Jaisalmer city lies in the western frontier of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is popularly known as the golden city. Aptly so, because of the formidable yellow sandstone fort that dominates the skyline on golden yellow sands of the Thar desert.
While most tourists opt to marvel at the intricate rajasthani architecture and go on a short camel safari. Which I assure you, is a must do. I also urge you to explore and camp in the desert. Go on a camel/jeep safari and spend a night or two in the desert. Visit villagers who live in the desert to see their traditional daily life; cross dunes and remote, isolated places of the Thar Desert; sleep on beds under the stars and experience some of the most beautiful sunsets, night skies and sunrises in the world; spot wildlife like Chinkaras, great indian bustards, red foxes and caracals.
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and breezy.
The city is well connected by rail and road to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.
Why not add more information about your personal experience in the dessert? Did you face any difficulties? What would you recommend to someone to take with him/her?
This way your post can drive more interaction. Posts with more content and good photos have a good chance of being featured or chosen for a Friday Favorite post. By the way, you can check the favorite posts from the previous week.
I didn’t want to make it a very long post cause I wasn’t sure if fellow local guides were up for reading that much. I’ve posted all the information you guys asked for in my next reply. Let me know!
Camping in desert wasn’t a part of our plan. We stumbled across this small travel agency while we were exploring the local market area. They offered to take us into the desert for a night stay. A lot of travel agencies here offer the same but the rest are really sophisticated. They offer tents with attatched baths, cuisine that are more likable to the masses, etc. Basically, they offer comfort.
Me and my friend wanted a more authentic desert experience so we took a chance despite our intial inhibitions.
We went about 60km into the desert by jeep and then took camels from there on. We ate food cooked by the local villagers and slept by a campfire under the stars.
For those of you who’d like to go remember, the weather is extreme. You can barely open your eyes in the afternoon when the sun reaches the zenith. The nights get really chilly. Wear clothes that reduce your exposure to the harsh sun. Hats/caps and shoes are a must. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
We often witness sunrises and sunsets but sleeping under the open night sky is a rare opportunity for those living in cities. Witnessing the moon rise and set while I lay on the desert sand was one of the best experiences of my life. I hope everyone gets to experience it. Its a feeling I can’t really articulate. A kind of oneness with nature!
Thank you for sharing more details. If you stick around, you will get to notice that the Community loves those stories, either be personal experiences or unique photos. Sleeping under the night sky must have been extremely special. I can’t wait to hear more!
Thank you @katydarhel I’ll let you know when I make one. I can tell you one thing for sure, I love having a lot of colours in my photos. I also definitely follow the rule of thirds. The rest is a gut feeling- taking time and finding the angles that appeal to me most.
