Name: Jaisalmer
Rating: 4.6

Desert Safari in Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Overview

Jaisalmerin Rajasthan is frequented by tourists for its large stretches of desert sand. Popular Desert Safaris in Jaisalmer takes place in Sam Sand Dunes. A Jeep takes you to a point near Sam Sand Dunes (around 45km from the city) from where the camel ride starts and lasts for around 90 minutes. You will also stop by at a few attractions on your way.

The safaris can be done in the morning or in the evening followed a delicious meal alongside a musical dance program that showcases the local culture of Rajasthan. If you don't wish to indulge in this experience and want to go for a off-beat experience, there are a few operators like Trotters that will take you to Khuri Sand Dunes. The meal will be modest and the tent will be pitched for you making it perfect for stargazing (also because there is no light pollution in this part).

Types of Desert Safari

There are many types of safaris available in Jaisalmer which include

Camel Safari
If you go to a desert, camels are bound to entice you to ride on their humps as they stroll idly, digging the golden sand.
Best time: Sunrise (4 AM to 6 AM) and Sunset (5 PM to 7 PM).
Cost: It will cost you anywhere between INR 300 to INR 600.

Jeep Safari and Dune Bashing
Riding on a camel is never enough because adventure lies at high speeds. If you've taken so much to reach this remote desert, you'll in no way miss the intriguing fun in jeep safari where you get to ride the speeding jeeps on high and low sand dunes, much like a roller coaster ride!
Dune Bashing is a form of rafting through the sand. An adventurous activity over the heaving sea of sand, it is a chance to explore the exotic desert through a drive that rushes your adrenaline.

Best time: It's good to do any time of the day but during sunset, the desert beauty is
Approximate Cost: It will cost you around INR 1200 per head.

One Night Safari
It's a one night and two days trip into the desert. The tour starts early in the morning at 7:00 AM to Jaisalmer. After breakfast, you'll march towards Bheelo ki Daani to Salkha to Keshwa to Lakhmna to Gypsy village and some other villages and then back to Jaisalmer. Tents and food are taken along or the arrangements are done at the villages. Watching native wildlife, desert vegetation, relaxing by the oasis, night bonfire and interaction with village locals are the major attractions.

Approximate Cost: Around INR 3000

Long Safari or Treks
For long safaris, the number of days and places can vary according to your convenience. The places which shall be covered during the excursion are Bheelon ki Dhani, Salkha, Keshwa, Lakhmna, Gypsy, Luno Ki Basti, Shakar Ki Dhani, Siyalon ki Basti, Turk, Gaga Village, Mattu Village, Barna, Jamda Village, Khabha, Dedha, Jajiya village and then back to Jaisalmer. Tents, the raw material for food, torches, extra clothes, medicines, and other necessary things are carried along on the back of camels.

Best Season: Winters are the best time to go on long treks. Deserts can be extremely evil when it comes to unbearable heat.
Approximate Cost: The total package cost depends on your time and may range anywhere between INR 3000 and INR 10,000.

It's always recommended to not be extra generous while tipping the camel drivers at the end of the trip. It's included in your package. Better still, if you are quite happy with their service, a small tip for camel's fodder is considerable.

Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer

Sand dunes are the speciality of this small town in Rajasthan. There are many sand dunes near Jaisalmer, but two of them are particularly famous for their heights and the vast stretch that they cover.

Sam Sand Dunes

The most popular destination in Jaisalmer are the Sam sand dunes, 45 km to the west of Jaisalmer. The golden sand dunes are continuously shifting with the force of wind are a perfect pleasure to enjoy a camel ride. You can also opt for a Jeep Safari which is a one-hour-extravaganza pumped with a heavy adrenaline rush; you'll never forget. During the safari, you'll also see many small dhabhas in the desert where you can stop and have snacks and drinks or even go for a camel ride from there. Many Bollywood films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Refugee and Tashan, are shot here. A lot of resorts and desert camps are situated here which give you a lot more than just accommodation. These are highly commercialised and are feature rich in terms of regarding providing a nice cultural experience. Folk dance performances at night, bonfire gatherings, regional food, furnished tents in the middle of the desert and so on.

Khuri Village & Sand Dunes

Khuri is a small village, 45 km south-west of Jaisalmer, which is most sought after by those who want to experience the peaceful delight of the desert. The village houses are made of mud and straw and will impart you full on Rajasthani feels! Only 1 km away from the village rest the mighty sand dunes which can be visited on a camel safari or jeep safari. You can experience the yellow sand dunes at night. They lay before you as far as your eyes could see, and the night sky above your heads twinkle with myriad stars. It seems like you've jumped straight into the Arabian Nights! With the cool wind blowing through our hair and introspective silence shrouding the ambience, your experience with the desert is bound to be a soul-stirring one. A lesser number of tourists visit Khuri as it isn't much commercialised. Although there are a few companies which render features like desert safaris on camel and jeeps, tent houses, folk dance performances at night, provide Rajasthani food in buffet style and whatnot. The only difference is that this is much cheaper and way more peaceful than Sam sand dunes.

Popular Safari Tour Organisers

There are many hotels and guest houses in Jaisalmer that will organise camel safaris for you. Some popular safari tour organisers include Trotters, KK Travels, Ganesh Travels and Sahara Travels. Some other popular hotels that organise safari are Wanderlust Guest House & Camel Safari, Pleasant Haveli Camel Safari, Jaisalmer Camel Safari, Desert Safari Camp, and Real Desert Man Camel Safari.

Best Time To Visit Desert Safari

The best time to visit Jaisalmer and go for desert safari is between the months of November and March since the temperature remains cooler and therefore sightseeing, as well as desert safari, become all the more comfortable.