Jaisalmer is known as the most thrilling way to enjoy the charm of the Thar Desert. The desert camps help in getting a feel of the old Rajasthani lifestyle, which is an experience that no one would want to forget while gazing at the star-studded sky. But, of course, planning is what will make your vacation worthwhile. Here are some tips to ensure your stay at the Jaisalmer desert camp is peaceful and fun time to spend.
1. Choosing the Correct Time to Visit
The weather was an important factor that made your Jaisalmer desert camp unforgettable. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March when cooler temperatures and comfort will be experienced. The summers of the Thar Desert can be quite burning with temperatures rising beyond 45°C (113°F). Winter months provide cool nights and pleasurable days for desert camping.
Bonus Tip :
If you are a culture lover and love the festivals, then during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival time, you must plan your visit. It is one of the perfect colour celebrations of the Rajasthani culture with folk dances, camel racing, and much more.
2. Select a Good Desert Camp
Jaisalmer has many options for desert camps ranging from luxury to budget-friendly camps. There are many points that one needs to think about before finalizing a desert camp in Jaisalmer.
Amenities: Luxury camps will have air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and fabulous dining facilities; budget-friendly options might offer you a much more raw experience.
Location: Choose a camp that is not too far from major desert attractions such as the Sam Sand Dunes or the Khuri Sand Dunes as travelling will take much less time.
Things to Do: Some camps even offer traditional Rajasthani performances, a camel safari, a jeep ride, and even hot-air ballooning. Make sure that the camp you choose offers the things you’d like to do.
Bonus Tip:
Try to read reviews and online ratings so that you will have an idea of what previous visitors have seen. This might help you avoid camps that probably would not be worth whatever money you spend.
3. Plan Your Safari in Advance
No safari experience is complete with the trip to the desert camps in Jaisalmer. Two primary choices in safaris:
Camel Safari: It is your quintessential desert experience through the dunes while letting you enjoy the vast beauty of the Thar Desert at a slow, steady gait. Choose a sunset or sunrise ride for the best views.
Jeep Safari: There’s no better way to see the desert with an action-packed experience. Jeep can be taken up to various levels of the desert so that more ground is covered, and more distant parts of the dunes can be viewed.
Bonus Tip:
Good idea to book your safari well in advance, particularly when the tourist season is at its peak. Most camps offer safari packages. Be sure to ask ahead for their package deals.
4. Pack Smart for the Desert
Pack smart for the desert camp by giving ample thought to the Jaisalmer climate. Here is your list of essentials to pack:
Light Clothing for the Day: You will spend the entire day under direct sunlight, and it could become really hot. The best thing to wear in this kind of weather is light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of cotton and linen.
Warm Clothing for the Night: The desert cools down to freezing degrees at night. So, carry layers with it, such as a warm jacket, scarf, and a hat.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The desert sun is very harsh. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating and good-quality sunglasses to secure your skin and eyes.
Good Comfortable and Closed-toe Shoes: Comfortable closed-toe shoes are vital for walking across the dunes and other various safari activities.
Re-usable Water Bottle: Surviving in the Desert means that you must hydrate yourself. So, do not forget to bring a bottle of water along with you during the day.
Bonus Tip:
Take a backpack along with you when you walk around the camp or take a safari. During the day
5. Hydrate and Light Snack
The desert might suck the water out of you, so always hydrate during the day. Your Jaisalmer desert camp should also provide bottled water for your convenience; still, always carry your refillable water bottle to avoid using up plastic. Food-wise, have light meals before any kind of safari or out-of-doors activity. It can get difficult to digest food because of the intense heat in the desert.
The local Rajasthani cuisine is available in most camps. Dal baati churma, ker sangri, and gatte ki sabzi are some of the delicacies that one should taste to understand the flavour of the place.
6. Be Prepared for Basic Amenities
Where some luxury camps offer the finest in amenities, several Jaisalmer desert camps are simply means of interacting with nature. Do not expect comfort like that of a five-star hotel, mainly on budget camps; you may have to suffer from scarce water supply, electricity only for certain hours, and weak or no Wi-Fi.
Carry portable chargers and power banks to keep your electronic gadgets charged. A torch head or flashlight is also a must, considering that some camps have limited lighting after sunset.
Conclusion
A trip to a Jaisalmer desert camp provides an exciting magical experience crammed with adventure along with culture and nature. If you have planned right, your trip is going to be extremely smooth and full of unforgettable moments. From choosing the right time to visit the right gear to pack and activities to book in advance, these tips will make sure your desert camp stay is nothing short of an adventure for a lifetime. So, get ready to experience the majestic Thar Desert and enjoy the incredible charm of Jaisalmer!
