIMATE

In Ladakh the climate is mainly dry, with large variations in temperature between night and day, especially at altitude where it can freeze overnight. The days can be very hot, up to 30c, but at altitude the temperature can change very quickly and the winds can be very strong.

There are two main seasons in Ladakh - the harsh winters can see temperatures as low as -30c. The horse riding trails only run in the summer months when the climate is very dry and rough with an intense sun.

Passports:
A passport valid for at least 180 days and with at least two blank pages is required by all Australian, British, USA, Canadian and other EU nationals.
Visas:
Visas for India are required by all nationals referred to above.
Nationals not referred to are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for India.
Visa note:
A Tourist Visa on Arrival scheme currently exists for the following countries: Cambodia, Finland, Indonesia, Japan , Laos, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam. The visa is valid for up to 30 days and for tourism only. It costs US$60. From late 2014, this scheme is being extended to nationals of 180 countries, whereby tourists will be able to apply for the visa online and pick it up on arrival at an airport within three days; check with the consulate before you travel, as the exact date of this change has not been confirmed yet.
Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorisation. You should indicate your intent to visit a specific restricted region when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. It is advised that you apply for the special permit for restricted areas when you enter India by visiting the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) which has offices in all major Indian airports and cities. You must complete an additional form, but there is no fee for a restricted area permit.
Passengers are advised to check with the consulate for up-to-date information before departure. You must fill in application forms completely, and with as much detail as possible, otherwise the application may be rejected and a new application only allowed after three months have passed.
Types and cost:
For UK nationals: tourist visa: £82 (up to six months), £277 (up to two years).
For other nationals listed above: tourist visa: £32 (up to six months), £52 (up to one year).
All visa applications are subject to a non-refundable £10.20 VFS service charge.
Validity:
Visas are valid from the date of issue not your date of departure.

Time required
All visa applications in the UK now have to be filed online at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk. After the mandatory electronic filing of visa applications, applicants are asked to submit printed copies of their applications, photos, passports and fees to respective Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs). Processing times vary at the sole discretion of the High Commission of India and its consulates in the UK, and some applications may take longer than others to get processed. You should confirm your travel plans only after obtaining the visa.
Postal applications take a minimum of 10 working days (not including transit). In addition, if the High Commission or the Consulate General requires an applicant to attend an interview, the India Visa Application Centre will contact the applicant and inform them of the date and time of the interview accordingly.

Addresses of consulates

• Ambassade de l'Inde
  15, rue Alfred-Dehodencq
  75016 PARIS
  Tél. : 01 40 50 70 70
  Fax : 01 40 50 09 96
  
• British High Commission in India
  Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
  110021 New Delhi
  Tél. : +91(11)24192492
  Fax :
  web.newdehli@fco.gov.uk
  
• Ambassade de France en Inde
  2/50-E Shantipath Chanakyapuri
  110021 NEW DELHI
  Tél. : +91 (11) 2419 6100
  Fax : +91 (11) 2419 6169
  
• Ambassade d'Inde
  217 Chaussee De Vleurgat
  1050 Bruxelles
  Tél. : +32 (0)2 6409140
  Fax : +32 (0)2 6489638
  consular@indembassy.be
  
• Ambassade de l'Inde
  ChancellerieCase postale 406
  Kirchenfeldstrasse 28
  3000 Berne 6
  Tél. : 031/351 11 10
  Fax : 031/351 15 57
  ndia@spectraweb.ch
  

Vaccinations are sometimes advised for hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, tuberculosis (for infants), polio and typhoid. Dengue and malaria are both caused by mosquito bites and are prevalent in hot and humid conditions. There are occasional, seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever. Travellers should vigilantly protect themselves against mosquito bites.
Malaria prevention is strongly recommended so use insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Obtain anti-malarial medicine from your doctor before travelling.
Even seasoned travellers may find themselves at the mercy of travellers' diarrhoea. Hygiene standards vary. If possible, travel around with soap or antibacterial gel in order to clean your hands. The culprits that cause diarrhoea are often the microorganisms found in local water supplies, so decrease your chances by drinking bottled or boiled water. You can have alcoholic drinks but say no to ice. Drink carbonated beverages or those with only boiled water like coffee and tea.
Carry rehydration solution packets, Pepto Bismol or Imodium in case you are afflicted. Before your travel, seek medical advice about what to take for self-treatment.
Wear adequate sunscreen or do like the locals to beat the heat and avoid the sun between 1200 and 1600 when it is at its harshest; don a cotton kameez to keep covered and cool.

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Our recommendation :
Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to major towns but is increasing all the time.
Dialling code +91
GMT +5.30

Rupee (INR; symbol Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 paise.

Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Sometimes smaller vendors will not take bills larger than Rs 500. It is best to carry a range of rupee notes if you are shopping at bazaars and local markets.
Credit cards:
In major cities, the full cadre of banks cards are generally accepted including debit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. However, in smaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard and Visa.
ATM:
24 hour ATM machines can be found in all the major cities and most large towns. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus are amongst the most commonly accepted cards.

230-240 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas have a DC supply. Plugs are of the round two- and three-pin type.