8 Amazing Desert Experiences You Can Only Have in Rajasthan

Boasting an endless stretch of gleaming desert land and rugged landscapes, Rajasthan offers countless exciting activities and offbeat experiences that you can find only in this corner of India. While the history and culture will definitely delight you, the desert experiences are what will make for an immersive vacation!

Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Dune Bashing

Get your adrenaline pumping as you experience the thrill of riding a 4x4 SUV or jeep on the shifting sand dunes. An exhilarating adventure like no other, dune bashing is sure to take your desert experience to a whole new level! This driving adventure is best experienced in the incredibly tall dunes and barren lands of Jaisalmer, especially the dune site of Sam Village​

2. Camel Safari

A quintessential desert experience, camel safaris are the best way to explore the rustic beauty of the desert. Home to one of the largest camel breeding farms and nicknamed ‘camel country,’ Bikaner is one of the best places in the world for a camel safari. You can also sign up for the same in the deserts of Jaisalmer, Pushkar and Osian.

Keep your camera ready and capture the best desert views seated upon a towering camel!

3. Desert Camping

Experience the life of desert dwellers as you relax under clear starry nights and wake up to magnificent sunrise views on the breathtaking dunes. Camping in traditional tents amidst the vast desert will definitely make for an everlasting memory! Besides, the camp organises enthralling safaris, bonfire evenings, experiential local meals and cultural performances to keep you entertained. Surrounded by beautiful forts, palaces and temples in its sandy terrain, Jaisalmer offers some of the best camping experiences at the Sam and Khuri Sand Dunes, followed by the deserts of Bikaner and Jodhpur (Osian Desert).

4. Desert Festival

Witness the vast barren sands of Rajasthan turn into a cultural extravaganza at the annual Desert Festival of Jaisalmer! Held in February every year, this 4-day carnival is a glorious celebration of Rajasthani folk culture and traditions amidst the dunes of the expansive Thar Desert. Treat your eyes to the most vibrant sights as you enjoy folk dances, grand processions, puppet shows, locals dressed in traditional attire and fun competitions like turban tying, tug of war, camel races, polo matches, longest moustache, etc.

5. Glamping

Imagine living like a royal in the middle of the endless Thar! Combining regal luxury with the best desert experiences, glamping stays make for a dreamy vacation like no other. The deluxe camps offer elegantly furnished tents with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, living areas and private verandas with Jacuzzis and plunge pools. Live it up as you indulge in enchanting sunsets, lavish spa treatments with locally sourced ingredients and private fine dining on the dunes amidst lamps and bonfires. Camp stays will give you a wholesome experience of watching mountains and landscapes through the window. 

6. Adventure Activities

For the thrill-seekers and explorers, Rajasthan is an absolute haven! Gear up for an action-packed holiday as you take up activities like parasailing over the desert landscape in Jaisalmer, zip-lining from the ramparts of the Mehrangarh Fort and more. Jaisalmer also offers quad biking for an electrifying sand driving experience!

7. Rural Desert Stay

Explore Rajasthan’s rustic charm and unravel the customs of a bygone era with a rural desert stay. This unique stay makes for a more authentic experience of the desert way of life, away from the crowded areas. While here, stay in village homes and mud houses, soak in local traditions, dress up in vibrant attire, gorge on traditional meals and more. 

8. Desert Cooking

Ever heard of a cooking experience in the desert? Well, when you’re in Rajasthan, you will definitely!

Tracing back its origins to the nomadic way of life of the royal hunting community of Rajasthan who would cook their meat in hiding, khad meat is an absolute must-try when you’re in the desert state. This traditional Rajasthani recipe consists of spiced meat wrapped in rotis and covered in a cloth, which is slowly cooked underground with burning coals and packs in delightful flavours!

Get set for a magical vacation as you add these epic experiences to your next desert holiday in Rajasthan.