Khuri Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

• By taxi: From Jaisalmer station or Hanumant chaura taxis are easily available to take you to Khuri. Price as of Jan 2012 is ₹600 for Tata Indica, ₹800-1000 for Tata Sumo.
• By bus: It's about a two-hour direct bus ride from Jaisalmer. The bus leaves from a 'bus station' 100 m east of the entrance to the lake, on Rd 15, just after it splits from Gadisar Rd. You'll know you're in the right place if there is a small shrine at the base of a sloping tree. Buses leave from that side of the road on a rough schedule, so you'll have to ask. The ticket sellers on this route are particularly fond of overcharging (up to ₹150 each way per person), by making up a fictitious 'luggage charge' and 'convenience charge'. The price was ₹35 each way in June 2012, so be sure to not overpay. Make sure to ask the price of the trip from other bus riders to make it easier, otherwise taking a photo of the offending conductor will often do the trick.

• Camel Safari: To nearby sand dunes. During summer almost all operators only offer day trips leaving in the afternoon and returning the next morning (see below) due to the heat. Do consider if you really want to ride during the hottest afternoon sun, and check that whoever you go with has shade
• Desert camping: Various guest house owner at Khuri can arrange for you to stay a night in nearby desert among sand dunes. The typical tour starts around 3:30PM when you start on a camel back for a 1½-2 hour journey to reach an isolated sane dune in desert. Each travel party is accompanied by one or more camel men who also prepare food in the night by using fire wood. Tipping is often expected, as is a visit via their house so their children can ask for tips (not expected).

• Arjun family guesthouse (on the main st, which is a right hand turn from the bus stop, go about 200 m and lean left into the house. There are printed boards that lead the way), ☏ +91 9928524244, +91 6378031994, [email protected]. They organise a ₹500 per person (ideally minimum two) overnight camel trek. No room charge if you do, but you can leave your bags in a room overnight if he's not booked out. Lovely host. He's not that pushy, even if he does meet you at the bus stop. Be a little wary of the food - once contained off milk. ₹150 in the off season, ₹300 in peak, all including food. (updated Nov 2021)
• Badal House Khuri, ☏ +91 81073 39097. Rustic, peaceful accommodation. The owner, Mr. Badal, will take you on a desert safari riding the camels and night camping. (updated Jun 2021)