A night in the Thar Desert is the highlight of most Rajasthan trips. Watching the sun set over golden dunes from a camel's back, followed by folk music around a fire and a sky full of stars, is an experience you will remember for years. Jaisalmer is the gateway to this world, and this guide explains how to choose the right desert camp and safari.
Jaisalmer at a Glance
Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", rises from the desert in western Rajasthan. Its sandstone fort is one of the few living forts in the world, with homes, shops and temples inside its walls. The city is about 290 km from Jodhpur and well connected by road and rail.
Sam vs Khuri: Which Dunes?
Sam Sand Dunes
- About 40–45 km west of Jaisalmer.
- The most famous and developed area with many camps.
- Lively atmosphere, many activities and cultural shows.
- Can be crowded in peak season.
Khuri Sand Dunes
- About 45–50 km south-west of Jaisalmer.
- Quieter, with a more rustic village feel.
- Fewer camps and a more peaceful night.
Choose Sam for energy and variety; choose Khuri for calm and a traditional experience.
Types of Desert Camps
- Standard tents: basic, comfortable beds with attached bathrooms in most cases.
- Deluxe and Swiss tents: larger tents with better furnishings.
- Luxury camps: spacious tents, private sit-outs and premium dining.
- Non-camp dune stays (open-air "under the stars"): sleeping on the dunes with blankets – a raw, memorable experience for adventurous travellers.
Most camp packages include evening snacks, a cultural programme, dinner and breakfast.
Safaris and Activities
- Camel safari: short rides of 30–60 minutes timed for sunset; longer overnight camel treks are also possible.
- Jeep (dune bashing) safari: thrilling rides over the dunes.
- Quad biking and parasailing: available at Sam in season.
- Cultural evening: Kalbelia dance, Rajasthani folk music, fire dance and puppet shows.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: pleasant days and cold nights – the best season.
- December–January: very cold at night; carry warm clothes.
- Desert Festival: usually held in January or February, featuring camel races and folk performances.
- April to September: extremely hot; many camps close or reduce operations.
Sample 2-Day Jaisalmer Plan
- Day 1: Explore Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake. Drive to the dunes for a sunset camel safari, cultural evening and dinner at camp.
- Day 2: Sunrise over the dunes, breakfast, and visits to Kuldhara, the abandoned village, and Bada Bagh cenotaphs on the way back.
What to Pack
- Warm jacket for nights (October–February)
- Scarf or stole to protect from sand and sun
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes that are easy to empty of sand
- Torch and power bank
- Lip balm and moisturiser
Safety and Etiquette
- Choose licensed camps with good recent reviews.
- Confirm what is included (meals, safaris, transfers) in writing.
- Agree camel and jeep prices in advance.
- Be cautious during dune bashing if you have back problems or are pregnant.
- Carry your rubbish back; deserts are fragile ecosystems.
- Respect performers – tipping for good performances is customary.
Combining Jaisalmer with Other Cities
Jaisalmer fits well into a Jaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer circuit, with Udaipur or Bikaner as optional additions. Most tours spend two nights in Jaisalmer, one in the city and one at the dunes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a desert camp – Sam or Khuri?
Sam is livelier with more activities; Khuri is quieter and more rustic.
What is the best time for a Jaisalmer desert camp?
October to March, when days are pleasant and nights are cool.
Is a desert camp safe for families?
Yes, licensed camps are family-friendly. Choose a reputable camp and supervise children on dunes.
What is included in a desert camp package?
Usually snacks, cultural programme, dinner, overnight tent stay and breakfast; safaris may be extra.
Can I sleep under the open sky?
Yes, some operators offer non-camp dune stays with blankets under the stars.
Plan Your Trip with On Travel
Our Rajasthan tours include handpicked desert camps at Sam or Khuri, camel safaris and cultural evenings.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9220564155
- Email: info@ontravel.in
Plan Your Trip with On Travel
Ready to go? These itineraries cover the places in this guide and can be customised to your dates and budget:
- Rajasthan Forts & Desert – Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh & Jaisalmer, 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Rajasthan Desert Trail – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Desert Break – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek with Kathmandu & Pokhara – 8 Nights / 9 Days
Browse all Rajasthan tour packages.
Related reading: Jaipur Travel Guide · Rajasthan in 7 Days · Best Time to Visit Rajasthan
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