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A Caravan of Camels carrying tourists in Sam Sand Dunes, Thar Desert, India.

Things to do in  Sam

Fly me to the dune

Anyone planning a trip to Rajasthan has likely seen photos of colorfully decked-out camels silhouetted against golden sand dunes—that’s Sam. And Sam isn’t the name of a camel; it’s the name of a small town in the Thar Desert next to the Pakistan border. When looking for things to do around Jaisalmer, you can’t look past Sam’s rolling waves of golden sand dunes. Many travelers visit on day, evening, or overnight trips to ride camels, camp under the stars, and experience village life in the Rajasthani desert.

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All about Sam

Local Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
When to visit

Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit the deserts of Rajasthan, including Sam and Jaisalmer. This coincides with peak tourism season in most parts of India. Sam is in the middle of the Thar Desert, which experiences an extremely hot climate for much of the year. Even in winter, expect the days to be warm and sunny, although nights are cooler.

Getting around

Most travelers visit Sam on guided tours from Jaisalmer, about 28 miles (45 kilometers) to the east. A sealed road connects the two places, though many tours use 4WD vehicles to venture off-road into the desert beyond Sam. You can also reach Sam by bus from Jaisalmer but this will limit your ability to explore beyond the town, so it’s better to join a tour or take a private vehicle with a driver.

Traveler tips

Camel riding is a popular activity around Sam, but you may wonder whether it is ethical to do so. Camels are domesticated animals, much like horses, and no evidence riding them hurts them. However, animal welfare practices can be questionable in India, and enforcement of any regulations may be lax. If you’d like to ride a camel, choose a tour provider with stringent ethical guidelines.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is the best time of year to visit Sam, Jaisalmer?
A:

November–February is the best time of year to visit Sam and Jaisalmer to avoid the hottest conditions. The Rajasthani desert can get extremely hot, so some travelers still find early November and late February uncomfortable. Plan outdoor activities for early morning, late afternoon, and evening to avoid the heat.

Q:How can you reach the Sam Sand Dunes from Jaisalmer?
A:

Sam is about 28 miles (45 kilometers) west of Jaisalmer, the main city in this area. A direct road (Jaisalmer–Sam–Dhanana Road) connects Sam and Jaisalmer; it’s paved and in generally good condition. The easiest way of getting there is by joining a guided tour or renting a private vehicle with a driver.

Q:Which desert are the Sam Sand Dunes part of?
A:

The Sam Sand Dunes are part of the Thar Desert, sometimes called the Great Indian Desert. The Thar Desert spans from the Aravalli Hills in the Indian state of Rajasthan to plains fed by the Indus River in Pakistan. Parts of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer and Barmer districts are within the Desert National Park.

Q:Are the Sam Sand Dunes worth visiting?
A:

Yes, the Sam Sand Dunes are worth visiting if you’re staying in and around Jaisalmer. The 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) stretch of golden sand dunes is very picturesque—although if you come just for the sunset, you’re unlikely to have the place to yourself. Camp out overnight to experience the desert after the daytrippers depart.

Q:Can you stay overnight at the Sam Sand Dunes?
A:

Yes, you can stay overnight at the Sam Sand Dunes; plenty of people do. Many camps, homestays, guesthouses, and upmarket hotels are dotted around Sam. If you like, you can sleep outside under the stars on camp mattresses or string cots, or rest indoors if you’d prefer.

Q:Is there an entry fee for the Sam Sand Dunes?
A:

No, there’s no entry fee to the Sam Sand Dunes area, but there is a fee for camel and Jeep safaris. This will usually be included in the price of tour packages, so you don’t need to worry about finding cash to pay for it.

Things to do near Sam

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