Adventure non touristic camel safari

A two-day camel safari that takes you out of Jaisalmer, past Kuldhara (an abandoned desert village), and ends with you camping under the stars is a refreshing break from the usual tourist circuit.

I love the sunset camel ride paired with warm chai and snacks, then a straightforward, filling vegetarian dinner that keeps things easy after a long day. I also like the private tour feel, which makes the village stops and desert time feel personal instead of rushed.

One drawback to plan for: desert nights can get cold, and camel riding is bumpy. If you’re even a little sensitive to rough rides, bring a light layer and expect a few jostles.

Key highlights to expect

• Kuldhara village stop: 30 minutes at the abandoned settlement, free to enter, great for photos
• Jiyai lake break: 30 minutes of desert views, plus a drink and time to stop and shoot pictures
• Camel time at sunset: about 90 minutes in the saddle experience, plus tea, coffee, and snacks
• Real camp night: dinner, then sleeping outdoors under the stars with a bonfire
• Dawn start on day two: wake early for sunrise, breakfast, and another camel ride back toward town
• Vegetarian meals included: dinner and breakfast are part of the price, non-veg is an extra option

Leaving Jaisalmer for a calmer Thar Desert night

If you want a camel safari that feels more like a quiet adventure than a checklist, this one hits the sweet spot. You start in Jaisalmer and get taken out into the Thar Desert for an overnight excursion, with village stops that break up the drive and make the experience feel more grounded than just riding camels and calling it done.

You’ll spend time with the camels up close, then settle into a camp night where the sky does most of the entertaining. The whole point is that peaceful rhythm: sunset, dinner, stargazing, then sunrise the next morning.

And yes, it’s animal-focused in a way that makes sense. You aren’t just passing a viewpoint. You meet the camels, ride, and then you’re part of the same desert routine for a full night.

Price and value: why $24.88 can feel like a steal

At $24.88 per person for roughly two days, this can be great value, mostly because several big pieces are bundled in. You get dinner plus breakfast, a camel safari portion over the two days, village touring along the way, and pickup is offered.

What makes it feel smart is that you’re not paying separately for the “day tour” part and then again for the “sleep in the desert” part. Even the snacks and drinks during the sunset stretch are included, so you’re less likely to end up spending extra on the fly.

One practical point: the average booking lead time is about 15 days. If your dates are close to peak travel season, I’d book earlier rather than later, since the whole setup depends on weather and a minimum traveler count.

Pickup, private group feel, and how the timing plays out

You’ll start at 2:00 pm from Shiv Road, Dhibba Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This is a private tour for your group, so you avoid the awkward merge-and-wait feeling you can get on shared experiences. It also means the guide can manage your pace better, especially around the camel time and the quick stopouts for photos.

Because it’s an overnight plan, day one is the big one: village stops, camel riding around sunset, dinner, then camp under the stars. Day two is shorter but still full, with sunrise, breakfast, and the ride back.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which helps if you like keeping paperwork simple.

Kuldhara: the abandoned village stop that frames the whole trip

Kuldhara is a real scene changer. It’s an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district, established around the 13th century, once home to Paliwal Brahmins, and deserted by the early 19th century. You get about 30 minutes here, and admission is free.

Why I think this stop matters: it gives you context for the desert setting you’re about to enter. Instead of going straight from a city street into dunes, you see a human story that played out here long before modern tourism.

In the time you have, focus on simple things: how the village sits in the arid surroundings, the old structures and empty lanes, and the way light changes the mood quickly. Even if you’re not a big architecture person, this is one of those places that makes you slow down without trying.

Potential downside: it’s a short stop, so you won’t get a long, deep look. Use the time to get a feel for the place, not to expect a full guided lecture.

Jiyai lake: a desert pause for photos and a drink

Next comes Jiyai, a natural lake in the middle of the desert. You stop for about 30 minutes, and the idea is simple: stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy a drink while you soak in the contrast between water and sand.

This is the kind of stop that helps the day stay comfortable. After Kuldhara and the drive, it’s a reset, and it also gives you a scenic break before the camel riding and evening hours.

Because the lake is in a desert environment, lighting can look dramatic and the scene can change fast as the sun drops. If you’re photographing, keep your camera ready when you arrive, not ten minutes later.

Thar Desert camel safari: sunset riding, chai, pakoda, and a bonfire

When you reach the camel point, you meet your camels and get going for the main ride window. The experience is described as roughly 90 minutes in the saddle, and you’ll also get about an hour camel ride starting from the camel point. Either way, plan for a meaningful chunk of time that feels like an actual safari, not a quick photo hop.

