Overnight Camel Safari in Thar Desert with Khaba Fort Visit

Summary

Jaisalmer Camel Safari: Khaba Fort, Sand Dunes & Desert Camping

If you want to really feel what life’s like out in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert—not just see it from a car window—this overnight camel safari is for you. You’ll meet locals at Khaba Fort, ride camels across open sands at sunset, eat food cooked over fire by camel men themselves, and sleep under more stars than you’ve probably ever seen before.

What’s the experience like?

The desert air hits different as soon as you leave Jaisalmer behind. Around 3 pm, we hopped into an old jeep—windows down, hair full of sand already—and rolled out toward the Thar. First stop was Jassery, this odd little man-made lake where herders bring their goats for water. It’s quiet except for the wind and the occasional splash. Our guide, Salim, pointed out how the water’s kept the area green even when everything else looks baked dry.

Next up: Khaba Fort. The place feels frozen in time—crumbling walls, empty houses scattered below like a forgotten puzzle. You can see all the way across the empty city from up top; it’s almost eerie how silent it is except for crows and your own footsteps crunching gravel. We lingered there until late afternoon sun started to turn everything gold.

By 5 pm, we reached camel point. I’ll admit, climbing onto a camel isn’t graceful—but once you’re up there and swaying along with their slow steps, it’s oddly calming. The ride lasted about two hours through open desert—just us, our camels (mine was called Raju), and that endless sky. When we hit the sand dunes right before sunset, everyone just stopped talking for a minute to watch the colors change.

Back at camp, the camel men were already getting a fire going. The smell of dal and chapati cooking over open flames mixed with wood smoke—honestly made my stomach growl. They let us help roll out dough and stir pots if we wanted. Dinner was simple but filling: rice, veggies, chapati fresh off the fire, sweet chai poured into tin cups.

Sleeping under the stars is something else here—no city lights anywhere near. They set up thick mattresses and more blankets than I thought I’d need (nights get cold fast). I woke up once to hear nothing but wind shifting sand around us.

Dawn comes early in the desert. Someone handed me tea before I’d even sat up properly; toast with butter and fruit followed soon after. Watching sunrise from atop a dune with warm chai in hand felt like hitting pause on life for a bit. By 10 am we were back in town—dusty, tired, but honestly wishing we could do it all again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Thar Desert and Fort

• Visit desert fort with empty city view
• Sleep on dunes under stars with comfortable bed
• Enjoy veg dinner with dal, mix veg, chapati, rice, tea, coffee

Day 2 — Sunrise and Camel Safari

• Camel and jeep safari in Jaisalmer desert
• Breakfast with tea, coffee, toast, butter, porridge, fruits, biscuits

Top questions

Is this camel safari suitable for kids or older travelers?

This tour needs moderate fitness since you'll be riding camels and sleeping outdoors on dunes. It's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What should I pack for an overnight desert safari?

Bring layers—it gets hot during the day but chilly at night! A hat or scarf helps with sun and dust; don't forget your camera or phone charger (no plugs on dunes though).

Are showers available after returning?

Yes! Once we're back in town around 10 am next day, free shower facilities are provided so you can freshen up before heading out again.

Can I leave my luggage somewhere safe during the tour?

No worries—you can leave your bags safely at our base while you're out in the desert.

What’s included

Your overnight camel safari includes all meals (dinner & breakfast), bottled water, jeep transfers from Jaisalmer to desert points and back, your own camel for riding to camp, clean bedding (mattress & blankets) on sand dunes under open sky—and yes, space to store your luggage plus showers when you return.