The name “Longewala” or “Laungewala” itself raises heartbeat of millions of Indians and of the citizens of the neighbor country, who faced heat at this place. I doubt that, any Indian has missed the movie “Border” released in the year 1997, if anyone has still not seen, I would request to go and watch this movie. The movie is the biggest tribute to the soldiers who fought for our future and it will fill heart of any Indian with pride and respect for soldiers of our country. This feeling crosses the limit when you are actually present at the place where this historic event took place and signs of the epic moments could be easily seen and felt.
During my recent Jaisalmer visit, a day was reserved for Laungewala post, which I missed during my previous backpacker trip in the year 2013. But this time I was determined to visit this historic place, so I had reserved a day for this place, in order to have full time to witness the history.
Distance and Entry requirements
The Laungewala post is 126 kms away from the Jaisalmer and 15 kms before the international border. So, being located in a military zone, entry is allowed to only Indian nationals. Even NRIs are also not allowed to visit Laungewala, so question of foreign nationals getting permission to Laungewala does not arises. So, before visiting to Laungewala, one must ensure to have sufficient documentary evidence to prove nationality else trouble will wait at the border.
I had nothing to worry in visiting Laungewala and neither did my wife, who was also accompanying me, being citizen of India.
Transportation
Weather in the month of February was very good to visit Laungewala, since it was windy in the desert region along with light sun-shine, which means a perfect day to visit Laungewala.
I had to book a cab from Jaisalmer to visit Laungewala which costed me INR. 3000 fur full day trip to Laungewala and Tanot Mata Mandir. It was indeed high but for the peak tourist season, but it was the minimum quote of most of the taxi operators.
Alternatively, bike was also available for hire, but the hire charges for bike was high, if the travel itinerary includes Laungewala. Some reasons as provided by the bike owners were logical and some illogical.
Logical reason was, location of Laungewala was far from the city and that too in a desert area, so it is risky for the vehicle owners to give bike for outstation tour, and in case of any breakdown or tyre puncture, it would be difficult for vehicle owners to get the vehicle back. But the illogical reason was that, inspite of charging high price for the bike, they would not provide any support in case of any emergency with the vehicle and the rider had to manage the situation. So after getting these logics, it was better to hire a cab, since I was not carrying any bike accessories with me which can help me in case of any emergency in desert. These rules to take bike to Laungewala was very different from common bike hire rules, which I had witnessed so far in my journeys in so many countries or Indian states.