how-to-plan-an-affordable-desert-camping-trip

How to Plan an Affordable Desert Camping Trip

One of the most enchanting travel experiences one may ever have is a visit to the desert: endless dunes, quiet sunsets, starry nights, and a feeling of silence you would never find anywhere. However, most tourists believe that a Jaisalmer tour package is costly or difficult to organize. The fact is that, when you are guided in the right way and make intelligent choices, you will have an unforgettable desert adventure without spending a lot of money. The elaborate instructions will enable you to know how to organize a low-budget desert camping experience, particularly when touring such places as Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, the most renowned desert scenery in India.

These tips will make you experience luxury on a budget, whether you are using a Jaisalmer tour package or you are planning to go there on your own. Let’s dive in.

Choose The Right Time to Visit The Desert

Everything is timing when you are planning a low-cost camping trip in the desert. The deserts have extreme temperatures, and therefore choosing the right time to go there will make you feel comfortable and save money.

Best Season: October to March

The weather in these months is nice, evenings are cool, and the skies are clear. There is no need to wait until you are already in the country because that is the high tourist season, and one would be assured of good budget prices.

Travel Tip

To have more savings and fewer people, you can come at the beginning of October or at the end of March. Hotels, camps, and tour providers are also giving off-season discounts as the weather remains bearable.

Set a Clear Budget Before You Start Planning

Desert camping can be very expensive, depending on the preferences of the customer. Determine your spending amount before you book anything.

Budget Factors Include:

  • Transport (train, bus, or car)
  • Basic camps (homestays, luxury camps, accommodation)
  • Meals (included or separate)
  • Activities in the desert (camel ride, jeep safari, cultural programs, etc.)
  • Extra (photography, dune bashing, local tours)

The prices of desert experiences begin at 0.1,000 per person at the basic camps and progress to 10,000 and above at the luxury glamping. Having a budget will make you focused when you are looking after deals.

Compare Different Camping Options

Accommodation is one of the highest costs of a trip to the desert. But the good news- you have a choice on all budgets.

Budget Camps

  • Perfect when you are a backpacker and on tour.
  • The amenities typically comprise common tents, basic meals, a bonfire, and a brief camel ride.

Mid-range Camps

  • Ideal in terms of families and couples.
  • Look forward to having individual tents, adjoining washrooms, evening cultural performances, and buffet dinner.

Luxury Desert Camps

  • To stay comfortable and at the same time affordable, early-bird offers are your choice.
  • Swiss tents, high-quality meals, electricity, and experiences are available in these camps.

Pro Tip

Compare the prices on the travel websites and with the local providers instead of making a reservation directly. Most of the tourists feel that a Jaisalmer tour package usually consists of camps, meals, transport, and safari at a discounted rate.

Book a Jaisalmer Tour Package for Cost Efficiency

Although you can plan all the activities by yourself, choosing a Jaisalmer tour package will save you a lot of money. Tour packages often include:

  • Stay at desert camps
  • Camel safari or jeep safari
  • Meals (dinner + breakfast)
  • Cultural night program
  • Pickup/drop off from the city
  • Guided sightseeing

Since these services are offered in a package, you save money as compared to booking the activities individually. It will save you the agony of negotiation and planning, also.

Packages also come in handy in case you are a family or a group of people, since group rates also come in lower.

Plan Your Transportation Smartly

It does not have to be costly to travel to the desert.

Affordable Travel Options:

  • Buses to Jaisalmer: The most comfortable and the least expensive.
  • State Buses or Volvo Buses: These are operated in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi, and other States.
  • Self-drive car: Cost-effective in case of sharing with friends.

Upon arrival at Jaisalmer, rent local autos or cabs to sightsee. Most of the camps offer a free service of pick-up at the railway station or in the city centre- avail yourself.

Make a List of Free and Low-Cost Things to Do

Most tourists think that destinations in deserts are costly, but in the actual sense, there are many activities to perform in Jaisalmer, which are free of charge or very affordable.

Activities within the budget of the majority:

  • Early morning visit to Gadisar Lake.
  • Enter the Golden Fort (Sonar Quila).
  • Go through the local markets (Sadar Bazar, Pansari Bazaar)
  • Watch the sunset at Bada Bagh
  • See Patwon ki Haveli (low admission charges)
  • Have cheap and authentic meals on the street.

By combining all these attractions that are close to each other, you will be helping yourself to enjoy the city without spending too much.

Limit Paid Desert Activities: Choose Only What You Value

There are a variety of thrilling add-on activities that you can find in desert areas, although you do not need to spend on them all. Make a good decision depending on your interests.

Common Desert Activities:

  • Camel safari
  • Jeep safari
  • Quad biking
  • Parasailing
  • Dune bashing
  • Rajasthani cultural show

To save a few dollars, just have a camel or jeep safari, which is also a signature activity.

Money-saving idea:

A camel ride and a cultural night are already included in the package of many camps. Make reservations with it, rather than individually.

Carry Travel Essentials to Avoid Extra Expenses

Even little amenities like a desert can be of additional cost when bought locally. Save money by packing:

  • Light winter jackets
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks
  • Power bank
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Toiletries

This will avoid spending money in unnecessary places where tourists shop.

Avoid Last-Minute Bookings

Desert tourist spots such as Jaisalmer become overcrowded during holidays and long weekends as well as during peak tourist seasons. Bookings made at the last minute are always expensive.

Plan 15-30 days days in advance for:

  • Desert camps
  • Transportation
  • Safari experiences

Early booking also provides you with more choices and variety, and you will not be able to sacrifice comfort.

Prefer Weekdays over Weekends

When you can be flexible, commute during working days. Monday-Thursday discounts: Desert camps and safaris frequently have lower prices, which will allow you to save 10%-30% on the total price.

Eat Local, Not Fancy

Food has an insidious way of accumulating over the trip. In place of eating in fancy restaurants, have local dhabas and thali meals that are:

  • Delicious
  • Authentic
  • Budget-friendly

Most of the travelers discover that local Jaisalmer food is more of a cultural crowd as compared to tourist restaurants.

Travel With Friends and Family to Split Costs

The individual spending is considerably lower with a group. Camps, jeeps, and transport are much cheaper when shared by several individuals.

Conclusions: Enjoy The Desert Without Overspending

Not only is an affordable desert camping trip a possibility, but it is also one of the most unforgettable traveling experiences in your life. By planning, making clever reservations, and planning the balance between free and paid activities, you will be able to enjoy the best things to do in Jaisalmer without prioritizing its impact on your budget.

Regardless of whether you choose a Jaisalmer tour package or travel to the destination on your own, it is good to know that beauty is simple in the desert. Sunset, silence, stars, and sand, such things are priceless moments that are not expensive.

Then load your bags, take this trip, and prepare to have a desert adventure that is affordable, spectacular, and memorable.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?

Ans. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter season, i.e., from October to March, during which time the weather is cool and pleasant.

What are the free activities in Jaisalmer?

Ans. Jaisalmer has many free activities to explore, some of which are:

  • Explore the living Jaisalmer Fort
  • Visit the serene Gadisar Lake
  • Feel the spirituality at Tanot Mata Temple

Are weekdays cheaper than weekends in Jaisalmer Desert Camp?

Ans. Yes, weekdays are cheaper than weekends in the desert camp in Jaisalmer, with prices rising during peak seasons, i.e., Oct. to March.

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