Jaisalmer Desert Safari: Kuldhara Ghost Village & Overnight Dunes

Summary

Ghost villages, golden dunes and a night under desert stars

You’ll step into Rajasthan’s wild side on this overnight desert safari from Jaisalmer—wandering Kuldhara’s ghostly ruins with a local guide, riding out to golden dunes for sunset, sharing dinner by firelight under stars, then waking up to quiet sand all around you. If you want something real (and don’t mind a little sand everywhere), this is it.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you hear that?” our guide asked as we wandered through the empty lanes of Kuldhara Village. The wind made this low whistling sound through broken doorways — honestly, it gave me chills. There’s no one living here, just these sunbaked walls and a story about why everyone left. Our guide told us the legend (something about forbidden love and a curse — I got lost in the details), but what stuck with me was how quiet it felt. Like even the birds didn’t want to interrupt.

We bumped along in the jeep after that, heading out of Jaisalmer toward the sand dunes. The air got drier and warmer, dust swirling up behind us. I kept getting sand in my shoes — still finding grains days later! Our driver pointed out wild antelope tracks and laughed when I tried to pronounce “Longewala” like a local (I definitely didn’t). When we finally reached the edge of the desert, everything slowed down. The sun was dropping fast, throwing orange light across the dunes. We climbed up to watch it set — I didn’t expect to feel so small out there.

Dinner was simple but tasted better than any restaurant meal I’d had in town. Chapatis cooked over open flames, smoky lentils, and this sweet tea that cut through the dry air. Everyone sat around quietly for a while after eating — not much talking, just listening to the fire crackle and watching shadows shift on the tents. Sleeping out there was weirdly peaceful; I woke up once to absolute silence except for some distant camel bells. Guess that’s what people mean when they talk about “desert magic,” though it sounds cheesy written down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Heritage walk and desert safari

• Pick up from pre-decided point
• Drive to Kuldhara Village
• Guided tour of Kuldhara Village
• Drive to desert safari start point
• Begin desert safari in Jaisalmer dunes
• Enjoy sunset view in desert
• Reach camping site for overnight stay

Top questions

Is pickup included for the overnight desert safari from Jaisalmer?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your chosen point in Jaisalmer city are included.

What do you see at Kuldhara Village during this tour?

You’ll explore the abandoned Kuldhara Village with a guide who shares its history and legends.

Is lunch or dinner provided on this desert safari?

Yes, both lunch and dinner are included during your overnight stay in the dunes.

How long does it take to reach the sand dunes from Jaisalmer?

The drive takes about an hour from Jaisalmer city to the desert dune area.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

Are entry fees included at all stops?

Yes, entry tickets for monuments like Kuldhara Village are included in your package.

Can infants join this overnight safari tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with babies.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off within Jaisalmer city by air-conditioned vehicle, guided entry into heritage sites like Kuldhara Village, all monument tickets covered, plus lunch and breakfast served fresh at camp before returning—so you really don’t have to worry about logistics or meals out on the dunes.