Jaisalmer Camel Trek

	Jaisalmer Camel Trek
Home \| Rajasthan \| Ajmer \| Taragarh \| Bikamer \| Jaipur \| Udaipur \| Jaisalmer \| Jodhpur \| Mount Abu \| Pushkar

Thar Safari (phone 0292/54295, fax 52722) in Gandhi Chowk is one of the oldest-established and most reputable agencies, offering a range of safaris, many with tents provided, and reliable guides. They will also organize treks to Jaisalmer from Pokaran if given at least ten days' notice, and are among the few agents genuinely concerned about protecting the desert environment. Less expensive, but equally dependable operators include Sahara Travels in Gopa Chowk near the First Fort gate (phone 02922/52609).

Of the hotels which organize camel safaris, Paradise has a deservedly good reputation, while the Jaisal Palace is recommended for short trips (for Rs650-750 you'll be pampered with comfy beds and restaurant-standard food). Among the budget alternatives, the friendly Renuka (see Accommodation) offers excellent value for money.

They've been running trips for more than a decade into a stretch of drifting dunes north of Sam that only a couple of other operators are allowed into. This means you can enjoy optimum Thar landscape without the contrived atmosphere that prevails when a dozen or more groups descend on the same patch of desert at the same time.

However much you intend to spend on a trek, don't book anything until you get to Jaisalmer. Unscrupulous touts trawl the train from Jodhpur, and even try to pick up tourists in Udaipur with offers of cheap deals, but they, and the barrage of safari operators at the bus and railway stations, usually represent dodgy outfits, most of which are based at one or other of the small budget hotels north of the fort. Some offer absurdly cheap rooms if you agree to book a camel trek with them, but guesthouse notice boards (not to mention our postbags) are filled with sorry stories by tourists who accepted their offers. Back