Around the sunset period, you’ll have evening tea and coffee snacks, plus chai with vegetables pakoda and other snacks. There’s also a bonfire, which is a key part of why the night feels festive instead of just quiet.

What I like about this stage is the flow. You ride when the light is flattering, then you move into food and warmth. That order matters because it helps you enjoy the outdoors without rushing or getting stuck hungry right before dark.

One thing to note: camel riding can be bumpy, and that’s part of the experience. Wear shoes that grip, and if you’re prone to back or balance issues, be prepared for some jostling.

Dinner and camp under the stars: where the magic actually happens

After your desert ride and sunset snacks, dinner is served. The meal is a mix of vegetarian food, with chai, rice, chapati, dal, vegetable pakoda, and drinking water. You’ll then camp out under the stars.

This is the heart of the trip, because it’s not just a one-hour activity. You stay in the desert environment long enough to feel the change from day to night.

From the way people talk about the experience, the star gazing and the peaceful night are the standout moments. The bonfire also helps set the mood, especially if your group wants to relax, chat, and stay warm while the sky does its thing.

Practical tip: bring layers. Even if the afternoon feels warm, nights in the desert can cool down quickly. Also, keep your phone or camera charged before dark, since you’ll be out for a while.

Sunrise on day two: early start, breakfast, and a second camel ride

Day two starts early enough to catch sunrise. You’ll wake in the morning, experience the desert sunrise, and then have breakfast. After that, you’ll head back with another camel ride toward the hotel.

This second day is shorter in total time, about three hours for the morning segment, but it’s a big emotional payoff. Sunrise in the Thar desert hits differently than sunrise in the city, mainly because the sky and open air feel so wide.

The breakfast is part of the included package, and it’s timed to make the early start more bearable. You’re not forced to do a long morning without fuel.

Meals: what’s included, what to expect, and the non-veg option

Food is included, and it’s vegetarian. Dinner is described as mix vegetarian with chai, rice, chapati, dal, vegetable pakoda, and water. Breakfast is also included (two breakfasts total).

If you’re traveling with someone who eats non-veg, there is an option, but it costs extra. So if you want that flexibility, plan on paying an extra fee for non-vegetarian meals.

My advice: even if you usually eat meat, the included vegetarian meal is likely exactly what you want after desert time. After camel riding and outdoor air, simple food tastes good and it keeps the schedule flowing.

Your guide matters, and you can feel the personal care

One name pops up in the stories: Sandi. People describe Sandi as brilliant and say they felt looked after throughout.

That kind of attention matters on a camel safari. It’s not just about getting you on and off the camels. It’s about helping you feel comfortable with timing, making sure you’re fed without confusion, and keeping you calm when it’s dark and the environment feels unfamiliar.

On a private tour, this personal care can make the difference between just tolerating the experience and actually enjoying it.

Who this camel safari suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want:

• Animals first, not just sightseeing
• A quiet overnight in the desert with stargazing and sunrise
• A plan with meals included, so you can relax instead of hunting food
• A private group setup where you get attention and don’t feel like you’re competing for time

You might think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to cold nights and rougher movement, since camel riding can be bumpy
• You prefer highly structured, indoor comfort rather than outdoor camping under the stars
• You want a long, museum-style cultural tour, because the village stops are short and timed for the desert schedule

Should you book this adventure non-touristic camel safari?

Book it if you want a real desert night with the core stuff done well: camel riding, sunset snack time, dinner, a bonfire, then sunrise with breakfast the next morning. At this price level, the included food and overnight setup make it feel like a strong value.

Skip it if you need a smooth, cushy ride or you’re not comfortable with the outdoor camping vibe. Also, keep weather in mind, because the experience requires good weather and you may be offered an alternate date or a full refund if conditions are poor.

If you’re ready to slow down and let the desert do the entertaining, this is the kind of trip that tends to stick with you long after you’re back in Jaisalmer.

FAQ

What time does the camel safari start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 2:00 pm at Shiv Road, Dhibba Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India.

Where does the experience end?

The experience ends back at the meeting point in Jaisalmer.

How long is the camel safari experience?

It runs for about 2 days.

What meals are included?

Dinner is included on day one, and breakfast is included for the morning on day two. Chai and snacks are also provided during the desert portion.

Is the food vegetarian?

The included meals are described as mix vegetarian. Non-vegetarian meals can be provided for an extra fee.

How much camel riding will I do?

On day one, you get about one hour camel ride, with the sunset camel ride described around 90 minutes in total. On day two, there is additional camel riding back toward the hotel, after sunrise and breakfast.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.

Can I bring a service animal, and what about weather and cancellation?

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the experience requires good weather, so you may be offered a different date or a full refund if it’s canceled due to poor weather.