Jaisalmer Desert Camp and Camel Safari: What to Expect at Sam Sand Dunes
Most people book a Jaisalmer desert camp for one evening: the camel ride at sunset, the folk music by the fire, and a sky full of stars. It is worth it, but it helps to know what the experience is really like before you go, so you pick the right camp and the right season.
Getting to Jaisalmer from Jaipur
Jaisalmer is far: around 560 km from Jaipur, close to the Pakistan border. By road it is a full day’s drive. Most of our guests break the journey at Jodhpur or Bikaner, which also lets them see one more city on the way.
There are also overnight trains from Jaipur if you prefer to sleep through the journey, and then use a local vehicle in Jaisalmer.
Sam sand dunes vs Khuri
Sam is about 40 km from Jaisalmer city and is where most desert camps are. It is lively, with jeep rides, camel rides and cultural programmes every evening. Khuri is quieter and further away, better if you want fewer crowds and a more village-like feel.
What a typical camp evening looks like
- Reach the camp in the late afternoon and check in to your tent.
- Camel or jeep ride into the dunes for sunset.
- Kalbeliya dance and Rajasthani folk music around a bonfire.
- Buffet dinner, usually dal baati churma and other local dishes.
- Next morning, an early sunrise walk on the dunes before heading back to the city.
Tents range from basic Swiss tents to luxury tents with attached bathrooms. Always ask whether the bathroom is attached and whether there is hot water in winter.
Best time to visit
October to March is the season. Winter nights in the desert are cold, often close to freezing in December and January, so carry a proper jacket. From April onwards the heat is extreme and most camps shut down or run limited operations.
Don’t miss Jaisalmer city
Give yourself at least one full day in the city. Jaisalmer Fort, the golden sandstone fort, is still lived in, with homes, shops and temples inside its walls. Walk to Patwon ki Haveli for its carved facades, and see Gadisar Lake early in the morning. On the way to Sam, you can stop at Kuldhara, the abandoned village with many local legends.
Packing list for the desert
- Sunglasses, a cap and sunscreen, even in winter
- A warm jacket and socks for the night
- A scarf to cover your face during jeep rides on the sand
- A power bank, as charging points in camps can be limited
Book a Jaisalmer trip
Our Jaipur to Jaisalmer Camel Safari Tour covers the drive, city sightseeing and a night at a desert camp. Call +91 97825 55543 to check camp availability for your dates.
