Shahi Non touristic sand dune 1 Night 2 Days camel safari

A one night, two days camel safari in the Thar Desert is interesting because you start in Jaisalmer, then you end up far from the crowds, riding with a camel guide and sleeping under open sky. I really like the non-touristic desert feel and the time to visit villages and see wildlife, not just do a quick camel photo. I also love the sleep under the stars part, with dinner cooked in front of you and time to slow down.

One consideration: this is a desert trip with heat or cold depending on season, and you should be comfortable with simple sleeping and a lot of time on camel and jeep.

Quick Highlights You Will Actually Care About

• Non-touristic pace with time in villages and a quieter dune location for sunset
• Jeep transfer plus camel time so you get both adventure and a real desert rhythm
• Fresh camp meals cooked on fire, plus tea and snacks after sunset
• Stars and optional sunrise on night sky clarity days, with an early wake-up option
• Good value inclusions for the price, including bottled water, bedding, and one camel per person

Cost and What You Get for About $50.56

At about $50.56 per person, this safari sits in the budget-to-mid range for an overnight camel experience in Jaisalmer. The value is that the essentials are included, not just the ride. You get coffee and/or tea, lunch, snacks, dinner, bottled water, private transportation, bedding for sleeping, and one camel each for the ride. That matters, because in the desert, everything is more expensive and harder to improvise.

This is also described as a private tour/activity, meaning it’s set up for only your group. In practice, that often feels better than sharing every moment with strangers, especially when you are dealing with timing like pickup, village stops, sunset, and morning rides.

Two practical notes. First, alcohol is not included, but it can be arranged on request for an extra charge. Second, the experience is weather dependent, so if conditions are rough, you can end up with a date change or a refund offer.

Leaving Jaisalmer: Meeting at Shahi Palace Hotel Area

Your day starts in Jaisalmer, at the meeting point near Shahi Palace Hotel on Fort Road, behind HDFC Bank. The pickup area is listed near State Bank of India as well, in Dhibba Para, Sadar Bazar (Kishan Ghat area). That’s central enough that you can usually plan without stress, as long as you are at the right hotel-side landmark.

The start time is listed as 12:00 am, which is unusual for a camel safari schedule. What I would do is treat that as a platform listing time and rely on the confirmed pickup time you get at booking. This kind of trip depends on daylight for village stops and sunset timing, so the real schedule usually matters more than the default time display.

Also note the end of the activity: you return back to the meeting point. That’s convenient. It means you do not have to figure out desert-to-city transport on your own, at least not in the way you might on DIY camel rides.

Jeep Transfer to Real Desert Life, Then Two Village Stops

The structure of this safari is designed for a short trip that still feels substantial. You begin by jeep from Jaisalmer, and at some point you will meet your camel with your camel guide. The itinerary specifically includes visiting two villages early on, before the longer dune riding begins.

Those village stops are not just window dressing. They break up the day, give you a sense of desert-edge life, and create a calmer rhythm before the sand riding heats up. You also get a built-in rest break to avoid the strongest sun and heat. That matters if you are the type who wants to enjoy the experience instead of constantly thinking about dehydration and heat.

Lunch is timed right after that break. It is described as freshly made by the camel drivers, with rest time under tree shade afterward. In other words, you are not shoved straight from dusty road into long camel hours without a reset. That is a big reason this “non-touristic” label can feel real, because the pacing stays human.

One more detail you should know: the safari includes time to see local wildlife around the dune area. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the route is at least oriented toward that possibility, not just straight lines to the camp.

Camel Ride to the Sand Dunes, With Wildlife and a Proper Sunset

After lunch and rest, the main camel portion starts. You ride to the sand dunes while watching for wildlife. The day’s highlight is the move from open desert riding into dune country, where you reach a location chosen for a peaceful sunset.

Once you get to the dunes, sunset is the star moment. You enjoy it in a secluded setting, which is exactly what you want for that “quiet desert” feeling. After the sun drops, you get tea and snacks. In winter, there is also mention of a bonfire, which can turn a chilly desert evening into something cozy fast.

Dinner happens the same night with a camp setup. The cooking is described as fresh desert style, and it’s prepared in front of you. That changes the vibe from standard catering to something more memorable. If you care about food that feels like part of the place, this is one of the strong points.

What can be tricky for first-time camel riders is the physical feel. Even when the pace is well managed, you should expect sitting on camel can feel different from horseback. The better you manage expectations, the more enjoyable it becomes.

