Desert Safari Destinations in India: Bactrian Camels, Yaks to Roaring Jeeps

“The desert wears… a veil of mystery. Motionless and silent, it evokes in us an elusive hint of something unknown, unknowable, about to be revealed.” – Edward Abbey 
The desert land of India invites you to immerse yourself in extraordinary desert safari experiences! Desert safari is one of the exquisite adventures spread across different cities in the country. Whether it is a camel, a yak or a horse, these intelligent animals are perfect for a thrilling experience. The grandiosity of jeep safaris remains unexplainable in words.

It is more like exchanging your heart with nature for the jaw-dropping sunsets and an adrenaline rush everything the camel sits for rest! With desert safaris, you also get to know about the cultural heritage of different states. Whether it is riding on the planes of Ladakh or dancing to the rhythms of Rajasthani musicians, a desert safari is a wholesome travel experience. Book hotels for your journey to add cherries to the mouth-watering cake!

7 Top-Rated Desert Safari Destinations in India are – 

1. Jaisalmer

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is one of the ideal destinations for a thrilling Desert Safari. The presence of the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer blesses the city with immense tourism during the winter season. That is also when tourists love to flock to the base points for a camel safari. 

Jaisalmer is known for its dramatic sand dunes and you must not miss out on any adventure in the sand. The camel safari generally takes about an hour or more taking you through the inside of the desert. You finally reach a point where there are huge mountains of sand to roll downwards. 

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Are you ready for a stimulating time? If yes, dune bashing is yet another popular activity in Jaisalmer. The drivers here are super experienced to make you feel an adrenaline rush in every move! Jaisalmer is also the finest desert safari destination for a quad biking adventure. It is best to book affordable hotels in Jaisalmer to enjoy the desert safari experiences comfortably.

2. Spiti Valley

The enchanting destination of Spiti Valley is the one that warms your heart with its beauty. It is one of the popular places to visit in India. Home to quaint mountain passes, serene lakes and unspoiled roads, the Spiti Valley desert safari gives an aesthetic experience! The desert safari destination is the one where you do not find camels or horses. 

Here, you can tour places on the back of yaks. The thick fur and coating of yaks make it a distinctive journey. The cold desert safari of Spiti Valley takes place generally via a jeep as the vehicle can surpass tricky terrains. The desert safari generally takes you through the high-altitude mountains, Chandratal Lake, Key Monastery, Kibber Village and Tabo. 

The places might differ considering the package you select. You must know that the Spiti desert safari is all about falling in love with the snowy peaks and azure lakes. Selective desert safari companies in Spiti also offer stargazing experiences, camping and wholesome meals. 

3. Rann of Kutch

One of the most stunning places to visit in India is the Rann of Kutch. It is a salt desert spread across a massive area of land. You must have seen the traditionally renowned brown deserts but this one is different! An aesthetically pleasing white desert melts your heart with its glamour. 

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Unlike other deserts, Rann of Kutch is filled with tourists and locals. The desert hosts a popular festival named Rann Utsav where tourists arrive for the special desert safari. The desert safari can either be done on camels or through a jeep. The safari takes you through the flat white lands of salt, wild animals and scenic attractions. Watching the sunset is one of the exclusive activities here.

What’s more to the desert safari at Rann of Kutch? The journey takes you deeper into the cultural heritage of Gujarat. With eco-friendly stays and shopping for traditional handicrafts, the desert safari encompasses everything at once! The right season also offers hot air balloon rides where all you see is the white desert as wide as your eyes can!

3. Pushkar

Pushkar is one of the incredible destinations for an exciting Desert Safari. It is slightly different from other cities in Rajasthan because of the influence of the Pushkar Mela. Here, the camels are decorated in vibrant colours to give you an authentic feel of Rajasthan. Most of the desert safari tours in Pushkar either include a camel, a cart or an exhilarating jeep ride. 

