Two days in the Thar feels like time travel. I love how this is a private tour with personal attention, and you get a real overnight desert camp experience with stargazing and a calm pace that feels far from Jaisalmer’s streets. You’ll also stop at places that break up the drive—like Kuldhara’s abandoned atmosphere and the odd sight of Jiyai lake tucked in the desert.

One consideration: the schedule is long and a bit rugged-adventure styled, with a start around 2:00 pm and an early wake-up before dawn. If you need a slow, cushy day trip, this won’t match that mood.

Key Points Worth Knowing

• Private group feel: it’s just your group, not a big mixed crowd
• Desert camp night: dinner, tea/coffee snacks, and time to watch the sky
• Camel time both days: about an hour ride after pickup and again as you return next morning
• Stops that change the scenery: Kuldhara and Jiyai lake before you reach the Thar Desert camp
• Vegetarian meals included: chai, pakoda, chapati, dal, rice, plus breakfast (2)

A Private Camel Safari Camp Beyond Jaisalmer’s Streets

This camel safari works because it’s not only about the ride. The real win is how the trip shifts you out of city mode and into desert rhythm—afternoon pickup, scenic stops, one-hour camel riding, then dinner and night under the stars.

I also like that the whole thing is framed as a quiet overnight excursion rather than a rushed photo stop-and-go. You get space to settle in, and the pace makes the desert feel big, not staged.

Also, the guide’s role matters here. One review called out Sandi as brilliant and attentive, which lines up with the overall feel of personalized attention on this private tour.

Pickup, Timing, and What a Two-Day Schedule Feels Like

The tour starts at 2:00 pm at Shiv Road in Jaisalmer (Dhibba Para / Manak Chowk area). You return to the same meeting point when it ends. It’s listed as 2 days (about), and the planning is built around sunset on day one and sunrise on day two.

Day one is the long arc: you’ll visit the first stops, then work your way toward the camel point, ride, snack, and settle in for the night. Day two is shorter in hours but still starts early—wake up before dawn to catch desert sunrise and then have breakfast before riding back.

If you’re the type who hates early alarms, treat this as an active overnight outing, not a casual sleep-in.

Kuldhara: An Abandoned Village Stop That Sets the Mood

Kuldhara is the kind of place that makes you lower your voice. It’s an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district, established around the 13th century and deserted by the early 19th century. The tour gives you about 30 minutes, and that’s just enough time to walk around, look at the emptiness, and get a sense of why people find it haunting.

Practical note: abandoned sites are uneven. Wear shoes with grip, and don’t expect full infrastructure. With only a half hour, you’re not meant to do a deep hike—just get your bearings and move on.

This stop is also a smart timing choice. It breaks up the drive before you head farther into the desert world.

Jiyai Lake in the Middle of the Desert

After Kuldhara, you’ll go to Jiyai, a natural lake in the middle of the desert. You get another 30 minutes here, and the point is both scenery and atmosphere.

What I like about this stop is how it changes your expectations. Desert days can feel uniform, but a lake area gives you contrast—water, reflections, and that surreal feeling of greenery and survival where you wouldn’t expect it.

You’ll have time to take photos and also slow down for a bit before the bigger part of the evening starts.

Thar Desert at Sunset: Camel Riding, Tea, and Campfire Vibes

Once you reach the camel point, the core activity begins. You’ll get about an hour camel ride—the classic intro to camel travel for most people. There’s also a focus on the evening build-up: tea/coffee snacks, and time to enjoy the desert colors as the sun drops.

Evening snacks are part of the experience, not an afterthought. The meal list includes vegetable pakoda and other snacks, and you’re also offered chai and coffee. That matters because camel rides can be tiring, and you’ll want something warm and filling before the evening settles.

The tour also includes a bonfire, which is where many people end up talking, pointing at the sky, and just soaking in the desert calm. It’s a simple add-on, but it turns the night from sleeping at camp into actually feeling like camp.

One more detail I’d plan for: the tour description mentions sunset time and the overall day length, so bring a flexible mindset. You’re not bouncing between short activities—you’re gradually living the desert evening.

Dinner, Breakfast, and the Vegetarian-Focused Meal Plan

Food is built into the rhythm of the night. Dinner is provided on day one, and breakfast is included on both mornings (2 breakfasts total).

The included menu is vegetarian-focused: mix vegetarian food along with chai, rice, chappati, dal, vegetable pakoda, and min water (listed as included). On top of that, the snack portion before dinner is meant to keep you comfortable during the ride and sunset hours.

If you prefer non-vegetarian food, the trip notes that it can be provided for an extra fee. So if that matters to you, confirm ahead rather than assuming it’s automatic.

This meal setup is good value for a desert overnight, because you’re not hunting for food at night. It’s also part of why the safari feels complete—you eat with the group/camp setup, not in a separate restaurant plan.

Stars First, Phone Screens Last: The Overnight Camp Experience

The main idea of the overnight is simple: desert night. You’ll camp under the stars and then wake before dawn for sunrise on day two. That’s why the trip feels special for people who like animals, open space, and quiet nights.

