16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour
Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour Overview
This is not a quick sunset camel ride dressed up as a desert tour. The 16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour is built around an extended journey through the Thar, with several days moving between small desert settlements, historic sites, dunes and traditional camping locations around Jaisalmer.
The trip starts conventionally enough. Delhi leads into Mandawa and Bikaner, giving you painted havelis, forts and a gradual transition towards western Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is where everything changes. From here, the route heads away from the city and into the desert.
The safari section passes through places traditionally listed on this route such as Bada Bagh, Baisakhai, Ramkunda, Lodhruva, Chatrayil, Salkha, Kanoi, Jeseiri, Dedha, Deegasar and Kuldhara. Some are historic sites, some are small settlements and others are simply places where desert landscapes become the main attraction.
After returning to Jaisalmer, the tour continues to Jodhpur and the Bishnoi region before finishing in Jaipur and Delhi. It's a demanding itinerary compared with a standard Rajasthan package, but for travellers who genuinely want time in the desert rather than a one-hour activity, that is precisely the appeal.
Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour Highlights
- Explore Old Delhi and New Delhi before entering Rajasthan.
- Walk through Mandawa's frescoed havelis in the Shekhawati region.
- Visit Junagarh Fort and Bikaner's historic royal landmarks.
- Reach Jaisalmer, the Golden City on the edge of the Thar Desert.
- Begin a genuine multi-day camel safari rather than a short tourist ride.
- Visit Bada Bagh and its historic royal cenotaphs.
- Travel through desert settlements and changing dune landscapes.
- Experience simple nights in desert tents or safari camps on selected days.
- Visit historic Lodhruva and its Jain temple heritage.
- Pass through Kanoi and other rural desert settlements.
- Explore Kuldhara, one of the Jaisalmer region's best-known historic abandoned settlements.
- Return to Jaisalmer for a full fort and haveli sightseeing day.
- Travel to Jodhpur and explore Mehrangarh Fort.
- Experience the rural culture and ecology of the Bishnoi region responsibly.
- Finish the Rajasthan journey in Jaipur with Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
Tour Duration, Route and Camel Safari Details
Duration: 16 nights and 17 days
Route: Delhi – Mandawa – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Thar Desert – Jodhpur – Bishnoi Region – Jaipur – Delhi
Tour type: Adventure, desert, heritage and cultural tour
Starting point: Delhi
Ending point: Delhi
Camel safari: Multi-day safari in the Jaisalmer desert region
Accommodation: Hotels plus selected desert tent or camp nights
Transport: Private road transport with camel and support arrangements during the safari
Best for: Adventure travellers, desert lovers, photographers and experienced cultural travellers
Package price: Available on request. Final cost depends on travel dates, hotel category, camel safari length, camp standard, support vehicle, meals and number of travellers.
16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and meet our representative at the airport or your confirmed pickup point. Transfer to the hotel and complete check-in.
Keep the first day easy. The desert section later in the journey is much more active, so there's no need to begin the trip exhausted.
If your flight arrives early, optional local sightseeing can be arranged.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 2 – Delhi Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Visit Jama Masjid, the Chandni Chowk area and Raj Ghat before continuing towards Qutub Minar, India Gate and other selected New Delhi landmarks according to available time.
Return to the hotel after sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 3 – Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast, leave Delhi and drive towards Mandawa in the Shekhawati region.
Explore selected frescoed havelis, old merchant mansions and the local market streets.
Mandawa gives the journey a useful introduction to Rajasthan's smaller heritage towns before the route moves west.
Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Day 4 – Mandawa to Bikaner
Enjoy breakfast and drive towards Bikaner.
After arrival, explore Junagarh Fort and selected city attractions such as Lalgarh Palace according to available time.
Bikaner also marks the point where the landscape begins to feel noticeably drier.
Overnight stay in Bikaner.
Day 5 – Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After breakfast, begin the long drive towards Jaisalmer.
The scenery opens out as you travel deeper into western Rajasthan, eventually reaching the Golden City.
