Shahi Non touristic sand dune 1 Night 2 Days camel safari

A real desert night in less than two days. This non-touristic sand dune camel safari pairs a jeep drop into the dunes with hours on camelback, then ends with dinner cooked in front of you and sleep under a sky full of stars. I love the mix of fresh food on the fire and the calm, secluded dune timing for sunset. One thing to consider: you’re in the desert, so the experience needs good weather and the schedule is physical, with more riding than a quick camel stop.

You start from Jaisalmer and move away from the standard tourist rhythm. The plan is built around village stops, shade breaks, wildlife sightings along the way (when conditions allow), and long stretches of dune time that feel quieter than the main hubs. Reviews also highlight a highly organized team and friendly guides, including names like Devi, Nett, and Dharmendra, which is a good sign when you’re trusting someone with your ride and your evening logistics.

Potential drawback? It’s not a luxury camp setup as described here. You get bedding and a real desert experience, but you should expect basics and plan for sun, sand, and cooler nighttime temperatures depending on the season.

Key things that make this safari worth your time

• Non-touristic dunes: quieter, more peaceful dune time after sunset instead of a crowded photo sprint
• Long camel ride blocks: about two to three hours on camel day one, plus more riding on day two
• Food cooked fresh: lunch, snacks, and dinner are made with fire cooking in front of you
• Stars as the main event: a night in clear skies, with optional sunrise if you wake early
• Private for your group: it’s listed as private, so the pace feels less chaotic
• Clear what’s included: tea/coffee, meals, bottled water, transport by jeep, and one camel per person for the ride

Entering the real dunes from Jaisalmer, not a staged detour

This safari is designed to get you into what the desert actually feels like—space, silence, and distance from the city. That is the whole point of the non-touristic framing. Instead of bouncing through a busy route and back for a ticketed stop, you get pushed out farther, with a camel guide and village stops breaking up the ride.

That matters for your day because your energy stays usable. Camel safaris can feel long if the plan is rushed. Here, you get shade breaks and meal stops built in, so you’re not just sitting in heat and hoping for the best.

Shahi Palace Hotel pickup: easy to find, smooth when it matters

The meeting point is Shahi Palace Hotel, Fort Road, behind HDFC Bank, near State Bank of India, around Dhibba Para / Sadar Bazar / Kishan Ghat area in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan 345001). The safari ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not left hunting for transport in the dark.

A small practical note: the listed start time shows 12:00 am. That may not match what you’re picturing. When you book, confirm the actual pickup hour so you don’t end up waiting around like a lost camel cart.

Day 1, start with jeep transfer and meet the camels

Your day kicks off in Jaisalmer by private jeep transportation. The idea is to cover the distance quickly and get you to the camel point without exhausting yourself before the fun part.

Then it’s time to switch to camel. You’ll enjoy a camel ride of about two or three hours, with a visit to two villages during that stretch. This is one of the smarter touches in the itinerary. You get local texture early—something beyond sand—before the ride tilts toward the dunes.

What I like about this structure is that it reduces the “just land and ride” feeling. You’ll likely notice changes in the terrain and the mood as you move away from village activity and toward more open desert quiet.

Lunch and shade: the plan to avoid cooking yourself

After the first camel segment, the itinerary calls for lunch and rest to avoid the harsher hot sun. You’ll take a break under shade, then enjoy a freshly made lunch prepared by the camel drivers.

This isn’t just comfort. It also protects your experience. When people skip shade and food, the second half can feel like punishment. Here, the schedule builds a reset, so when the dunes come, you can actually enjoy them.

Camel time to the sand dunes: sunset is the payoff

After lunch, you ride camel again toward the sand dunes. Along the way, you can watch for wildlife, and the ride shifts from village-adjacent movement to the open desert feel.

Eventually you reach the dunes for sunset in a “secluded and peaceful” location. That description isn’t just marketing language. Timing is everything in the desert. Sunset turns the sand from harsh to cinematic, and the crowds thin out quickly once the day tour vans move on.

Tea, snacks, and a bonfire when winter is in play

After sunset, you’ll have tea and snacks. In winter, there’s also a bonfire. This is a nice rhythm: ride hard, watch color change across the dunes, then slow down with something warm and simple.

If you’re visiting in colder months, this matters a lot. If you’re going in warmer seasons, you’ll want to plan for less bonfire time and more cool drink focus—because heat doesn’t negotiate.

Dinner cooked in front of you: the desert-feel meal

Once the sun drops, the camp-style evening takes over. Dinner is cooked fresh desert-style in front of you by the camel men. The included items list covers dinner, plus snacks and bottled water.

Some of the food details people mention include dishes like mutton curry cooked from scratch. Even if your exact menu varies, the cooking style is consistent: fire-cooked, made on-site.

