Excellent and authentic experience in the thar desert away from the big groups of camel safaris and tourist touts. Ratan and his family were great hosts and did everything they could to make our stay comfortable. Food was delivered to us and we had wood and matches for a fire. We had lots of blankets and warm chai! It is very cold in January so be warned! There is no electricity and no bathroom (ratan does have plans to build one so this may change)
Be aware of how basic the accommodation is, for us this made the experience really special but it might not be for everyone. We also got taken on a tour of the village which was great.
If you are looking for unique and back to basics this is for you. We purchased lots of water and lots of snacks before we went which came in handy! There is nothing nearby so do be warned. And definitely don't underestimate how cold it is in the winter!
We paid a lot more than the average price as it was peak season which for us was disappointing as we don't think it's fair to be charged double just because of the dates.
Nika house is a perfect place to unwind ..away from the city and away from all the noise and lights ..where the night sky is so beautiful....Ratan and his family are very friendly and very very simple. Every thing is basic but the experience is of a life time ..The food is also very nutritious and wholesome,
They arrange for pickup from station and back for a very nominal fee . Over all a very very good experience.I highly recommend the place.
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We stayed in Nika House for 2 days, around 2km from Chattrel/20km from Jaisalmer. Everything met our expectations. The huts are kept really well and authentic and located off the touristic path. Sleeping under the stars was amazing and the "real desert experience". The owner Ratan turned out to be a perfect host, guiding us the way, organising a riksha and even a camel ride! He is extremly thoughtful and made our Jaisalmer trip a journey to remember. Next time we visit Rajasthan we'll come back again!
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I stayed in Nika House for 2 nights in June 2016 hoping for a local experience "off the tourist track" The contact with Ratan was easy and good. From Jaisalmer it was around 20km to the village Chatrel, where we were provided local homemade food and meeting welcoming villagers. For the day we were discovering village and surroundings. The simple hut, in which I slept, was located around 2km from there, isolated in the desert. An auto-rikshaw was also organised. We decided to take beds outside and slept under the stars. It was a unique experience and we couldn't have asked for more. Highly recommended!
My friend and I stayed in Nika House for two nights, which was undoubtedly one of our best experiences in our travels so far! During the day we spent time in the idyllic village of Chatrel, meeting villagers, strolling through nearby dunes and having a camel ride which was organised by our host Ratan. Luckily a autorikshaw was available, so that everything was accesible without own vehicle. After a delicious dinner we were brought to the huts
The two huts are isolated and given the heat we decided to sleep under the stars. Far off from everything we could perfectly enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
Ratan was always helpful and also helped us with the rest of our stay in Jaisalmer. we couldnt have asked for more!
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I stayed at the Nika House for 4 nights on the recommendation of a good friend and local of Jaisalmer. The Nika House is the perfect desert getaway. The surrounding landscape is stunningly beautiful, and the huts are rustic yet cozy. The food provided by the cook was delicious, and I had no problem staying cool and comfortable inside the huts. The village of Chantrell is nearby, offering fun diversions and opportunities to embrace the culture of desert life. But the best part of my experience was soaking in the desert landscape and gazing at the stars by the campfire. Although I stayed at the Nika House alone, I had a beautiful experience and plan to return soon with friends.
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Staying with this camel rearing family was one of the best experiences in my life so far. The hospitality the food was very very impressive. Big plus to Ratan's brother Fathan for organizing a great camel safari on request. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a rustic basic experience just like the locals live! Would go back again and again!
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