Jaisalmer: Thar Desert Overnight Camel Safari & Campfire Meals

Summary

Ride camels through the quiet dunes sleep beneath the stars share campfire food near jaisalmer

You’ll ride your own camel into remote Thar Desert dunes from Jaisalmer, share campfire-cooked meals with local guides, sleep outside under endless stars, and wake for sunrise chai before returning by jeep. If you want real quiet and simple moments (plus a bit of sand everywhere), this overnight camel safari is probably for you.

What’s the experience like?

We bumped along in a jeep, leaving Jaisalmer’s sandstone behind for the emptier stretches of the Thar Desert — it’s funny how quickly the city noise just disappears. Our guide, Vikram, grinned as we hit the first patch of real sand. He pointed out a few antelope tracks I’d never have noticed. The air felt drier than I expected, almost sharp in my nose, and there was this faint smell of woodsmoke somewhere far off. When we finally stopped and met our camels (mine was called Raju — he looked unimpressed by me), I realized how quiet everything was. Just wind and those weird squeaky camel sounds.

The camel ride to the dunes took about an hour and a half, maybe two — hard to tell when you’re swaying along like that. We passed one tiny village where some kids waved at us; their laughter carried across the sand in a way that made me smile for no reason. Vikram told us about his family’s history with these safaris, and at one point he let me try saying “thank you” in Marwari. He laughed so hard at my attempt I nearly fell off Raju (not really, but close). The sun started sinking just as we reached the highest dune, lighting up everything gold and orange — not in that postcard way, but softer somehow.

Dinner was cooked right there over a small fire — chapati dough stuck to my fingers because I kept kneading it wrong. The guides showed us how to make dal on coals; it tasted smoky and simple and honestly better than most restaurant stuff. After eating, we lay back on thick bedrolls under more stars than I’ve ever seen. No tents or anything — just open sky and a chill that crept in slowly after midnight. There’s something odd about hearing nothing but your own breath (and Raju snoring nearby). I still think about that silence sometimes.

Woke up with sand in my hair but feeling weirdly rested. Breakfast was sweet chai and fresh bread while the sun came up pale pink over the dunes. Another short camel ride before heading back by jeep to Jaisalmer around noon — dusty, tired, but kind of wishing it lasted longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari and overnight camp

• Depart Jaisalmer by jeep
• Drive 50 km to campsite
• Enjoy camel ride to sand dunes
• Visit a village en route
• Watch sunset at sand dunes
• Dinner by campfire
• Sleep under starry sky

Day 2 — Morning camel ride and return

• Breakfast after sunrise
• Morning camel ride
• Transfer back to Jaisalmer by jeep
• Arrive in Jaisalmer by noon

Top questions

How long is the overnight camel safari from Jaisalmer?

The tour lasts from afternoon departure (around 2-3pm) until noon the next day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Thar Desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or another meeting point in Jaisalmer can be arranged.

Do I get my own camel during the safari?

Yes, each person has their own camel for riding during the tour.

Are meals included on this overnight camel safari?

Dinner and breakfast are freshly prepared over a campfire by your guides and are included.

What should I expect for sleeping arrangements?

You’ll sleep outside on clean bedrolls under the open sky; no tents or built facilities are provided.

Are there toilets on this desert tour?

No man-made toilets are available; guests use natural areas behind bushes as needed.

Is vegetarian food served during the safari?

The standard menu is vegetarian; non-vegetarian options may be available for an extra charge if requested ahead.

Can solo travelers join this camel safari?

If traveling alone, contact ahead to join an existing group; minimum two people required to start a tour.

What’s included

Your trip includes jeep transfer from Jaisalmer to the desert campsite and back again, your own camel to ride through remote dunes with local guides leading the way, all campfire-cooked meals (dinner and breakfast), plenty of mineral or filtered water throughout, clean bedrolls for sleeping out under the stars (no tents), plus shower facilities available before or after your journey if you want to freshen up before hitting the road again.