One more practical point: alcohol is not included. It can be arranged on request for an extra charge. So if you want it, ask in advance rather than assuming it’s part of the package.

Sleep under the stars: what the night is really like

After dinner, you relax and count stars. That’s not a throwaway line. Desert skies can be brutally clear, and this safari is timed so the night sky is a central moment of the trip.

You also have an optional choice: wake up early if you wish to see sunrise. If you’re the type who’s happy to trade sleep for a view, this is one of the best chances you’ll get in Jaisalmer without needing extra booking.

Bedding is included, but bring realistic expectations

The “camp” part includes the bedding for sleeping. You’re in the dunes, so expect a simple setup rather than hotel-style comfort. The good news is that the point here is the stars and the feeling of being far from town.

Day 2: breakfast, a second camel ride, and village stops

Day two begins with breakfast, then another camel ride. This segment is about experiencing more desert movement—again with local village visits and wildlife viewing when possible.

The riding continues, but the plan isn’t all throttle. There’s another break for lunch made freshly on a camp fire, plus rest under tree shade. That stop is key because it keeps the day from collapsing into heat fatigue.

Eventually, you’ll ride camel back toward the pick-up point to return.

Price and value: what $50.56 really buys you

At $50.56 per person, this is positioned as a budget-friendly way to get a real overnight camel desert experience. The value comes from what’s included:

• jeep transport (private)
• camel ride with one camel each
• coffee/tea
• lunch and snacks
• dinner cooked fresh
• bottled water
• bedding for the night

So you’re not paying separately for transport, most meals, and the sleep setup. That’s where the deal often comes from with desert experiences: the “small” extras add up fast.

Where it can stop being value is if you need luxury comforts. This is not described as a high-end resort camp. It’s a genuine desert camp night with real cooking and lots of riding time.

Who this safari fits best (and who should think twice)

This 1-night 2-day non-touristic camel safari is a great fit if you want:

• an authentic desert night in a shorter time window
• a meaningful amount of camel riding (not just a quick ride)
• sunset and stargazing as the main event
• simple, fire-cooked meals and an outdoor evening

It might be less ideal if:

• you dislike physical rides or rough terrain
• you want a predictable, hotel-like environment
• weather is unreliable during your travel days (the experience requires good weather)

What to pack so the desert feels fun, not annoying

The essentials aren’t listed, so I’ll keep this practical. Bring:

• sunscreen and something for sun protection (morning and afternoon can surprise you)
• water-friendly habits since you’ll have bottled water but you’ll still be in heat
• comfortable footwear that can handle sand
• a light layer for night, since desert nights can feel cooler
• a small bag you can keep close while on camel (so your phone and camera stay safe)

Also, if you’re hoping for sunrise, pack a quick way to access layers fast in the morning. Waking up early is worth it only if you’re comfortable enough to enjoy it.

Tips to get the most out of the camel ride and the night

A few things that make this kind of trip smoother:

• Pace yourself during lunch and shade. It’s not filler time. It’s your reset button.
• On the dune sunset timing, be ready to stay patient. Desert light changes quickly.
• After dinner, lean into the sky. Counting stars sounds simple, but in a place with clear darkness, it becomes a real memory-maker.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, plan to take it slow in the saddle during the first camel hours. The later rides feel easier once you adapt.

Should you book Shahi Non-touristic sand dune camel safari?

If you want an honest desert experience with real food, serious dune time, and a star-filled night, I’d say yes—especially for a short stay in Jaisalmer. The best part is the balance: enough structure (jeep transfer, meals, shade breaks) to keep it comfortable, but enough “away from the crowds” feel to make it memorable.

Book it if you’re okay with basics, you like being outdoors, and you’re happy to trade a bit of comfort for the real desert mood. Skip it if you need a resort-style setup or if weather could be stormy on your dates.

If you do book, confirm the pickup time listed for your day, and ask if you want any add-ons like alcohol arranged ahead of time.

FAQ

How long is the Shahi non-touristic sand dune camel safari?

It runs for about 1 day 8 hours (approx.) and is described as a 1 night / 2 day camel safari.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Shahi Palace Hotel, Fort Road, behind HDFC Bank (near State Bank of India) in Jaisalmer. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the safari start?

The start time is listed as 12:00 am. You should confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

What’s included in the price?

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

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but they can be arranged on request for an extra charge.

How much camel riding should I expect?

Day one includes a camel ride of about two or three hours, and there is additional camel riding on the second day as well.

What happens during sunset?

You reach the sand dunes for sunset in a secluded, peaceful area. After sunset you get tea and snacks, and in winter there is a bonfire.

Will I be able to sleep in the desert?

Yes. You’ll spend the night under the desert sky, and bedding for sleeping is included.

Can I see sunrise?

You can wake up early if you wish to see sunrise.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.