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What is official, and what is private
Very little in Jaisalmer tourism is "official". The official part is small and easy to spot:
- Monument tickets sold at each site’s own counter — by the museum trust, temple trust, state archaeology or the forest department.
- Permits from the forest department (Desert National Park) and the BSF (the border post).
- Government tourist offices and licensed guides, who carry an ID card.
Everything else — desert camps, camel and jeep safaris, hotels, cabs, tour packages — is private business. That is fine, and most operators are good. It just means prices are set by the seller, and "government-approved camp" or "official safari" usually means nothing.
That includes us. This site is run by private local travel operators, not a government body, and we say so on every page.
On arrival: station and bus-stand offers
Trains arrive early and you may be met by people offering a cheap or free ride to a hotel. The ride is real; the catch is that the driver earns a commission from that hotel, and the room may cost more than it would if you booked yourself.
- Book your first night in advance and ask the hotel about pick-up.
- If someone says your hotel is "closed" or "full", call the hotel yourself.
- Agree the auto fare before you get in. The station is only about ~2 km · 10 min from the fort.
Desert camps: "official" claims and "free" offers
Two patterns are common. The first is a camp described as "the official Sam camp" or "tourism department camp". There is no such thing; all camps are private.
The second is the very cheap or "free" desert night bundled with a hotel room or tour. The camp then charges for the jeep, the camel, drinks, the dance show, blankets or the ride back. The total can end up above a normal package.
Before you pay, ask for a written list of what the price includes: transfers, dinner, breakfast, the camel ride, the evening programme, and whether it is per person or per tent. A good camp answers this without fuss.
For typical rates by camp tier, see our desert camps guide.
At the dunes: camel rides and add-ons
Camel handlers at Sam work on negotiated prices. A common trick is to quote a low price for a "short ride" and ask for more halfway through to reach the "real" sunset point. Agree on three things before you climb on: how long, to where, and whether the price is per person or per camel.
Jeep dune-bashing, quad bikes and parasailing work the same way. If your camp has a fixed rate card, use it; if you are buying on the dunes, settle the price first and pay at the end.
Please say no to rides on camels that look thin, lame or badly loaded. Good operators are happy for you to look.
What a fair price looks like
These are typical ranges that visitors and operators report. Paying at the lower end is normal in the quiet months; the upper end is normal around Christmas, New Year and the Desert Festival.
| Item | Typical range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Camel ride on the dunes (15–30 min) | ₹100–300 | per camel |
| Sunset camel safari (1–1.5 hr) | ₹500–900 | per camel |
| Jeep dune-bashing safari (30–45 min) | ₹1,000–2,500 | per jeep (up to 6) |
| Quad bike / ATV (10–20 min) | ₹500–1,000 | per bike |
| Licensed city guide (half day) | ₹800–1,500 | per group |
| Budget camp, one night | ₹1,500–3,000 | for two, with meals |
| Standard Swiss-tent camp, one night | ₹3,000–6,000 | for two, with meals |
A price well below these ranges usually means the money is made back through add-ons. Well above, and you should see clearly what extra you get.
Shops, gems and "helpful" guides
Friendly conversations that end in a shop are part of travel in Rajasthan. Guides and drivers often earn a commission on what you buy. That is not a scam in itself; the price just includes their cut.
Where it goes wrong is gems and "investment" jewellery — offers to buy stones you can resell at home, or to courier goods on someone’s behalf. Treat these as a firm no. For textiles, silver and handicrafts, compare two or three shops, and only buy what you would like at that price anyway.
For a monument guide, ask to see a licence card, and agree the fee and the route before you start. About ₹800–1,500 per group for half a day is typical.
How to check a camp and pay safely
- Get it in writing. A WhatsApp message with the price, date, inclusions and cancellation terms is enough.
- Check the place exists. Look for recent photos and reviews from several sources, and ask for the camp’s exact location.
- Pay a small advance only. Pay the balance on arrival, once you have seen the tent.
- Use traceable payments. UPI or card leaves a record; ask for a receipt for cash.
- Keep monument tickets separate. Buy them at the counter yourself.
If something goes wrong, stay calm, keep your messages, and raise it with the business first. For theft or serious problems, the tourist police and local police stations can help.
How we work
We are open about our model. You send a request and we reply with a written quote listing what is included. You pay a deposit to us by UPI, bank transfer or a secure link, never in cash to a stranger, and get a written confirmation. We arrange the camp, car or hotel through our own local network and stay your contact throughout.
We ask partners for clear, written inclusions and fair pricing, and we remove partners when travellers report problems. You are free to compare our quote with any other. Read more on our about page, or contact us with any questions.
Want a clear, written quote?
Tell us what you need. We will send a price with inclusions in writing before you pay anything.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official desert camp in Jaisalmer?
No. All desert camps at Sam and Khuri are privately run. A camp calling itself "official" or "government" is using a sales line.
Is this website official?
No. We are private local travel operators. We sell trips at our own prices and say so openly; official tickets come only from the authorities.
How much should a camel ride at Sam cost?
A short ride is usually about ₹100–300 per camel, and a sunset safari about ₹500–900. Agree the time and route first.
Are "free" desert camp stays a scam?
Not always, but the cost usually comes back as add-ons. Ask for a written list of inclusions before you go.
Where should I buy monument tickets?
Only at the counter of each site. Nobody needs to buy them in advance on your behalf.
Is it safe to pay by UPI in Jaisalmer?
Yes, and it leaves a record. Pay a small advance and the balance on arrival, and check the name on the UPI screen before you send.