Check in at the hotel and take the evening to prepare for the multi-day desert safari beginning the next morning.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 6 – Jaisalmer to Bada Bagh, Baisakhai and Ramkunda
After breakfast, meet the desert safari team and begin the camel journey outside Jaisalmer.
Visit Bada Bagh, known for the royal cenotaphs associated with Jaisalmer's former rulers.
Continue towards the Baisakhai area for lunch and a look at rural desert life before moving onward to Ramkunda.
The day finishes at the safari camp. Accommodation is simpler than a city hotel and should be understood as part of the desert experience rather than luxury accommodation unless an upgraded camp is specifically booked.
Overnight in the desert near Ramkunda.
Day 7 – Ramkunda to Roopse, Lodhruva and Chatrayil
Wake in the desert and continue the camel route after breakfast.
Pass rural settlements before reaching Lodhruva, the historic former capital associated with Jaisalmer's Bhati rulers.
Visit the Jain temple area according to current opening and visitor conditions.
Continue towards Chatrayil and settle into the evening camp.
Overnight desert camping near Chatrayil.
Day 8 – Chatrayil to Salkha, Beri of Kanoi and Sand Dunes
After breakfast, continue through the desert towards the Salkha and Kanoi region.
The landscape here is the real attraction: scrub, dry tracks, wells, small settlements and open dunes rather than major monuments.
Later, move towards the dune campsite for sunset.
A simple cultural evening, dinner and campfire may be arranged when local conditions and fire rules permit.
Overnight in the desert dunes.
Day 9 – Sand Dunes to Kanoi, Masoordi and Jeseiri
Leave the dune camp after breakfast and continue towards Kanoi.
The day's route passes through smaller desert settlements and traditional craft areas before stopping around Masoordi for lunch.
Continue to the Jeseiri area, where the evening camp is arranged.
This is one of the quieter sections of the safari, away from Jaisalmer's main tourist dune areas.
Overnight desert camping near Jeseiri.
Day 10 – Jeseiri to Dedha, Deegasar and Kuldhara
Continue the camel safari after breakfast through the Dedha and Deegasar region.
The landscape mixes desert agriculture, small settlements and open stretches of sand and scrub.
Later, head towards Kuldhara, the historic abandoned settlement outside Jaisalmer. The village has become associated with local legends, but its visible ruins and planned street layout are interesting even without the mythology.
Settle into the final major desert camp of the safari.
Overnight near Kuldhara.
Day 11 – Kuldhara to Moolsagar, Amar Sagar and Jaisalmer
Today brings the extended camel safari back towards Jaisalmer.
Travel through the Moolsagar and Amar Sagar region according to the route selected by the local safari team.
Return to Jaisalmer, say goodbye to the desert team and check back into your hotel.
The rest of the day is deliberately kept free. After several days in the desert, a shower, proper bed and slow evening are usually more appealing than another sightseeing list.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 12 – Jaisalmer Fort and Heritage Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer properly on foot and by vehicle.
Visit Jaisalmer Fort, one of India's best-known living fort settlements, then continue to Patwon Ki Haveli and other historic havelis according to available time.
Gadisar Lake and additional local attractions can also be included.
If you still want more desert scenery, an optional sunset visit can be arranged, though after the extended safari most travellers are happy to keep the evening easy.
Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
Day 13 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
After breakfast, leave Jaisalmer and drive towards Jodhpur.
Arrive in the Blue City and check in at your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, visit Mehrangarh Fort or keep the main sightseeing for the following morning.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 14 – Jodhpur and Bishnoi Region Experience
After breakfast, explore Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada before travelling into the countryside around Jodhpur.
A Bishnoi-region village experience can introduce you to local craft traditions, rural landscapes and the conservation values historically associated with Bishnoi communities.
The visit should be conducted respectfully and should not treat local residents as staged attractions. Photography of people should always be done with permission.
Return to Jodhpur after the excursion.
Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
Day 15 – Jodhpur to Jaipur
After breakfast, begin the drive towards Jaipur.
