Experience the natural beauty, solitude and tranquility of desert life in Desert National Park. Gaze in awe at ever-changing landscapes, sleep beneath the stars, visit isolated villages and watch Rajasthani cultural performances. Enjoy laid-back camel rides and adventurous dune-bashing tours. Desert National Park is part of the Thar Desert, a huge desert shared between India and Pakistan.
A popular way to discover the national park is on a camel safari. Sit atop a gaily dressed camel and ride across rolling dunes and vast barren plains. Marvel as the desert changes appearance with the movements of the sun. Visit lookouts that afford magical sunrise and sunset views. Listen as guides tell stories of the culture and hardship of the desert communities.
Sign up for a thrill-seeking adventure on a four-wheel drive safari. Hold on tight as your vehicle speeds over the huge sand dunes. Drivers will take you to remote areas of the park, where the desert stretches for miles.
While here you’ll get the chance to see an assorted collection of wildlife, including more than 100 types of birds. Spot buzzards, eagles, falcons and vultures, among others. Watch for rare species such as the great Indian bustard. If you’re lucky, you might also come across blackbucks, desert cats, Indian gazelles and foxes.
Many tours of the national park include visits to desert villages and camps. Watch traditional Kalbeliya dance performances and try Rajasthani cuisine cooked on an open fire. Stay overnight in tents and mud-thatched huts or sleep outside for a night of stargazing.
The park is about a 1-hour drive from Jaisalmer. Organized day and multiday trips depart from Jaisalmer in addition to the villages of Khuri and Sam. Tour agents are known to be pushy, so shop around for the best value before making a final decision.
You can visit Desert National Park year-round. However, expect extreme heat in the summer months. November to February is a good time to visit, when days are mild and nights are cool. Temperatures drop considerably after sunset so bring warm clothing if staying overnight.
