Permits for Suryachaur horse riding
The Suryachaur horse riding route passes through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, so travelers need to pay the applicable national park entrance fee before entering the park. The fee is charged per person and per entry.
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park's own website currently lists NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, NPR 600 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 1,000 for other foreigners per person per entry, with a nature guide required for SAARC and foreign visitors.
Note: The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park entry fee is included in the tour package.
Suryachaur Horse Riding Tour Difficulty
Suryachaur is designed for easy-to-moderate horse riding in Nepal. The trails are mostly gentle forest and ridge paths rather than steep, technical terrain, and the horses used are accustomed to first-time riders. There's no scrambling, no high-altitude exposure, and no long trekking distances that require physical demand.
Can Beginners Join the Horse Riding Tour?
Yes, Suryachaur is a beginner-friendly horse riding tour in Nepal. Horses are chosen based on rider comfort and experience, and pacing stays slow and controlled throughout. Most participants are first-time riders.
Horse Riding Experience Required
No prior horse riding experience is necessary. A brief pre-ride orientation covers mounting, dismounting, basic steering, and how to sit comfortably in the saddle. Experienced riders can request a slightly more active pace, but the standard tour is designed around beginners.
Trail Conditions
Trails are a mix of packed dirt forest paths, open grassy ridgeline, and farm tracks. Conditions can get muddy or slippery during and just after monsoon rains, which is one reason the monsoon season isn't the ideal time for this ride. Outside of monsoon, trails are generally firm and manageable.
Physical Fitness
No special fitness is required. If you can sit comfortably for a couple of hours and manage short walks during breaks, you're fine. This makes the tour suitable for a wide age range, including children (with adult supervision) and older travelers who might not want a strenuous hike.
Best Time for Suryachaur Horse Riding
Spring, autumn, and winter are the best times for Suryachaur horse riding in Nepal.
Suryachaur Horse Riding in Spring
March to May is one of the most pleasant periods for horse riding in Suryachaur. The hills become greener, flowers begin to bloom, and the surrounding forests look fresh after winter. The weather is generally comfortable for spending several hours outdoors.
Suryachaur Horse Riding in Autumn
Post-monsoon (September to November) offers another excellent period for Suryachaur horse riding. The skies are clear after the monsoon, temperatures are comfortable, and Himalayan visibility is typically at its best.
Suryachaur Horse Riding in the Monsoon
June to August brings frequent rainfall to the hills, but horse riding is still possible on suitable days. Rain can make dirt trails muddy and slippery; clouds and mist can also reduce mountain visibility. If planning to visit during the monsoon, it's always better to be flexible with the riding route and timing.
Suryachaur Horse Riding in Winter
December to February is generally dry, but mornings and evenings can be cold, especially at higher points. But mountain visibility can also be good on clear days. Riding is still enjoyable with proper warm clothing, especially in the morning.
Bird Watching in Suryachaur and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
The Suryachaur horse riding route offers a pleasant opportunity for birdwatching in the forests and hills of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. As you ride through quieter forest sections, you may hear birds calling from the trees or spot them moving through the canopy, shrubs, and open areas along the trail.
The national park has remarkably rich birdlife. A 2024 scientific checklist documented 396 bird species in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. The park is also home to the Spiny Babbler, the only bird species endemic to Nepal. Some birds recorded in the park include the Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Black Francolin, Eurasian Wryneck, Speckled Piculet, various flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, bulbuls, warblers, and birds of prey.
Note: Buffer days for birdwatching can be added.
What to Bring for Suryachaur Horse Riding
Here are a few recommended items for horse riding in Suryachaur.
- Comfortable long pants (avoid shorts or skirts for riding comfort)
- Closed-toe shoes with a low heel, not sandals
- A light jacket or fleece
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos (with a secure strap or pocket)
- Cash for the national park entry fee, vehicle fee, and any food purchases in the village
- Rain layer during shoulder-season months when weather is less predictable
Safety and Horse Riding Guidelines
Before any horse riding in Nepal, you must always be aware of safety and guideline measures.
- Always mount and dismount with the help of a handler until you're confident doing it yourself.
- Keep a safe distance from the horse in front of you on the trail.
- Follow the handler's pace instructions and don't urge your horse into a faster gait without guidance.
- Wear appropriate footwear; avoid open sandals, which increase the risk of injury.
- Children should always ride with direct adult or handler supervision.
- Inform your guide of any back, joint, or balance conditions before the ride begins.
- Stay alert on muddy or uneven sections, particularly just after rain.
Who Is This Tour Suitable For?
Suryachaur horse riding isn't as hard as other horse riding in Nepal. So this ride is suitable for everyone, and here are a few of them:
- First-time horse riders
- Families traveling with children who want an activity outside typical sightseeing
- Couples or small groups wanting a scenic, relaxed day trip from Kathmandu
- Photographers and birdwatchers interested in forest and mountain scenery
- Travelers with limited time in Kathmandu who still want an outdoor experience
- Older travelers or those who prefer riding over strenuous hiking
Conclusion
The Suryachaur Horse Riding Tour 1 Day is a simple way to step outside Kathmandu and experience the quieter hills. With forest trails, green hills, countryside villages, farmland, birdlife, and Himalayan views on clear days, the ride offers more than just time on horseback.