Arrive in the Pink City and check in at your hotel.
If time permits, stop near Hawa Mahal or explore Jaipur's local markets in the evening.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 16 – Jaipur Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive towards Amber Fort and explore its courtyards, gateways and palace sections.
Vehicle or jeep access can be used for reaching the fort entrance according to current local arrangements.
Return towards central Jaipur and continue with City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
Keep time for Jaipur's traditional jewellery, textile, blue pottery and handicraft markets.
Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Day 17 – Jaipur to Delhi
Enjoy breakfast, check out and begin the drive towards Delhi.
If your onward schedule allows, Neemrana can be considered as an optional heritage stop on the route rather than a guaranteed inclusion.
Continue to Delhi and transfer to the airport, hotel or your confirmed drop-off point.
Your 16 Nights 17 Days Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour concludes here.
Responsible Camel Safari and Animal Welfare
A long camel safari should be planned around both traveller comfort and animal welfare. Riding for many hours every day is not necessary to enjoy the desert.
- Use experienced local camel handlers who provide regular water, food and rest for the animals.
- Avoid overloading camels with excessive luggage or multiple adult riders.
- Build regular riding breaks into long safari days.
- Use a support vehicle for heavy luggage whenever practical.
- Do not ride an animal that appears injured, exhausted or unwell.
- Shorter riding sections can be combined with walking or vehicle transfers.
- Children and travellers with mobility issues should have individually planned riding times.
- Animal welfare standards should be discussed with the safari operator before booking.
What to Expect from Multi-Day Desert Camping
This safari travels beyond standard resort-style dune camps. Facilities can therefore be simpler on some nights.
- Basic or mobile safari tents on selected desert nights.
- Mattress, bedding and blankets according to the season and package.
- Simple freshly prepared meals.
- Limited electricity in remote camping areas.
- Basic or temporary washroom arrangements unless upgraded camping is booked.
- Cold winter nights and large day-to-night temperature changes.
- Limited mobile network coverage on parts of the route.
- Support staff accompanying the safari according to the confirmed programme.
Camel Safari Options You Can Request
- Full extended multi-day camel safari as outlined in the itinerary.
- Shorter 2-night or 3-night desert safari.
- Reduced daily riding hours.
- Camel safari combined with support jeep transfers.
- Premium mobile camping.
- Luxury fixed desert camp upgrade.
- Private safari for couples or families.
- Sunset-only camel rides for travellers who do not want a long trek.
- Desert photography programme.
- Vegetarian or special dietary meal planning when confirmed in advance.
Why Choose This Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour?
- Offers a genuine extended desert journey rather than a short dune ride.
- Combines Jaisalmer's heritage with remote Thar landscapes.
- Includes smaller desert settlements rarely seen on standard Rajasthan tours.
- Allows several nights away from city hotels.
- Includes Mandawa and Bikaner before the desert section.
- Adds Jodhpur and the Bishnoi region after Jaisalmer.
- Finishes with Jaipur's major forts and palaces.
- Can be shortened or upgraded according to comfort level.
Tour Package Inclusions
- Accommodation on double or twin sharing basis in confirmed hotels.
- Desert tent accommodation on safari nights as specified in the final itinerary.
- Camel safari services according to the confirmed riding programme.
- Safari support staff and local arrangements specifically listed in the package.
- Private ground transportation outside the camel safari section.
- Hotel pickup and drop services mentioned in the final programme.
- Applicable package taxes stated in writing.
Tour Package Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Monument entrance tickets unless specifically included.
- Camera or video charges at monuments.
- Meals outside the confirmed package.
- Laundry, drinks, telephone calls, tips and personal expenses.
- Luxury camp upgrades unless specifically included.
- Support jeep upgrades or additional riding days not listed in the package.
- Services not clearly stated under inclusions.
- Additional expenses caused by weather, road closures or circumstances outside normal tour arrangements.
Best Time for an Extended Rajasthan Camel Safari
October to March is generally the best period for a long desert safari around Jaisalmer. Daytime temperatures are more manageable than summer, though winter nights can become surprisingly cold.
