Same Day Khichan Bird Sanctuary Tour from Jaisalmer
The Village of the Cranes. Watch the sky turn grey as 20,000 birds from Mongolia descend for breakfast in a village that treats them like gods.
Jaisalmer to Khichan Distance
170 km (One Way)
Drive Time
Approx. 2.5 Hours via NH-11 (Phalodi Highway)
Road Condition
Excellent / 2-Lane National Highway
Total Trip Duration
7 – 8 Hours (Morning Nature Trip)
Trip Overview
Khichan is a global phenomenon. Every winter, thousands of Demoiselle Cranes (Kurjan) fly over the Himalayas from Mongolia and China to land in this small village in the Thar Desert. Why? Because the villagers love them.
Decades ago, a few Jain villagers started feeding pigeons. The cranes noticed. Today, the village has a dedicated “Chugga Ghar” (Feeding House) where 5,000 kg of grain is spread daily. On this tour, you will witness a spectacle that has featured in documentaries worldwide: the sky darkens, the noise becomes deafening, and a carpet of grey birds covers the ground. It is a lesson in coexistence that you have to see to believe.
Trip Highlights
What makes this day trip unforgettable.
✅ The Feeding Ritual: Stand on the terrace and watch the “Breakfast of Champions.” Thousands of cranes land in disciplined waves to eat the grain. The sound of their “Karkara” calls is overwhelming.
✅ Bird Photography: Get world-class shots. The birds are wild but accustomed to humans, allowing you to get surprisingly close without a super-telephoto lens.
✅ Khichan Havelis: The village is also home to beautiful red sandstone Havelis built by the Oswal Jain merchants, similar to those in Jaisalmer but without the crowds.
✅ Khichan Lake: Visit the small water body where the cranes rest and drink after their meal.
✅ The Migration Story: Learn how these delicate birds fly at altitudes of 26,000 feet, crossing the deadly Himalayan peaks to reach this safe haven.
Timeline & Itinerary
06:30 AM: The Early Start
Your private chauffeur collects you in Jaisalmer. Birds eat early! We need to leave before sunrise to catch the main event. We drive east on NH-11 towards Phalodi.
09:00 AM: Arrival at Khichan
We reach the village. You can hear them before you see them.
The Chugga Ghar: We climb to the designated viewing terrace. Below, in a fenced enclosure, the grain is laid out.
The Landing: Watch the sky. Disciplined formations (V-shapes) circle the village. Then, they drop. It looks like a grey waterfall.
The Chaos: For the next hour, it is pure chaos. Birds eating, dancing, and calling out. It is nature’s own theater.
10:30 AM: Village Walk
After the feeding slows down, we take a walk through the village lanes.
The Architecture: Admire the intricate stone carvings of the old Jain Havelis. This village was once very wealthy, and the architecture proves it.
11:30 AM: Tea & Snacks
We stop at a local tea stall or a motel in nearby Phalodi (5 km away) for fresh tea and Mirchi Bada (Spicy Chili Fritters).
12:30 PM: The Return Journey
We begin the drive back to Jaisalmer. The cranes fly off to the salt lakes, and we head back to the fort.
03:00 PM: Doorstep Drop-off
We arrive back in Jaisalmer. We drop you right at your hotel.
Is This Trip Perfect For You?
✅ Bird Watchers: This is one of the best birding sites in India for a single species.
✅ Photographers: The light in the morning is perfect for capturing the massive flocks.
✅ Families: Kids are amazed by the sheer number of birds.
Choose Your Ride (Pricing & Vehicles)
Select the vehicle that fits your group size and comfort level. All vehicles are Air-Conditioned, clean, and driven by experienced chauffeurs.
The Comfort Sedan
Models: Toyota Etios / Maruti Dzire / Honda City
Perfect For: Couples or Solo Travelers (1-3 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Family SUV / MPV
Models: Toyota Innova Crysta / Kia Carens
Perfect For: Families or Small Groups needing extra legroom (4-6 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Group Traveller
Models: Tempo Traveller (Force)
Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater
Perfect For: Large Families or Friends Groups (7-16 Pax)
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
The Luxury Urbania
Model: Force Urbania (Premium)
Seating: 9 / 12 / 16 Seater
Perfect For: VIP Groups wanting business-class comfort
Price: On Request (Total Car Cost)
What’s Included / Excluded?
