Thar Desert Herping Expedition
Scales of the Sand – Thar Desert Herping Tour
Tour Dates
- 21 Nov 2026 – 25 Nov 2026
- 04 Dec 2026 – 08 Dec 2026
- 18 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026
- 01 Jan 2027 – 05 Jan 2027
- 15 Jan 2027 – 19 Jan 2027
- Customizable
Highlights
Thar Desert Herping Expedition
- Dedicated night herping excursions across dunes, scrublands and arid grasslands
- Search for monitor lizards, agamids, desert geckos, skinks and nocturnal snakes
- Expert led spotlight surveys and night drives through remote desert terrain
- Photography opportunities with some of India’s rarest reptile species
- Small group expedition with daily species reviews and field discussions
- Optional bird and mammal watching alongside reptile focused sessions
- Stay at a comfortable desert camp close to prime herping habitats near Jaisalmer
- A rare chance to explore the Thar Desert beyond its famous forts and sand dunes
Tour Overview
Thar Desert Herping Expedition
The Thar Desert is one of India’s most underrated wildlife destinations. While most visitors come for the forts and sand dunes, a quieter and equally fascinating world exists here after dark. The Thar is home to a remarkable variety of reptiles, from fast moving agamids and monitor lizards to secretive nocturnal geckos and desert snakes that are rarely seen and even more rarely photographed. This five day herping expedition takes you deep into the dunes, scrublands and arid grasslands around Jaisalmer in search of these extraordinary desert specialists. Led by an expert expedition leader, each day is structured around the natural rhythms of desert wildlife, early morning basking hours, midday rest and long productive nights with spotlights and patience. This is a niche experience designed for reptile enthusiasts, wildlife photographers and naturalists who want to see a side of India that most travellers never find.
Tour Itinerary
Thar Desert Herping Expedition
- Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Desert Herping
- Day 2: Dune Ecosystems and Night Search
- Day 3: Exploring Remote Desert Habitats
- Day 4: Advanced Herping and Wildlife Observation
- Day 5: Final Search and Departure
Contact Us
Tour Information
Booking Procedure
To confirm your seat, a 50% advance amount along with a recognized Government Identity card (Aadhar, Pancard, Driver’s License, OCI, Passport, Voter’s ID, school/College ID) is to be sent to us.
For non Indian nationals, only Passport is allowed.
Id’s should be scanned and emailed at [email protected]
Inclusion
- Accommodation in desert camp or lodge for 4 nights with all meals
- Expert expedition leader throughout the tour
- All night herping excursions, spotlight surveys and night drives
- Morning and afternoon field sessions each day
- Species identification guidance and field documentation support
- Bottled water during all field sessions and transfers
- Camera fee wherever applicable
- Assistance on arrival and departure
Exclusion
- Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, liquor, à la carte food, etc.
- International or domestic airfares and rail tickets.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips and Gratuities.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
Cancelation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Guest Testimonials
We thank all of our guests for trusting Big Cats India and for trusting us with planning their wildlife holiday with us.
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