The jeep rides take you through the dramatic sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The rugged terrain with traditional elements of the village is sure to elevate your experience! Pushkar is also one of the best places for a desert safari on horses. Most of the drivers in Pushkar are super experienced and friendly. Along with the camel safari, you also get to hear tales from the camel owners.

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Traditionally dressed camel riders transcend the originality of the experience. The desert safari generally includes a night stay in one of the camping sites. Music and dance are also a part of this adventurous journey. Pushkar truly offers a cultural exchange experience with adventure. You can always meet locals and strike up interesting conversations during your safari. Check out budget-friendly hotels in Pushkar for a comfortable stay 

5. Jodhpur 

Stepping in Jodhpur is like stepping into a world of fusion where modernity exists with cultural heritage. Being one of the prime tourist destinations, Jodhpur offers an enthralling desert safari experience. The desert is characterized by alluring sunsets which you enjoy with your loved ones.

The desert safari in Jodhpur is also dominated by camels. These camels take you to the deep deserted areas where all you hear is silence. Moreover, the tiny village settlements can also be spotted during the safari. Interact with locals and you’ll learn a lot about their everyday life.

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What’s interesting? Jodhpur also offers a great adventure time with dune-bashing opportunities. Osian sand dunes are popular for this and you must book your tickets in advance. You might also get to spot ancient temples while holding the hump of a camel. Make sure to check out budget-friendly hotels in Jodhpur for a perfect getaway.

6. Nubra Valley

As soon as you hear the word desert, brown sand dunes pop into your mind. Is India only about the hottest deserts of Rajasthan? A big No! Nubra Valley in Ladakh is located in one of the coldest deserts in India known for its extreme temperatures. Nestled in the heart of Ladakh, the Nubra Valley desert safari is an exquisite adventure!

The aesthetics of snow-capped mountains clubbed with awe-inspiring valley views elevate the experience. Ladakh is famous for Bactrian camels which means that these camels have double humps. The goofy camels with two humps take you through the fluctuating terrains of the destination. 

Nubra Valley Desert Safari also offers jeep tours to witness the beauty of the desert. The safari takes you through the Karakoram range of the Himalayas. Moreover, most safaris include the Shakyamuni statue, Chamba Monastery, Diskit Village and Thiksey Gompa. You can meet locals, buy traditional handicrafts and click pictures in the heartwarming backdrops of Nubra Valley.

7. Bikaner

Bikaner is known for its magnificent sand dunes allowing you to roll in joy! If you are ready for an exciting journey in Bikaner, you must opt for the desert safari! The desert safari here lets you explore the vastness of the Thar Desert. As you go through the bumpy terrain, a sense of excitement kicks in. 

Just like many other destinations in Rajasthan, Bikaner offers amazing camel safari. You simply sit on the camel and let the ship of the desert tour you around. Various companies also offer a stimulating jeep safari for an added thrill. Most of the desert safaris in Bikaner start early in the morning proceeding to the interiors of the desert.

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You then get to explore the sparse vegetation and wild animals, if you’re lucky! The safari generally ends with an authentic Rajasthani meal as the sun sets. Clubbed with folk music and dance, the desert safari truly encapsulates the essence of the state.

Things to Keep in Mind Before going for a Desert Safari 

• It is important to check the weather conditions of the destination before a desert safari tour. Choose the weather and location that best suits your health.
• Some desert safaris might not include a stay hence, confirm the details well before booking.
• If you are opting for a day safari only then it is ideal to book affordable hotels near to the location.
• Desert safaris can be tiring as you encircle a huge area. So, carry enough water and snacks during the journey.
• Some desert safaris in India might require a permit considering the location. Always check with the authorities before booking.
• Carry prescribed medicines for any kind of allergy, motion sickness or other illnesses. 
• You are certain to come across mesmerizing views so carry a good camera for photography. 
• Stay aware of the environmental conservation and respect the local customs and traditions of the place.

Desert Safari in India is indeed one of the exhilarating things to do once in a lifetime. Undulating sand dunes, decorated camels and jeep safaris add great value to your journey. Each place you go to instils a sense of curiosity and love for the serene corners of the deserts!