Dinner by Fire, Star Counting, and the Simple Magic of Night Sky

The evening plan is refreshingly calm. After sunset and tea, you settle into dinner, then relax and count the stars. The sky description is the kind you hear only when weather cooperates: clear, sharp, and bright enough that stars look close.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. People highlight how different it feels from city nights, especially when the sky is clean and clear. If you like photography, the night sky can be a major payoff, though you should remember you are outdoors in a desert environment, so you will want layers and patience.

Sleeping is another practical plus. The safari includes bedding for sleeping. That does not mean it will feel like a hotel bed, but it does mean you are not left scrambling for basic comfort items.

There is also an optional sunrise moment. The plan says you can wake up early if you wish to have sunrise. So if you are the type who likes to trade sleep for views, you can do it. If not, you can still enjoy the morning ride plan at a more relaxed pace.

Also, because the trip is described as requiring good weather, the stars and overall comfort can depend on conditions. If you are traveling during a season when skies are often clear, you are more likely to get that “million stars” effect.

Day 2: Breakfast, Morning Camel Ride, Villages, and Wildlife

Day two starts with breakfast. Then you ride camel again, moving through the desert with more time for village visits and the possibility of seeing local wildlife. This portion keeps the safari from feeling like a one-night event. You get more riding time, plus more of that desert-edge rhythm where villages and open sand coexist.

Lunch on day two is also freshly made on a camp fire. The itinerary again includes a rest break under tree shade, which is a nice pattern because it gives you a chance to recover between riding segments. You finish with more camel riding back toward the pickup point so you can return to Jaisalmer.

The ride time distribution is one reason this works well for people short on time. It gives you a full night in the desert, then adds another day of movement and slow stops. If you only did a half-day camel outing, you would likely miss the calm star night and the longer sense of the desert lifestyle.

If you are wondering what the “non-touristic” label means here, it mostly comes down to the flow: you are not only on a narrow route for a couple of photos. You get pacing that includes village stops, shade breaks, meals cooked on fire, and quieter dunes for sunset.

Who This Safari Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong fit if you want an overnight camel experience without a big multi-day expedition. You are still getting a proper desert night, a real sunset moment, and more than one camel riding block.

It’s also a good choice if you care about meals that feel like camp life. Dinner cooked fresh desert style in front of you is not the same as a pre-packaged snack. If you like straightforward hospitality, the camp rhythm works well.

This might be less ideal if you want luxury comfort, lots of downtime, or a strict schedule like a city tour. Desert trips are more about flexible timing and outdoor simplicity. You should also be okay with the fact that weather can affect what happens, since the experience requires good conditions.

A quick word on guides. Names like Nett and Dharmendra show up in the desert team stories, and Devi is also mentioned as part of the organization. The consistent thread is safe handling and care for both you and the camels, which is a must for a comfortable ride.

Should You Book This Shahi Non-Touristic Dune Safari?

I would book it if you want a genuine Jaisalmer camel safari that focuses on the desert night: dunes at sunset, camp dinner by fire, and sleeping with stars overhead. The price feels reasonable because meals, bedding, camel per person, bottled water, and private transportation are included, not added later.

I would think twice if you are very sensitive to cold or heat, since it is outdoors and described as requiring good weather. Also confirm the real pickup time you receive at booking, because the start time listed can look inconsistent with a practical daytime desert plan.

If you want your desert trip to feel like desert life, not just a quick activity, this one is a solid pick.

FAQ

Where do you meet for the safari?

You meet at Shahi Palace Hotel Fort Rd, behind HDFC Bank, near State Bank of India, in Dhibba Para, Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer (Kishan Ghat, Rajasthan 345001). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the safari?

It’s listed as a 1 night, 2 days camel safari, with an approximate duration of 1 day 8 hours for the activity.

What is included in the price?

Coffee and/or tea, lunch, snacks, dinner, bottled water, private transportation, bedding for sleeping, and one camel each for the ride are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcohol is not included, but it can be arranged on request for an extra charge.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 12:00 am. Make sure to check the confirmed schedule you receive when you book.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

What does the itinerary include on day 1?

You start from Jaisalmer by jeep, meet your camel, ride about two to three hours with a visit to two villages, then take lunch and rest in the shade. Later you ride to the sand dunes for sunset, then enjoy tea and snacks. Dinner is cooked fresh desert style, and you relax under the stars.

Can I see sunrise on day 2?

Yes. The plan says you can wake up early if you wish to have sunrise.