Desert Camps in Jaisalmer
Swiss tents on the Sam dunes, quiet village camps at Khuri and one of India's most exclusive tented retreats. Here's how to choose, what it costs and when to go.
A Jaisalmer desert camp is a tented stay on the Thar dunes, about 45–60 minutes from the city, usually with a camel ride, folk music, a bonfire, dinner and breakfast included. Expect roughly est. ₹3,400 – ₹6,700 per tent per night at Sam and est. ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 for luxury camps. Most camps open from late September to March, and peak season runs November–January.
A night in the desert is the reason most travellers come to Jaisalmer. You drive out of the Golden City in the afternoon, ride camels or take a jeep across the dunes to watch the sun go down, then settle in for an evening of Manganiyar music, Kalbelia dance, a bonfire and dinner under a sky full of stars. You wake to sunrise over the sand.
Jaisalmer's camps sit in two dune zones, Sam and Khuri, and range from simple village camps to luxury Swiss tents with private plunge pools. Below we compare them by style, price and season so you can pick the right one for your trip.
Choose your desert night
Every camp below has its own page with inclusions, open months and a live, season-adjusted estimate.
Luxury Desert Camps
Swiss tents, pools and private dunes under a sky full of stars. Typical price: est. ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 per tent per night.
Desert Camps at Sam
The classic: camel ride, folk music, a bonfire and dinner on the dunes. Typical price: est. ₹3,400 – ₹6,700 per tent per night.
The Royal Sam Desert Camp
A classic Sam camp night, with music, camels and a bonfire.
Oasis Camp Sam
The package includes a 30-minute jeep safari and an evening cultural show. Minimum 2 guests.
Exotic Luxury Camps
A 3★ tent camp near the Sam dunes.
Jaisalmer Dekho Desert Camp
Deluxe 25 m² tents near the dunes.
Village Camps at Khuri
Quieter dunes and real village hospitality. Typical price: est. ₹6,000 – ₹7,000 per tent per night.
SUJÁN The Serai
A Relais & Châteaux luxury tented camp on a 100-acre private estate in the Thar. It sits on a private estate at Chandan, about ~45 min from the Fort, and is the choice for honeymoons and once-in-a-lifetime stays.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecWhich Dunes Suit You
| Sam Sand Dunes | Khuri Sand Dunes | |
|---|---|---|
| From the city | ~42–50 km · ~45 min | ~48 km · ~1 hr |
| Mood | Lively, the most camps and activities | Quiet, village-based |
| Dunes | Tall and rolling | Lower, fewer people |
| Best for | First-timers, families, groups | Couples, photographers |
What's Usually Included
- Pickup from your hotel, station or airport (most camps; we confirm)
- Camel ride or short jeep safari to the sunset point
- Rajasthani folk music, Kalbelia and Ghoomar dance
- Bonfire, buffet dinner and breakfast
- Tents with attached bathrooms (in most camps)
Usually extra: dune bashing, quad bikes, parasailing and private dinners on the dunes. See all desert experiences.
Camp Season, Month by Month
Camps open from about late September. Nights get cold in December and January, so pack a warm layer.
| Month | Day / night | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24° / 8 °C | Peak | Coldest month. Camp nights can approach 5 °C. |
| Feb | 28° / 11 °C | Shoulder | Desert Festival. |
| Mar | 33° / 17 °C | Shoulder | Warming up. Holi. |
| Oct | 35° / 20 °C | Shoulder | Season opening. Diwali. |
| Nov | 30° / 15 °C | Peak | Ideal: warm days, cool nights. |
| Dec | 25° / 9 °C | Peak | Ideal. Pack layers for the dunes. |
Camp Stays Inside Our Tours
Prefer it all arranged? These Jaisalmer tour packages include a night in a desert camp.
Desert camp questions
How much does a desert camp in Jaisalmer cost?
As a guide, mid-range camps at Sam cost about ₹3,400–6,700 per tent per night, and luxury camps with Swiss tents and pools start around ₹5,000–7,000. Packages usually include dinner, breakfast, a camel ride and a folk show. Prices rise in peak season (November–January) and roughly double over Christmas and New Year. Our pages show a season-adjusted estimate, and we confirm the exact rate on quote.
Which is better for a desert camp, Sam or Khuri?
Sam has the tallest dunes, the most camps and lively evenings with music and activities. It suits first-timers, groups and families. Khuri is quieter and village-based, with lower dunes and fewer crowds, so it suits couples, photographers and slow travellers. Both are about 45–60 minutes from Jaisalmer city.
When are Jaisalmer desert camps open?
Most camps operate from about late September to March. Many close or scale down from April to August because of the heat. November to January is peak season, with warm days and cold nights (around 5–10 °C), so bring layers.
What is included in a Jaisalmer desert camp package?
A typical package includes a transfer or pickup (ask us to confirm), a camel ride or short jeep safari to the sunset point, Rajasthani folk music and Kalbelia dance, a bonfire, dinner and breakfast. Most tents have attached bathrooms. Dune bashing, quad bikes and parasailing are usually extra.
How far are the desert camps from Jaisalmer city?
Sam Sand Dunes are about 42–50 km west of the city (around 45 minutes by road). Khuri is about 48 km south-west (around 1 hour). Most camps arrange transfers from your hotel, the railway station or the airport.
Is one night in a desert camp enough?
One night is enough for the sunset safari, the cultural evening and sunrise over the dunes. Choose two nights if you want a slower pace, a village visit at Khuri, or a day trip to Tanot and Longewala from the desert.
Is it safe to stay in a desert camp in Jaisalmer?
Yes. Established camps are fenced, staffed overnight and used by families and solo travellers. Choose a reviewed camp, keep valuables with you and agree on transfer times in advance. We only recommend camps we have checked.
Find the Right Camp for Your Dates
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll check which camps have tents and send a confirmed price.
Request a camp quote Estimate my trip