The Ultimate Guide to Dune Bashing in Jaisalmer

Dune bashing is one of the best things you can do in the desert, as it offers a thrilling and memorable experience that is both safe and fun. If you are looking for an exciting adventure activity, dune bashing in Jaisalmer is something you should try at least once in your life.

Rajasthan has India’s best sand dunes – Sam Sand Dunes, which are about 45 KM west of the beautiful city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajasthan, is famous for its majestic fort, palace, temples and market. It is also the gateway to the Thar Desert, where you can find the best sand dunes in India.

Sam Sand Dunes, located about 45 KM west of Jaisalmer, are the most popular spot for desert safaris and dune bashing in India.

Here is the ultimate guide to your dune bashing safari in Jaisalmer:

What to expect on a jeep safari in Jaisalmer

You can expect your dune bashing to be an exhilarating and fun-filled activity that will give you an adrenaline rush that you will remember forever.

It involves riding a 4×4 vehicle across the sand dunes of Thar Desert, experiencing the thrill of speed, driver dexterity and gravity. The experienced driver will take the off-road vehicle down through the desert gullies and up over sand dunes at high speed, making sharp turns, jumps, and slides. You will feel the thrill of going up and down the dunes, sometimes at an angle of 45 degrees or more – it feels like you are on a roller coaster.

Sand dune bashing can be a fantastically rewarding experience for those who love adventure and adrenaline. It can also be a great way to explore the beauty and diversity of the desert landscape – to make your way to the top of the dunes and witness the stunning views of the sunrise or sunset. To enjoy the scenic beauty of the desert, with its golden sand, blue sky and distant horizons.

Exciting activities you should consider

Dune bashing can be combined with other activities, such as parasailing, quad biking, camel rides, camping in the desert or other types of safari.

If you would like to explore Thar Desert, its history and its people, you might like to take the Queen of Thar half day desert safari visiting various interesting places on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. These include Lodrawa, the ancient capital of the Bhatti dynasty till 1156 AD. Also Bada Bagh, the Amar Sagar Jain Temple, the ruins of Khaba Fort and Kuldhara.

On an early morning tour or safari, you can see the most fantastic sunrise while standing or resting on the top of the sand dunes – an unforgettable experience. You can read more about Queen of Thar dune bashing and other activities you should consider.

How can I reach Sam Sand Dunes from Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer is well connected by road, rail and air from major cities of India. During the tourist season (around October to February), you can fly directly to Jaisalmer. At other times, you can take a flight to Jodhpur in Rajasthan and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jaisalmer. Alternatively, you can take a train to Jaisalmer railway station.

The desert camp is on the edge of the sand dunes and the dune bashing adventure sets out from there, as do the camel desert safaris. For further information on how to get here, you can contact us now.

From there, we can arrange your pickup from Jaisalmer, or the airport, and transfer you to the Queen of Thar Desert Camp for Rs 2500 round trip (up to five people) or you can hire a car or a jeep. 

Which vehicles are used in Jaisalmer dune bashing?

The vehicles used for dune bashing in Jaisalmer are 4-wheel drive sports utility vehicles such as the Mahindra Jeep or Toyota Land Cruiser. Whichever vehicle is used for dune bashing it must have a driver who has experience in the adventure sport of off-roading and tackling in sand dunes.

When should I go dune bashing in Jaisalmer?

The best time to go for dune bashing in the sand dunes in Jaisalmer is during the winter season, from October to February. This is when the weather in Rajasthan is pleasant and the sand in Sam Sand Dunes is not too hot.

Avoid going dune bashing in Sam Sand Dunes during the summer season, from April to September, as the temperature can soar up to 50°C and the sand can burn your skin.

What should I wear to go dune bashing?

For a Jaisalmer desert safari, it is best to wear comfortable clothes that can protect you from the sun and the sand. Wear sunglasses, a hat or a scarf and sunscreen, to protect your eyes and skin from the sun. People who wear contact lenses might consider wearing glasses to avoid small grains of sand getting into the lenses when outside the vehicle.

What should I bring to go dune bashing?

Bring essentials only. A pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing views of the desert. If you plan to go on an evening tour for stargazing, bring warm clothes as deserts are hot as long as the sun is up but they can get really cold at night.Make sure you let the tour organiser know if you have health-related issues (e.g. back problems) or are pregnant. As long as you follow the instructions, dune bashing won’t be anything but a fun and thrilling experience. But you might want to avoid eating a heavy meal right before going for the ride.

Is there an age limit for dune bashing?

There is no age limit to dune bashing. But parents should be aware that dust may not be good for very young children 1 to 2 years of age.

Is dune bashing a good family holiday activity?

Dune bashing and staying at a Jaisalmer desert camp can be a wonderful family holiday provided you go through a reputable camp with good, responsible drivers like Queen of Thar Desert Camp. It can be a memorable and fun way to bond with your loved ones. 

However, you should make sure that your family is ready and willing to participate in this activity.

Some people prefer to sit next to the Jeep driver within the protection of the Jeep cabin as it hurtles through the dunes, which means that a family with people of all ages can enjoy the Jeep Safari. Children can learn about desert and camels too on their desert safari in Jaisalmer. For more information about the Jaisalmer desert and its camels: 

Is a desert camp stay/dune bashing safe for solo travellers?

Yes. Provided you go through a reputable camp like Queen of Thar Desert Camp with good, responsible drivers, it is both safe and can be very pleasurable to go on a jeep safari and stay in a desert camp as a solo traveller.

You have the option of joining others or enjoying the freedom and flexibility to explore the desert at your own pace and style. Some travellers enjoy the solitude and tranquillity of the sand dunes, exploring the desert without the distraction of other people.

Is a desert camp stay/dune bashing safe for solo female travellers?

This includes solo female travellers – Jaisalmer is a very peaceful place in India. We are pleased to host women travelling solo at Queen of Thar Desert Camp and arrange desert safaris or sand dune bashing to suit their preferences.

At Queen of Thar, we take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that all our guests have an unforgettable experience. We cater to families, couples and solo travellers, and can customise our desert safaris to meet all their specific needs and preferences. [read more about other activities we offer.

How do I make arrangements for going on a dune bashing trip?

With the increasing popularity of dune bashing, there are many dune bashing tours. So, when choosing one, make sure they are a quality team, with reliable drivers, and who can provide you with customised packages to suit your preferences.

The Queen of Thar team is devoted to helping you make the most of your time in the Jaisalmer desert. Our drivers and guides are knowledgeable and responsible and our packages offer more than a simple dune bashing experience.

A dune bashing tour across Thar Desert is one of the most exciting things to do in Jaisalmer. It will give you an unforgettable experience of the desert and its charms. So what are you waiting for? Book your Jaisalmer dune bashing adventure today with Queen of Thar Desert Camp and get ready for some action-packed fun!