The “get out of the city” angle isn’t marketing fluff here. You’re leaving Jaisalmer behind and spending the night in the Thar Desert area, which means the sky tends to be the star attraction. Even if you’re not a meteor-spotter, the darkness and still air are the point.

Also, the overnight model is why this can be memorable even for people who don’t ride camels much. You can still enjoy the camp atmosphere, firelight, and the slow transition from day heat to night air.

If you’re hoping for luxury tents and hotel-style beds, this is not trying to be that. It’s an adventure-style desert stay, and comfort comes from the experience being worth it.

Next Morning Before Dawn: Sunrise, Breakfast, and the Return Ride

Day two starts with an early wake-up—before dawn—so you can catch desert sunrise. The tour then provides breakfast and gets you back into camel riding mode for the return.

The schedule on day two is listed as about 3 hours, and it’s structured around a compact flow: sunrise, breakfast, then camel riding back to the hotel/meeting point area.

What you’ll gain from the early start is the quiet that only happens before the day wakes up. Sunrise in the desert isn’t just a view; it’s a change in temperature, light, and mood, and it makes the night feel like more than just a stopover.

Practical tip: mornings in desert regions can feel chilly even if daytime was hot. Bring layers you can manage easily. You’ll thank yourself when the sunrise glow fades and the air turns brisk again.

Village Life on the Way: The Gypsy Village Stop

One of the most human-feeling parts of the trip is the village stop included along the route. The safari includes a village tour where you can see a gypsy village and observe village life.

This isn’t described as a long cultural workshop—it’s more like a brief window into daily life, paired with the drive out and back. That short format is often the right choice, because it avoids turning the trip into a spectacle.

If you like animal experiences but also want to understand the human side of the region, this added stop helps you connect the desert adventure to real life around it.

Price and Value: Is $24.88 a Good Deal?

At $24.88 per person, this safari sits in the budget-friendly zone for a true two-day overnight desert experience. The value comes from the package nature: you’re getting pickup, a private group format, an overnight camp setup, both dinner and breakfasts, plus camel riding and multiple included snacks/drinks.

Here’s how I’d judge value for you:

• If you want camel time plus an actual overnight, not just a quick sunset ride, the cost can feel fair.
• If you also value included meals, you’re saving money and hassle on finding food out there.
• If you’d otherwise pay separately for village stops and guided desert time, the single-price approach works in your favor.

The one area where value can vary is expectations. If you want high-end comfort, you might feel like the price is low compared to a luxury package—but that also means you need to go in expecting an adventure camp, not a resort.

For most people looking for authentic desert time from Jaisalmer, the pricing looks like a solid bargain.

Who This Safari Suits Best (and Who Should Consider Timing Alternatives)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a peaceful overnight in the Thar Desert rather than a day-only excursion
• Love animals and enjoy the idea of a camel ride as part of the scenery
• Like stargazing and early mornings, at least occasionally
• Prefer a private-group experience where the guide can focus on your group

It may feel like the wrong match if you:

• Struggle with early wake-ups (day two is before dawn)
• Want a low-activity day with lots of sitting and minimal movement
• Need strict food options beyond vegetarian (non-veg is possible only for an extra fee)

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and want a desert night that feels personal, this setup is built for you.

Small Logistics That Make the Difference

A few practical items can help your experience run smoothly.

Bring layers. Desert nights and early mornings can surprise you with cooler air. Pack a light jacket or warm layer you can wear before sunrise.

Dress for walking and riding. The camel ride is a main event, but you’ll also be up and moving during stops like Kuldhara. Closed shoes with grip are smart.

Plan for a fixed meeting point. Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is Shiv Road in Jaisalmer. The activity ends back at the same spot, so don’t plan major connections immediately after returning.

Mobile ticket use. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which is handy, but still keep your phone charged.

Weather matters. The trip requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you should expect a different date or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed on this activity, which is useful to know if you travel with one.

Should You Book This Camel Safari from Jaisalmer?

I’d book it if your idea of a good trip is a real desert night: camel riding, village stops, and a sky show you can’t get in town. The price is reasonable for what you get—meals included, two days of desert time, and a private-group feel.

Skip it only if early mornings and adventure-style overnight conditions don’t fit your travel comfort level. If you can handle that one trade-off, this safari has the ingredients for a memorable Rajasthan escape: animals, stars, and a calm that feels earned.

FAQ

How long is the camel safari?

The experience is listed as about 2 days.

What time does the tour start in Jaisalmer?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the meeting point is on Shiv Road in Jaisalmer. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What meals are included?

Dinner is provided on day one, and breakfast is provided on both mornings (2 breakfasts total). The included food is vegetarian, with items like chai, rice, chappati, dal, and vegetable pakoda.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How long is the camel riding?

On day one, you get about a one-hour camel ride. On day two, you ride again as you return after sunrise and breakfast.

Are there stops besides the camel camp?

Yes. You stop at Kuldhara (about 30 minutes), Jiyai lake (about 30 minutes), and you also include a village tour along the way plus time in the Thar Desert area.

Can non-vegetarian meals be provided?

Non-vegetarian meals can be provided for an extra fee.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.