Wild Thar: The Great Indian Desert Explorer

NAMASTE! The breathtaking journey across the Thar Desert (largest in the sub-continent) offers you a seemingly endless expanse of golden dunes. Explore the challenging landscape that the desert people call home and take in majestic sights, from stunning palaces and golden fortresses to highly ornate havelis (mansions) and, most significantly, the sand dunes, on this trip of a lifetime.

Riding vast dunes on camelback and spending the night in a desert tent in the middle of nowhere under the most spectacular skies you've ever seen is a magical experience that is widely regarded as one of, if not 'THE' highlight of a trip to the Thar Desert. You will feel as though time has stood still and you have been transported to a magical age. There's even more. Treat your palate to delicious, authentic cuisine and traditional music at various stops on this trip. A one-of-a-kind and distinctive desert experience awaits you!

DAY 1:

On arrival at the Jodhpur Airport, I'll personally receive and transfer you to our hotel/homestay in Jodhpur. Popularly known as the "Blue City", most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses in Jodhpur are built in vivid shades of blue. After some rest, we visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort located on an elevated hilltop right above the city. Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you do ziplining at the Mehrangarh Fort, taking in the azure beauty of Jodhpur. Make a visit to Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell. The evening is free for personal exploration or shopping in the vibrant bazaars. 

DAY 2: 

This morning we drive to the Camel City of Rajasthan, Bikaner (250 km, 5 hours drive) which lies in the center of Thar Desert. En-route, we visit Deshnoke, which is famous for its Rat Temple. Bikaner is bestowed with rich history and vibrant culture, coupled with magnificent architecture that will leave you awestruck. Once considered India’s “wild west” filled with bandits and robbers — the lingering flavor of an old, wild desert town remains. Upon reaching Bikaner, we visit Junagarh Fort built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh which houses several richly decorated palaces, temples & pavilions.

DAY 3:

We depart early to Jaisalmer (320 km, 6 hours), widely known as "The Golden City", located on the threshold of the picturesque Thar Desert close to the Pakistan Border. Stop in some villages inhabited by the Bishnois tribe along the way. Pokhran is the prominent village of them all. Upon reaching Jaisalmer, we explore the living golden yellow Fort of Jaisalmer also known as “Sonar Qila” that emerges like a mirage from the desert dunes, a sight to behold.   

DAY 4:

Start the day with a visit to Bada Bagh, the city's emperors' memorial, and then to the Gadisar Lake that is surrounded by artistically carved Chatteris, Temples, Shrines, and Ghats. We also visit the ancient township of Lodurva that is in now ruins, the abandoned village of Kuldhara, and the historic ruins of the fort of Khaba. We conclude the day with a visit to the War Memorial built-in memory of all the brave soldiers who took part and lost their lives in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Longewala battle.  

DAY 5:

Do you wish to see the last village in Rajasthan, which is close to the Pakistani border? Then let us take you to explore the Longewala village. You can see the Indo-Pak border from here. In December 1971, a significant battle took place here during the Indo-Pak conflict. You can pay your respects at the Longewala War Memorial here. The Tanot Mata Temple, which is next to the memorial, is well worth a visit. Enjoy a sundowner on the sand dunes while watching a mesmerizing sunset on camelback before calling it a day! Enjoy an enthralling camel ride or indulge in the dune bashing in a 4x4 jeep. Spend the night in the vast dunes to get a sense of rural desert life and culture. 

DAY 6:

Start early and head to Jodhpur (280 km, 5 hours), en-route stopping in a few villages. Check in to our homestay/hotel and relax for some time. Later we visit Jaswant Thada, an ornate piece of architecture in Jodhpur. Then to Umaid Bhawan Palace, the home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently one of the world’s largest private residences. Evening, we take a stroll in Sardar Market, and Clock Market for the purchase of Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and traditional silver jewelry.  

DAY 7: 

The morning we visit the Mandore Gardens, better known for the cenotaphs of the former rulers, built not as chhatris but like temples. Later, transfer to Jodhpur Airport for the departure flight. It’s time to bid goodbye to your co-travelers. Take the return flight with a bagful of sweet memories!!

The itinerary is loosely drafted, and allows you to do as little or as much as you like.

This itinerary is just to give you an idea on the tour structure but in no means final and is subject to change.

Start Date: January 11, 2025 (Saturday)

End Date: January 17, 2025 (Friday)

Pick-up / Drop at Jodhpur International Airport (IATA: JDH ICAO: VIJO)

Please ensure that you arrive before 11 a.m. (pick-up at 11:30 a.m.) on Day 01 and depart after 4 p.m. (drop at 2:00 p.m.) on Day 07.

INR 24000 per person (Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 14 participants. (+) SARATHY, the Wanderer as your Tour Lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Opt for a Zero Cancellation Fee Protection extension while booking your flight tickets so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.
• Suitable for singles/solo travelers/small groups of friends/couples.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 16-50 years. Generally, the majority of our participants are between the age group of 20-35 years.

INCLUSIONS

• Deluxe AC accommodation on a Double/Twin sharing basis for 6 days in homestays/hotels. 
• One night stay on a Double/Twin sharing basis in Non AC Tent at Sand Dunes 
• Single room supplement available at an additional charge.
• Simple Breakfast (Set Menu) at our place of stay. Every city/town in Rajasthan is famous for its cuisine and we want you to try local delicacies.
• Traditional Dinner on Day 05 in sand dune with a cultural show
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Jodhpur airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Local sightseeing by an exclusive AC vehicle (Not at disposal)
• Entry tickets to places of interest (for places mentioned in the itinerary)
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the Trip Captain who doubles up as a storyteller
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges
• Service charges & Taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare from your home town to Jodhpur & return
• Any meals or beverages that are not specified in the inclusions.
• Camera/Video charges
• Camel ride/Elephant ride (being a responsible travel company, we do not encourage rides on animals)
• Activity charges i.e., zip-lining, dune bashing, boating, etc. 
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extra will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

Please confirm your participation by paying INR 10000* to book your seat. Rest to be paid 30 days before the tour start date. 

Pls write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay at UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank. Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.

*NON-REFUNDABLE 

All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to us via e-mail. We act this cancellation policy based on hotel, airlines, car rental, and other contractors’ policies. The following rules apply for cancellations:

• Full Refund if canceled 60 days before departure
• 45-59 days before departure - cancellation charge at 10% of trip cost
• 30-44 days before departure - cancellation charge at 25% of trip cost
• 15-29 days before departure - cancellation charge at 50% of trip cost
• Within 14 days of departure - cancellation charge at 100% of trip cost

Refund of the money in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after cancellation request is received (by mail). If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full/or equivalent voucher.