We said goodbye to the year 2022 in the Thar Deserts of Rajasthan. It was like a dream come true. We stayed in a desert camp in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and did many exciting activities in the desert. It was amazing to experience desert life firsthand. Before, we thought a desert was just a big area of empty sand for miles. We wondered what we could do in a desert. But when we arrived in the Thar desert in Rajasthan, we were surprised by all the things we could do. The list of activities was so long that we couldn’t do everything in just one night. So, if you ever visit here, make sure to set aside enough time.
Spending the night in a desert camp
Of course, it’s a given. The Thar Desert has beautiful sandy areas where you can find many Desert Camps. Staying in one of these camps should be on the top of your list when visiting the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Forget about the comforts and luxuries of the cities. Instead, for one night, settle down in the middle of nowhere at one of these desert camps. This experience is very different from staying in a hotel. It brings you closer to the desert life. You can see how everything is arranged, with all the necessities brought in from town, including water. You also get to appreciate the hard work of the camp employees who make sure the guests feel at home. It’s truly heartwarming!
Dune bashing
If you love adventure, then dune bashing should be at the top of your list of things to do in the Thar desert. You can go dune bashing by driving over the wide expanse of sand dunes. If you have a suitable SUV, you can drive yourself. Otherwise, you can hire a Jeep or SUV. Many operators offer dune bashing trips from both Jaisalmer and Jodhpur cities, as well as within the desert itself. When we went, we arranged our dune bashing experience with a provider located right in front of our desert camp. Trust me, the experience of going up and down the sand dunes is even more exciting than a roller coaster ride.
Parasailing over the Thar Desert
Parasailing is another thrilling adventure activity that you must try when exploring the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, especially if you love adventure. The clear sky and expansive sandy landscape provide uninterrupted views of the distant horizons. When you go parasailing in the middle of the Thar Desert, you’ll feel like a free bird, soaring high above the ground. The experience becomes even more exciting if you do it in the early morning or late evening, as you’ll witness the beautiful colors of the rising or setting sun on the horizon, creating a perfect backdrop for your adventure.
Enjoying a sunrise and sunset over the sand dunes
As we mentioned before, there’s something special about sunrises and sunsets that never fails to captivate us. When we can watch them without anything blocking the view, they become even more beautiful. That’s one of the advantages of witnessing a sunrise or sunset over a desert. If you’re a photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos with the backdrop of the sun rising or setting over the sand dunes, along with camels and people around. We really enjoyed taking pictures of the sunset. I couldn’t take my eyes off the setting sun as it went from bright yellow to fiery orange, then red, and finally disappeared into the darkness. It left behind a trail of colorful rainbows on the horizon, which was truly mesmerizing.
Make sure to include experiencing a sunrise or sunset in your list of things to do in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. It’s a must-have experience that you shouldn’t miss. Witnessing the sun rising or setting over the desert is truly magical and will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. Whether it’s the vibrant colors painting the sky during sunrise or the serene moments as the sun dips below the horizon during sunset, it’s a sight that will create lasting memories. So, be sure to add this captivating experience to your itinerary in the Thar Desert.
Overnight Camping in the middle of nowhere
In addition to the desert camps that offer structured packages and feel like resorts, you also have the option to camp out in the wildness of the Thar Desert. While we were on our way to the sand dunes for sand bashing, we saw many camps being set up for the night. It must be exciting to spend the night in the middle of nowhere. So, if you want to embrace your adventurous side, you can choose to camp out in the desert. Just remember to bring warm clothes, enough water, and food with you, as the desert can get quite cold at night.
Here’s a suggestion: when you’re in the towns of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur, ask the locals for recommendations and rent the necessary camping equipment. Even better, gather a group of friends and camp together. It will be a lot of fun! So, make sure to include camping in your list of things to do in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.
Photography
Lastly, no matter which activities you choose from the above, there are always great opportunities for photography. The desert landscape itself is unique and offers a different kind of beauty. You can capture stunning photos of the sunrise and sunsets, as well as the star-filled skies. Don’t forget about the camels with the backdrop of the sand dunes, and the traditionally dressed local men and women. The Thar Desert provides plentiful opportunities for amazing photo shoots. So, make sure to prioritize photography on your list of things to do in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and head there with your camera ready.
