3 Most Popular Camel Safari Tours in Jaisalmer Rajasthan

 In India, akin to the experiences found in Jordan, a ride through the rippling, wind-kissed desert on camelback is counted among the most unforgettable and enchanting adventures. Camping beneath the starry vast sky adds to the allure of this experience. If one of the best tour agency in Rajasthan is crafting your itinerary, this journey will present rustic and rural life thriving in the desert landscapes.

Without a second thought, we can say the desert surrounding Jaisalmer is the go-to destination for camel safaris. For an optimal experience, carefully consider the location that aligns with your preferences. While the Sam sand dunes are a popular choice, their commercial and crowded nature might not suit everyone. A more tranquil alternative lies in the sand dunes near Khuri village in Desert National Park, although it has started to attract its fair share of tourists. If you opt for Rajasthan tour packages for Jaisalmer Camel Safari, it typically includes a stop at the abandoned Kuldhara village on the way to Khuri.

Do not let its barren nature deceive you. The desert surprises travellers with its lively communities. Here is your guide to planning a trip that promises both adventure and cultural immersion.

1. Jaisalmer-Baisakhai-Amarsagar 

From Jaisalmer, a camel safari lasting a few hours will take you to Badabagh, where you can explore the tombs of the Bhatti Rajput kings, the former rulers of Jaisalmer. Close to Badabagh is the village of Baisakhai, featuring an old Hindu temple. After a brief stop at Baisakhai, the journey continues to Ramkunda, known for its picturesque location and Hindu temples. Most camel safaris spend the night at Ramkunda before heading the next day to Roopsi, a village with ancient wattle-and-daub houses.

Moving on from Roopsi, the camel safari reaches the village of Lodurva, famous for its Jain temple. The next stop is Chatrayil, a typical Muslim village with a mosque, where you can spend a pleasant night. The journey then continues to the Rajput village of Salkha, close to the sand dunes of Beri of Kanoi. Beri of Kanoi is known for its traditional Rajasthani wells and offers picturesque scenes of village women in colourful lehengas extracting water. Kanoi, a village of carpenters, presents excellent hand-carved wooden items—perfect souvenirs from Rajasthan.

From Kanoi, the camel safari proceeds to Masooradi village and then to the oasis of Jeseiri. After a wash-and-change at Jeseiri, the camels move on to the Rajput village of Dedha and then to Deegasar, a lakeside hamlet with a picture-perfect setting. After Deegasar, the next stop is the village of Kuldhara, where discoveries have revealed ancient settlements dating back many centuries. From Kuldhara, the safari heads back to Jaisalmer, passing through the hamlets of Moolsagar and Amarsagar on the way. Amarsagar is home to a finely carved Jain temple and is worth a stop. This route is one of the longest camel safaris in the state, but there are shorter versions available for those with less time.

2. Jaisalmer- Moolsagar

A shorter version of the initial camel safari begins in Jaisalmer, passing through Moolsagar, Kuldhara, and Masooradi before heading to Padiyari and then the hamlet of Moondardi. From Moondardi, the safari returns to Jaisalmer. It is a brief trip, but quite enjoyable, especially for those who do not have the time for a longer expedition.

3. Jaisalmer-Chore-Jodhpur (or Bikaner)

A five-day safari starting from Jaisalmer ventures into the surrounding desert, with the first stop at the village of Chore. In the following days, it passes through additional villages—Malana, Delasar, and Dhaisar—before reaching Lathi, near the Ramdeora Temple at Pokam. From Lathi, the safari can either head towards Bikaner or Jodhpur, depending on the preferences. While this route may not be exceptionally rich in specific sights, it provides close encounters with the desert and the rural people.

Secure the Right Deal for Your Camel Safari Adventure

It is a scenario where the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true. While cheaper deals might catch your eye initially, be prepared for lower quality in terms of food, bedding, and other essentials. Cheaper packages often mean larger groups, which impact the overall experience. Ensure you have detailed information about the arrangements, including whether dinner will be provided in a nearby village or prepared by a cook over an open fire in the desert.

Camel Safari Duration in Jaisalmer

You can do a quick camel safari and be back the same day, but most people prefer spending a few days going deeper into the desert. Opting for an overnight stay makes sense to avoid monotony and a sore bum. The experience involves riding a camel into the desert, witnessing the sunset, having dinner, stargazing, waking up for sunrise, and then riding back. Desert sunsets and sunrises are truly impressive! For those really into it, there are even longer options, up to 30 days. You can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences.

If you are going to Khuri, get there by 4 p.m. and talk directly to the camps for a camel safari—they are all lined up. Here, a typical evening safari involves enjoying the sunset on the sand dunes, heading back to the camp for dinner and a cultural program, and then leaving for Jaisalmer around 8:30 p.m.

Camel Safari Cost in Jaisalmer

The cost of camel safaris changes based on the route and the level of food and comfort provided. In Jaisalmer, prices begin at approximately 1,000 rupees per person for a reliable sunset camel ride with a cultural program. For a full-day camel safari package covering both sunrise and sunset, expect to pay 1,600 rupees and above. For a quality overnight camel safari, the starting price is around 1,800 rupees per person. Well, if you are looking for top-notch camping (or glamping!) facilities, it can go up to 3,000 rupees. Prices are negotiable, so there is no need to book anything in advance.

What is it Like?

Camel rides can get quite uncomfortable over time, and it is common for people to end up with sore bums and legs after the journey. On simpler safaris, you will sleep under the stars, either on a camp bed or on the ground. There are no toilets available, so you will need to go outdoors. Most upscale safaris provide established camps with Swiss tents and attached toilets for added comfort.

When to Go?

The ideal time for camel safaris is during the cooler, dry months from September to March. After March, the desert becomes extremely hot, and the monsoon season begins, although it does not rain much, temperatures stay high. Camel safaris typically start early in the morning to cover some distance and find a suitable camping spot before dusk. To reach here comfortably and hassle-free, hire a Tempo Traveller Rental Jaisalmer and eliminate the discomfort of scorching heat.

What to Bring with You?

If you are going on a longer safari, bring something comfortable and padded to sit on to make the journey less painful. Other useful items include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, toilet paper, a flashlight, insect repellent, a water bottle, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a sleeping bag liner, and plenty of warm clothing, as desert nights can get cold. Keep in mind that bathing in the desert is not possible, so wet wipes will definitely come in handy.

 

Conclusion

Jaisalmer, the farthest western town in India, appears, at first glance, to be stuck in a time warp. The city is dominated by one of the most impressive forts, which happens to house a quarter of the population of the town. Jaisalmer is known for its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the presence of the desert. The golden sand dunes that encircle Jaisalmer are the domain of the camel, if you can call it that!