Jaisalmer Camel Safari & Desert Night with Local Guide

Summary

Non-Touristy Thar Desert Overnight Camel Adventure

You’ll ride camels from Jaisalmer into quiet desert villages, share fresh-cooked meals under open sky, and sleep beneath endless stars with your local guide nearby. Expect laughter around the fire, sunrise chai, and moments of silence you’ll remember long after the sand shakes out of your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about the camel at first. They’re taller than you think, and when mine stood up outside Jaisalmer, my stomach did a little flip (the camel driver just grinned and handed me a bottle of water). We set off with the sun still sharp overhead, passing two tiny villages where kids waved and one old man offered us chai. Our guide, Shahi, pointed out wild antelope tracks in the sand — I’d have missed them completely. The air smelled like dry grass and something sweet I couldn’t name.

Lunch was under a scraggly tree that barely threw any shade but felt like heaven after an hour’s ride. The camel men cooked dal and chapati right there on a fire — simple but honestly better than most restaurant food I’ve had. After lunch we rested (I nearly dozed off listening to the wind), then kept going until the dunes started rolling up around us. Sunset was quiet except for our group laughing at how awkward we all looked getting off the camels. There were no crowds — just us, some distant birds, and this huge sky turning pink.

After dark, Shahi made tea while another guy sang softly by the fire — I didn’t catch all the words but it felt right somehow. We slept outside on thick blankets; I woke up once to see more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life. Morning came early with hot chai and another ride through the Thar desert back toward civilization. My legs were sore but in that good way that means you actually did something real. If you want a day trip from Jaisalmer that feels honest — not staged — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel Safari and Desert Sunset

• Jeep transfer from Jaisalmer
• Meet camel and start 2-3 hour ride
• Visit 2 villages
• Lunch and rest under tree shade
• Camel ride to sand dunes
• Watch sunset at sand dunes
• Tea, snacks, and bonfire (winter only)
• Dinner cooked by camel men
• Relax and stargaze

Day 2 — Desert Sunrise and Village Visits

• Breakfast
• Camel ride through Thar Desert
• Visit local village
• See local wildlife
• Lunch cooked on campfire
• Rest under tree shade
• Camel ride to pickup point

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Jaisalmer camel safari?

Yes, private transportation from Jaisalmer is included at the start of your camel safari adventure.

How long is the camel ride each day?

You’ll spend about two to three hours riding camels each day during this overnight safari experience.

Are meals provided during the desert tour?

Yes, lunch and dinner are freshly cooked by your camel guides over a campfire in the desert, plus breakfast before returning.

Can children join this overnight camel safari?

Infants can join if they sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram or stroller; check suitability for your child’s comfort.

Will we visit any local villages on this trip?

Yes, you’ll stop at two villages along the way to experience authentic Thar desert life during your day trip from Jaisalmer.

Is bedding provided for sleeping in the desert?

Bedding is included; you’ll sleep on thick blankets under the stars in true desert style.

What should I bring for this non-touristy camel safari?

A hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and maybe something warm for night are recommended; most essentials are provided.

Are there toilets available during the tour?

No formal toilets; expect basic conditions as you’re out in nature during this authentic Thar desert experience.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes private pickup from Jaisalmer, bottled water throughout the journey, snacks along the way, freshly prepared lunch and dinner cooked over an open fire by your camel guides (plus breakfast), bedding for sleeping under the stars, one camel per person for riding comfort, as well as coffee or tea whenever you need it before heading back to town.