✅ Your Trip Includes
Doorstep Service: Pick-up and Drop-off from any Hotel/Station in Jaisalmer.
Private Transport: Exclusive use of the AC Vehicle (Not shared with strangers).
All Road Costs: Fuel, State Taxes, Tolls, and Parking fees are paid by us.
Essentials: Fresh Water Bottles & Tissues in the car.
❌ Your Flexibility (Excluded)
Donations: Villagers accept donations for the bird feed (Chugga). It is voluntary.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch.
Gratuity: Tips for the Driver (Optional but appreciated).
Important Notes:
Fair Surge: Trip costs may increase during peak dates (Diwali, Christmas, New Year).
Currency: All rates are in Indian Rupees (INR).
SEASONAL WARNING: This trip is ONLY valid from October to March. The birds migrate back to Mongolia in April. Do not book this trip in Summer (April-Sept); the village will be empty of birds.
Silence is Golden: Do not shout or make loud noises near the feeding enclosure. Sudden noises can cause a “stampede” where thousands of birds fly off in panic, potentially hurting themselves.
One Way Drop: A smart travel plan is Jaisalmer -> Khichan -> Drop in Jodhpur. Khichan is on the way to Jodhpur. This saves you a return trip!
Send Query for Same Day Khichan Bird Watching Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we feed the birds?
No. Tourists are not allowed to enter the feeding enclosure or throw food. The feeding is strictly managed by the "Pakshi Chugga Ghar" trust to ensure the birds get the right diet and are not disturbed. You can donate money to the trust instead.
Can we combine this with anything else?
Yes. You can visit the Pokhran Fort on the way back (it is on the same highway). Combo: Jaisalmer -> Khichan -> Pokhran Fort -> Jaisalmer.
Are there toilets?
Khichan is a small village. Basic toilets are available at the viewing point, but cleaner restrooms are available at motels in Phalodi (10 mins away).
Is it worth the 3-hour drive?
If you love nature, Yes. Seeing 15,000 to 20,000 large birds in one spot is a rare phenomenon. If you are not a nature lover, the 6-hour round trip might feel long.
Is it a Zoo?
No. These are 100% wild, migratory birds. They are free to leave whenever they want. They come here only because they feel safe.
What lens should I carry?
A 70-200mm or 100-400mm is perfect. You don't need a massive 600mm lens because the birds are very close (often within 50-100 feet).
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Why Book a Day Trip with Us?
Many travelers hire a simple taxi for day trips and regret it later. A long drive requires more than just a car; it requires comfort, safety, and local knowledge. At Heritage Rajasthan Tours, we treat your day trip as a curated experience. We ensure you have a clean, high-quality vehicle, a driver who knows the roads perfectly, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. We take the stress out of the journey so you can focus on the destination.
100% Private & Flexible
You are not stuck on a bus schedule. This is your private car. If you want to leave an hour later, stop for photos on the highway, or spend extra time at a temple, you can. It is your trip, your rules.
Curated Pit-Stops
We know the highway better than Google Maps. We know exactly which roadside dhabas serve the best masala chai and which toilets are clean. We ensure your breaks are just as good as the destination.
Verified & Safe Drivers
For long drives like Agra or Salasar, safety is the most important thing. Our drivers are police-verified, experienced on highways, and trained to drive smoothly. They are polite, professional, and put your safety first.
Transparent Pricing
Our day trip quotes include fuel, toll taxes, parking fees, and driver allowance. You will never be asked for extra money for the car during the trip. The price we quote is the price you pay.
About Rajasthan – The Land of Royal Heritage & Timeless Culture
Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” is India’s largest state and a living museum of royal heritage, vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes. From majestic forts and palaces to colorful bazaars, desert dunes and charming villages, every part of Rajasthan reflects a glorious past and a rich cultural soul.
Travelers can witness lively festivals, enjoy folk music and dance, savor authentic cuisine, and discover hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trail. With its blend of history, culture and warm hospitality, Rajasthan offers unforgettable journeys for history lovers, cultural explorers, and curious travelers alike.
Step into Rajasthan and experience a royal legacy that continues to inspire.