Two very different ways to spend a night in the Thar. What each involves, and who each one suits.
Two kinds of desert night
A night in the desert near Jaisalmer can mean two quite different things. The most common is a stay at an organised tented camp near Sam. The other is an open desert night, sleeping under the sky in a quieter area away from the camps.
Saim’s 5-day group experience includes both: an open desert night on day two and a tent stay at Sam on day four. They are described separately because they are not the same.
The desert camp stay
At a camp you arrive in the afternoon, go out on jeep and camel safaris, watch the sunset, then return for a cultural programme with folk music and dance. Dinner is served at the camp and you sleep in a tent with a bed.
Facilities depend on the camp. It is sociable and comfortable, and suits most first-time visitors.
- Tent with bed and bedding
- Cultural evening
- Dinner at camp
- More people around
The open desert night
An open desert night is simpler. In the 5-day experience, you leave Jaisalmer around 2:00 PM, travel via Kuldhara, Khaba Fort and villages, take a camel safari in a quieter area and have a traditional freshly cooked dinner. Then you sleep out under the sky.
There is no cultural show and fewer comforts, but much more quiet and space. On a clear night the sky can be striking, although stargazing depends on weather, moon and sky conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
- Sleeping outdoors
- Simple fresh dinner
- Quiet, few people
- Basic facilities
Which suits you?
Choose a camp if you want comfort, entertainment and a social evening. Choose the open desert if you want silence, a sense of distance and are comfortable with basic arrangements. Many guests on the 5-day trip are glad to have done both.
Preparing for a night outdoors
For an open desert night:
- Bring warm layers in winter — nights get cold
- Carry a torch or headlamp
- Keep essentials in a small bag
- Be ready for basic toilet arrangements
Booking either option
Saim arranges both. Mention which you are interested in when you enquire.
Frequently asked questions
Is the open desert night safe?
It is arranged and coordinated. Ask Saim any specific questions.
Will we see the Milky Way?
It depends on weather and sky conditions and is not guaranteed.
Is there a cultural show on the open desert night?
No, that is part of the camp stay.
Which package includes both?
The 4 nights / 5 days group experience.
Can couples book an open desert night?
Ask Saim; availability is confirmed during enquiry.
Plan this trip with Saim
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp. Saim will confirm availability and final details.