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Top Ten Places for Horse Riding in India

Top Ten Places for Horse Riding in India
Last Updated: January 10, 2020

Horse riding is an enthralling experience for all and if it is done in India, it comes with incredible rewards. Our country’s diversity offers interesting terrains where the experience of horse riding can be exhilarating. Taking the Kuchha Pakka (Paved, Unpaved) trails that may include narrow ridges, steep ascends or descends; sandy beaches or may be large grazing grounds, horseback riding in India is an exciting activity. So, if you are someone looking for some real thrill you can stop by these top ten places in India that prove to be ideal for horse riding –

Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Horse Riding in Ladakh

Photo: Sugato Mukherjee

Beautiful rugged landscape makes Ladakh stand apart in the country. There is indeed so much that needs to be explored here and little did we know that amongst the best ways to explore this place is riding a horse. In the remote places like Zanskar Valley, where paved roads are rare and motor biking is not every ones cup of tea, horses make an incredible means of travel. One can access to Zangla, Penzela Pass, Panikhar Fort and Zongkhul, Stongdey and Gelugpa monasteries on a horseback.

Changthang is yet another place for horse riding in Ladakh. A plateau that it is, Changthang is a land of nomads and exotic wildlife and taking a horse ride here is exceptionally interesting. Horse riding near Tsomoriri and Pangong Lake are also quite popular.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Horse Riding in Udaipur
Udaipur makes an ideal place for horse riding in India, infact it is an interesting way to see this majestic city. There are many trails that take one through some very charming places. The experience of horse riding in Udaipur is purely regal and unlike any other experiences. There are many ranches offer rides to along the rural stretches and the Aravali mountain range.

Matheran, Maharashtra

Horse Riding in Matheran

Photo: Tomato Umlaut

In Matheran, where automobiles are prohibited, horses are the only mode of convenience. Thus, horse riding in Matheran has to be included in this list. Situated at an altitude of about 2500ft, Matheran is a popular summer getaway in Maharashtra. Riding a horse in this beautiful hill station can be an exhilarating experience. One also has an opportunity to take riding lesson at Olympia Racecourse.

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Horse Riding in Pahalgam

Photo: https://bit.ly/2NcYkmg

Horse riding is one of the most important activities in the entire Kashmir region. This is one activity that earns livelihood for many in the region but also is an enthralling experience for tourists. There are many beautiful places around Pahalgam like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Kolohoi Glacier to which ride on a horse is just so exciting.

Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Horse Riding in Sonmarg

Photo: Biplab Roy Chowdhury

Horse riding cannot get better than in Sonmarg. Riding the horse amidst the lofty mountains on narrow ridges and unpaved roads cannot get any better. The best trails for horse riding in Sonmarg can be the ones to Thajiwas Glacier, Sirbal Sonmarg and Zojila Pass.

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Horse Riding in Gulmarg

Photo: Nabeela Moinuddin

In Kashmir region, Gulmarg is amongst the most ideal places for horse riding. Infact horse riding is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of this wonderful hill station in india. The ride in the country side or to the off beaten trails offers ample of excitement. Also riding on the horseback on gentle slopes keeps the excitement alive.

Shillong, Meghalaya

Horse Riding in Shillong

The darling of tourists in Northeast India, Shillong in Meghalaya is an ideal tourist place in the country. The vibrant town that is still clad in the colonial era architecture is best for activities like horse riding. One may feel like regal personnel during the British Raj who is up for some errands of the town to check if everything is running fine. Horse riding can be done from the town centre to the highest peak of Shillong situated at an altitude of 1966m. The panoramic view from the peak looks so rewarding after the enthralling horseback ride.

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Horse Riding in Mahabaleshwar

Photo: Monogna Reddy

Horse rides are best taken at hill stations in India and amongst the top destinations to do so is Mahabaleshwar. At Echo Point, one can pick horses for long and short rides. Horse riding at Table Land Point and around Venna Lake is quite famous in Mahabaleshwar.

Digha, West Bengal

Horse Riding in Digha West Bengal

Photo: Partha Pal

Situated at the confluence of River Hooghly and Bay of Bengal, Digha is a beautiful place for a holiday in West Bengal. The Digha beach is the major attraction and this is the place where one can enjoy horse riding. The picturesque beach sets the right mood and the perfect background to take a ride on a horseback. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first time as even in the worst cases if you fall rest assure that you will land on sand only.

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Horse Riding in Yumthang

Photo: Dhillan Chandramowli

Situated in North Sikkim, Yumthang Valley is probably one of the best places to see in the state. Often dubbed as the Valley of Flowers, Yumthang is an apt place for nature lovers and those who wish to spend some time in solace. The valley comes to life during the spring season and about 24 species of rhododendron bloom here. Yumthang is also called the grazing ground of yaks. There is indeed nothing that is more perfect than taking a horseback ride amidst such a beautiful place. One can choose to ride along the River Teesta that flows from here towards Lachung.

Apart from these ten places, there are many other tourist destinations in India, where you can enjoy horse riding. Enjoy the surroundings while you take a ride, if lucky, you Ghodawala can be an interesting man with some good skill of storytelling. We advise that you ask for the rates before taking the ride also make it your responsibility to voice against any animal cruelty.

For more on horse riding in India you can e-mail us at info@tourmyindia.co or can even ring on +91-9212777223/24 for other inquiries on India holiday tour packages. You can also join us on Facebook and Twitter.

Published: 04 Jun, 2015
Nidhi Singh

About

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

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