Thar Desert Overnight Camel Safari with Kalbeliya Dance

Summary

Jaisalmer Camel Safari & Open Sky Camping Experience

You’ll ride camels deep into quiet parts of the Thar Desert, watch sunset from golden dunes, eat dinner by firelight with live Kalbeliya dance and music, then sleep under open stars—a real taste of Rajasthan away from crowds.

What’s the experience like?

The air in Jaisalmer felt dry and warm as we hopped into a private car, leaving behind the city’s sandstone walls for Khuri village. Our guide, Raju, chatted about desert life while the road turned dustier and goats wandered past. By late afternoon, we were already atop our camels—mine was called Badal—ambling through quiet stretches of the Thar Desert where you don’t see many other tourists. The only sounds were the soft thud of hooves and an occasional bird call. Lunch was simple but fresh: chapati, dal, and sweet chai poured from a battered kettle right there in the sand.

As the sun started to dip, we reached the edge of the Desert National Park. The sky turned gold and pink, and I remember how fine the sand felt between my fingers—still warm from the day’s heat. We watched sunset from a dune that seemed to swallow up all noise except for a distant flute somewhere in the wind. Back in Khuri village by evening, dinner was served around a crackling bonfire. The Kalbeliya dancers spun so fast their skirts blurred; live musicians played until almost 10pm while we ate spicy curries and laughed with fellow travelers. Later, riding out again by open jeep to our camp spot on the dunes, I just lay back on my cot under a sky packed with stars—no roof at all, just cool desert air and silence.

Dawn came early; I woke up to faint camel bells and a pale orange sky. After breakfast back at camp (hot parathas and strong tea), we walked through a nearby village where kids waved and women drew water from old wells. It’s a slow pace—nobody’s rushing here—and you get to see how people really live out in Rajasthan’s countryside before heading back to Jaisalmer by car.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Camel Safari and Desert Experience

• Pick up from Jaisalmer and transfer to Khuri
• Camel safari in deep Thar desert
• Lunch in non-touristic part of Jaisalmer
• Ride camel to desert national park and sand dunes
• Watch sunset over sand dunes
• Dinner with traditional Kalbeliya dance and live music
• Return to sand dunes by jeep/camel cart
• Sleep under stars in open sky
• Morning camel ride to countryside village
• Return to camp, freshen up and breakfast

Day 2 — Return to Jaisalmer

• Drop back to Jaisalmer by private vehicle

Top questions

Is this camel safari suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Kids can ride with adults or use specialized infant seats. The pace is gentle and there are plenty of breaks.

What should I pack for sleeping outside on the dunes?

A light jacket for cool nights is handy—evenings can get chilly after sunset. Everything else (bedding, water) is provided.

Are vegetarian meals available during the tour?

Absolutely—all meals are vegetarian by default, made fresh in camp with local ingredients.

Is it possible to join if I use a wheelchair?

The transport vehicles and most areas are wheelchair accessible; let us know your needs when booking so we can help out.

What’s included

Your trip covers private transport from Jaisalmer (any location), snacks, bottled water, dinner by bonfire with live music and Kalbeliya dance show, overnight stay on open dunes under the stars (with bedding), breakfast at camp, guided camel rides through non-touristy desert areas, village walk experience, plus drop-off back in Jaisalmer city—all included for a hassle-free adventure.