Thar Desert camel safari
A camel safari into the Thar Desert around Jaisalmer, most commonly to the Sam sand dunes, is one of Rajasthan's signature experiences, typically timed for sunset with a desert camp, folk music and dinner afterwards. It suits almost any fitness level, since the camel does the walking, and the comfortable season runs October to March; the desert summer from April to June is intensely hot and best avoided for this activity. Rides range from a short sunset outing to an overnight camp under the stars.
Reviewed by Experience My India Editorial Team · Updated 13 Sept 2026
Government-approved operatorApproved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
- RouteJaisalmer
- Best seasonOctober to March
- IncludedHotels, transfers and meals
- Free cancellationFree cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
- Private vehicle and guide for the desert transfer
- Reply within four hours, 9am–9pm ISTA named specialist, the same person from first reply to departure.
- No payment to start planningYou receive a written quote first; nothing is charged to start planning.
Itinerary
Pickup from Jaisalmer
Step 1
- We collect you from your Jaisalmer hotel in the afternoon, timed so you reach the dunes with several hours of daylight left.
Drive to the dunes
Step 2
- A private vehicle takes you out to the Sam dunes or another dune site, depending on the package.
The camel ride
Step 3
- You mount up with a handler's assistance and ride out across the dunes, typically for an hour or so, towards a high point for sunset.
Sunset and the desert camp
Step 4
- You watch the sunset over the dunes, then move to a desert camp for folk music, dance and dinner as the temperature drops.
Return, or overnight
Step 5
- On a day trip, you are driven back to Jaisalmer after dinner; on an overnight package, you stay at the camp and return to Jaisalmer the following morning.
Step 1 · Pickup from JaisalmerFor reference only. The final plan is confirmed in your written quote.
Highlights
- Almost any fitness level, including families with children old enough to sit securely on a camel and older travellers, since the physical demand is minimal.
- The camel does the walking, led by a handler on foot or camelback, so this is a low-effort activity to take part in even though it delivers a genuine sense of the desert.
- Wear light, loose clothing that covers your skin against sun and blowing sand, and a hat; sunglasses help in the wind.
- Closed shoes are more practical than sandals once you are off the camel and walking on the dunes.
Full description
Includes
- Camel ride with a handler
- Private vehicle transfer to and from the dunes
- The sunset viewpoint stop
- Overnight packages include dinner
- Folk entertainment and camp accommodation
Not included
- Alcohol at the camp unless the specific camp offers it
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any overnight camping upgrade if you book only the sunset ride
Price
Experience My India quotes this trip in INR after confirming your dates, hotel category and group size. The written quote names every hotel and inclusion, and nothing is charged until you approve it.
Important information
Jaisalmer, Thar Desert
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- No payment is taken until you approve the itinerary.
Who it suits
- Camel riding is generally comfortable but can feel new and slightly unsteady at first, particularly when the camel stands up or sits down; handlers assist with mounting and dismounting, and shorter rides suit anyone unsure about a longer time in the saddle.
- Almost any fitness level, including families with children old enough to sit securely on a camel and older travellers, since the physical demand is minimal. It particularly suits travellers who want a classic, photogenic Rajasthan moment and are comfortable with a couple of hours in the desert heat and dust.
Honest cautions
- Closed shoes are more practical than sandals once you are off the camel and walking on the dunes.
- Carry water and sun protection even for a short ride — the desert heat and dry air are more tiring than they feel at first.
How booking works
Send an enquiry
Dates, who is travelling and how you like to travel. Two fields to start.
We check availability
Hotels, guides and permits for your dates, with honest alternatives if something is full.
Price and hotels named
Every hotel and inclusion is named before you pay anything.
Written quote in INR
One document, no hidden lines, valid for the dates it quotes.
You approve
Change anything you like. Nothing is charged until you say yes.
A named specialist runs it
The same person from first reply to departure, Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST.
Your trip designer
Gurudutt Kaushal
Founder, Experience My India · IIT Jodhpur
Gurudutt Kaushal founded Experience My India and set the two rules every trip here runs on: hotels and guides are named before you pay, and a human replies within four hours. Your itinerary is designed by one of the 35+ destination specialists on his team and checked against our vetting standard.
Trust and protection
Ministry of Tourism approved
Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Registered business
GSTIN 09BZFPM8067A1Z9
4.3 / 5 on Tripadvisor
Independent guest reviews
No payment to start
A written quote first; charged in INR only after you approve.
Why book with Experience My India
Government-approved operator
Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
500+ vetted local guides
35+ destination specialists plan every trip by hand.
Human help, every day
Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST · +91 73022 65809
No payment until you approve
You receive a written quote first; nothing is charged to start planning.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the camel safari take place?
Most safaris head to the Sam sand dunes west of Jaisalmer, the best known and most accessible dune field in the area; some operators use quieter alternative dune sites depending on the day and package.
Is it suitable for children or older travellers?
Yes, generally. The camel does the walking, so physical demand is low, and handlers assist with mounting and dismounting. For very young children or anyone with mobility concerns, a camel cart is sometimes offered as an alternative to riding directly.
What is the best time of year for a desert safari?
October to March, with warm days and cool desert nights. April to June is intensely hot, and July to September brings Rajasthan's light monsoon, so both are best avoided for this activity.
Can I stay overnight in the desert?
Yes, most operators offer an overnight package with a desert camp, folk music and dinner, in addition to the shorter day or sunset-only ride.
Is camel riding comfortable?
It is generally comfortable, though the motion when a camel stands or sits can feel unsteady the first time. Handlers assist throughout, and shorter rides suit anyone unsure about spending longer in the saddle.
Request a quote
Tell us your Jaisalmer travel dates and whether you want a sunset ride or an overnight desert camp, and we will arrange the transfer and the camp.
- Private vehicle and guide for the desert transfer
- Reply within four hours, 9am–9pm IST
- No payment to start planning
Customer reviews
No reviews for this experience yet — we publish guest reviews after each trip.
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