December and January travellers should carry proper warm layers for evenings and early mornings. The desert can feel much colder after sunset than daytime temperatures suggest.
Extended riding in peak summer is not recommended for comfort reasons, especially during the hottest afternoon hours.
What to Carry for a Multi-Day Camel Safari
- Comfortable closed shoes or secure sandals.
- Long lightweight trousers to reduce rubbing while riding.
- Sun hat or scarf.
- High-SPF sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Warm jacket, fleece or thermal layer for winter nights.
- Small day bag for essentials.
- Power bank and spare camera batteries.
- Basic personal medication and toiletries.
- Reusable dust scarf or face covering for windy conditions.
Important Desert Safari and Travel Notes
- This is an extended camel safari and requires a reasonable level of comfort with outdoor travel.
- Exact desert routes may change due to weather, water availability, local access and camp logistics.
- Some historic village names may have multiple English spellings.
- Riding time should be discussed before booking rather than assumed.
- Travellers with back, hip, knee or mobility concerns should consider shorter camel sections.
- Remote camp facilities may be basic unless a premium setup is specifically booked.
- Desert temperatures can change sharply between afternoon and night.
- Photography of local residents should only be done with permission.
- Neemrana on the final day should be treated as optional depending on time rather than guaranteed.
- The existing route does not include Agra or the Taj Mahal, so these should only be added if the itinerary is formally extended.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour
How many days is the camel safari?
The main desert journey runs across several days in the Jaisalmer region. Exact riding days and hours should be confirmed before booking because the route can be customised.
Is this a real multi-day camel safari?
Yes. Unlike a short tourist ride near the dunes, the itinerary travels through multiple desert locations and includes several nights outside Jaisalmer.
Where does the camel safari begin?
The safari begins from the Jaisalmer region and moves through desert sites and settlements such as Bada Bagh, Ramkunda, Lodhruva, Kanoi and Kuldhara.
Do we sleep in the desert?
Yes. Selected nights are spent in safari tents or desert camps according to the confirmed package.
Are the desert camps luxurious?
Not necessarily. Some remote safari camps are deliberately simple. Luxury camping can be arranged separately when requested.
Can we reduce the number of camel-riding hours?
Yes. Daily riding hours can be reduced and combined with walking or support-vehicle transfers.
Is this safari suitable for children?
It depends on the child's age, riding comfort and the length of each safari day. A shorter customised route is usually more suitable for families with young children.
Is the safari suitable for travellers with back problems?
Extended camel riding may be uncomfortable for travellers with back, hip, knee or mobility issues. Discuss this before booking and consider shorter riding sections.
Is Jaisalmer Fort included?
Yes. The itinerary includes a separate Jaisalmer sightseeing day after returning from the desert.
Does the tour include Bikaner?
Yes. Bikaner is included before travelling to Jaisalmer.
Does the tour include Jodhpur?
Yes. Jodhpur is included after Jaisalmer, with Mehrangarh Fort and a Bishnoi-region experience among the highlights.
Is Jaipur included?
Yes. The final Rajasthan section includes Jaipur with Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal.
Is Taj Mahal included?
No. The current route of this 16 nights 17 days desert camel safari does not include Agra or the Taj Mahal. Agra can be added as an extension if required.
Can we book a luxury desert camp instead?
Yes. Premium fixed camps or upgraded mobile camping can be requested, though this changes the character and price of the itinerary.
What is the best season for this safari?
October to March is generally the most comfortable season for a multi-day camel safari in the Jaisalmer desert.
Can this Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour be customised?
Yes. Riding hours, camp standard, route length, hotels, transport, support vehicles and additional Rajasthan destinations can all be customised before booking.
Book Your Rajasthan Desert Camel Safari Tour
Share your travel dates, number of travellers and how adventurous you want the desert section to be. You can keep the full multi-day camel route, reduce riding hours, add a support jeep or upgrade selected nights to a premium desert camp.
