Camel Safari in Jaisalmer

I slept on a bed made of sand with my backpack for a pillow and the starry sky as my blanket.

For 550 rupees a day, you can go on a camel safari in Jaisalmer. This includes the camel ride, food, water (but it’s better to bring your own), and a bonfire. One night is enough. After a few hours of camel riding, your groin and rear will begin to hurt, especially when the camel starts galloping. The Thar Desert didn't look like a desert at all. There were desert plants, clay houses and wind farms all over.

At the end of the trek, sitting on the sand dunes while watching the sun set made the entire bumpy ordeal worth it. Because the wind was so strong, I found sand in my ear, inside my shirt, and even in the places where the sun don't shine. I had to cover my face because the sand in the wind pricked my cheeks.

The camel I was riding started sniffing as if there was something inside its nose. Suddenly, its neck arched back and it vigorously rubbed its nose on my knee. It left slobber all over my pants.

Our pack was composed of a bunch of French medicine students and two Koreans making their way from India to Tibet (not in the photo).

The camel safari is definitely a must-try experience especially when you're in Rajasthan. Aside from Jaisalmer, there are other cities where you can join one. A word of caution though. My butt and back hurt and I had an upset stomach the following day. The cold shower in the hotel felt heavenly. I can't imagine how the others manage to go on a one-week camel safari. According to our guide, the longest trip he led was for 21 days with two Italian women.