Sam Sand Dunes – The Most Offbeat Natural Destination of Jaisalmer

Want to watch the most breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset? Welcome to Sam Sand Dunes – the most exotic and the most authentic desert dune site in the country. Famous for Desert Safari amidst the serene golden sand of Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes is a perfect place to explore, especially for the adventure junkies.

Sam Sand Dunes – A Quick Glance:

Sam Sand Dunes with Camel

Famous For: Camel Safari, Camping, Bonfire, Stargazing and Traditional Festivities

Entry Fee: FreeVisiting time: 24 hours

Visiting duration: 5-6 hours (or more)Best time to visit: Sunrise and sunset during October to March

Location: 42km (26mi) on the outskirts of JaisalmerHow to reach: 50km (31mi) from Jaisalmer airport, you can book a private transport, or an app cab, or taxi services. From Jaisalmer railway station, you can hire shared or personal ride to reach the common marketplace and then may opt for camel ride to reach the dunes.

Sam Sand Dunes: A Magnificent Experience

Sam Sand Dunes is a rare desert area which is located at the edge of Jaisalmer Desert National Park, at about 42km away from the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Beautifully adorned with 30 – 60m (98 – 197ft) tall sand dunes, the region is perfect for an adventurous Desert Safari on camels or jeep.

The best time to explore the Sam Sand Dunes is either early morning (4:00 am – 6:00 am) to enjoy the serene sunrise, or even better during sunset (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm). The best way to experience the same is by booking a camel or jeep available at desert camps to reach the sunset point, around 30 minutes from the campsite.

Right in the middle of the historical forts and colourful markets, Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer is among the best and the most authentic in the entire nation. The dunes are exotic and calm spread amidst the undulating stretches of golden yellow sand stretching for around 2km (1.2mi) along the edges of the Jaisalmer Desert National Park.

Sunset at the Sam Sand Dunes

Camel in Jaisalmer

While majority of tourists come here to witness the dramatic and playful colours of the sky during sunset and sunrise, a close insight into the culture and tradition of Rajasthan with dances and festivities staged around the campfires during evenings are also among the major attractions.

Camping at the Sam Sand Dunes – the Rajasthani Way

Camping at the Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer is an amazing experience of a lifetime. There are a number of camp owners who have accommodation options of mud cottages and Swiss tents for tourists to experience the desert from the closest. It is an absolute bliss to watch amazing sunsets on the horizon, and that can be done best when you are camping in the heart of the Thar Desert.

Apart from accommodation for an overnight stay in the cottages and tends, you are also offered meal services, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian authentic Rajasthani cuisine. True to its exotic and spicy taste, the food perfectly matches the overall ambience.

Traditionally, bonfires are crackled at Sam Sand Dunes, to bring out the real essence of the place. In fact, bonfires are among the most important flavours of the trip to Sam Sand Dunes where everyone can learn and enjoy the Rajasthani culture to its best. With traditional music and dance, and authentic food, the entire region celebrates the exquisite and mystic appeal.

Stargazing – An Experience Worth Trying Out

Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer has its own appeal during night. When the lights and frolic are put off, you can look up to the starlit night sky to witness the magical experience. It’s indeed amazing to feel the fresh gush of breeze sweeping across your face for that much-needed refreshing change from the normal claustrophobic cityscapes. Thanks to the pollution free environment, the visibility is clear and the views are stunning.

Tourists Trying Camel Riding

Ready to Fire for Cooking

Don’t Miss the Evening Festivities

Once you are done with your grand affair with sunset watching, get indulged into the royal celebrations to brighten up the evening and to feel the real essence of Rajasthan. The local artists perform on the famous traditional Rajasthani folk songs and dances to entertain the visitors and tourists. The entrancing performances are accompanied with different rustic instruments vogue in folk music.

Different forms of famous folk shows like Kalbelia dance, Fire dance and Bhawai dance are the most commonly performed where the dancers perform with a tower of pitchers on their head.

Desert Festival

You can visit the Sam Sand Dunes during February when the Rajasthan Tourism Department organises the Desert Festival for three consecutive days in the dunes. The celebration includes camel race, puppet shows, quirky competitions like the best moustache, turban tying and Mr Desert and the quintessential performance of folk dance and song.

The festival is famous for not only fun and cultural events, but also for traditional food, snacks and souvenirs available to engage in during games and performances. It is the best thing to get indulged in at the Sam Sand Dunes if embracing the true essence of Rajasthan is your prime motive.

Tourists Taking Pictures on Camels

Camel Safari

A Photographer’s Paradise

Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer can be the best place to be if you are into photography as a passion. Those interested in subtle and nuanced photography of nature, the desert of the Sam Sand Dunes is the best subject presenting an uninterrupted and clear view of the desert making for some of the most spectacular frames.

Not to miss the exotic sunset and sunrise pictures, which add to the amazing backdrop of golden yellow sand. Don’t forget to carry suitable lenses and cameras if you are planning to shoot the night sky and star-trails.

Sam Sand Dunes – A Sight to Behold for Lifetime

If the breathtaking sights of sunset and sunrise are not enough mesmerizing, and if the star-trails are not an adequate visual treat, wait for the ripples caused by the winds on the sand which is a unique sight by itself. This is one of the most amazing and picturesque natural phenomenon that attract a large number of nature lovers and photographers to capture the exotic moments.

Experience Sam Sand Dunes on a camel ride early in the morning, and watch the ripples on the sand to make some of the never-forgotten memories of your lifetime. Sam Sand Junes, Jaisalmer is an awesome experience to say the least, and a must visit if you are planning to explore Rajasthan in your next holidays.

Other Famous Attraction in Jaisalmer:  Jaisalmer Fort,  Gadisar Lake,  Manak Chowk Market

Other Popular Spots in Rajasthan:  Chand Baori in Abhineri,  Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur,  Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur