Photo: pj bhumika / UnsplashJaisalmer
Rajasthan, India
The Golden City of the Thar Desert: a sandstone fort still lived in, carved merchant havelis, and nights under the stars in the dunes.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,300–2,500
- Mid-range / day
- ₹5,300–10,800
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 2–3 days
- Gateway
- Jaisalmer station (trains from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Delhi)
Jaisalmer rises out of the Thar Desert near the Pakistan border, built almost entirely of honey-coloured sandstone. Its fort, founded in 1156, is one of the few 'living forts' in the world, with homes, temples, and guesthouses still inside its walls, and is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan World Heritage Site.
Below the fort, merchant families built ornate havelis, and beyond the city lie the Sam and Khuri dunes, where most visitors spend a night at a desert camp.
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹3,900–7,500per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: The fort
Walk the lanes inside Jaisalmer Fort, visit the Jain temples and the fort palace, then watch sunset from a rooftop.
- 2
Day 2: Havelis and the dunes
Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli in the morning, Gadisar Lake, then drive to the dunes for a camel ride, sunset, and a night at a desert camp.
- 3
Day 3: Back to town
Sunrise in the dunes, the abandoned village of Kuldhara on the way back, and Bada Bagh's cenotaphs at sunset.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Mar: BestWarm days and cold desert nights, ideal for dune camps. The Desert Festival is usually in February.
- Apr–Jun: AvoidExtreme heat, often above 45°C; many desert camps close.
- Jul–Sep: MixedHot, humid, and occasionally rainy, with very few tourists.
Getting there
- By train
- Jaisalmer station has direct trains from Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Delhi, including overnight options.
- By road
- Buses run from Jodhpur (about 5 hours), Jaipur, and Udaipur.
- By air
- Jaisalmer's airport has limited, often seasonal flights; Jodhpur's airport is about 285 km away.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or hostel) | ₹500–1,000 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹350–600 | ₹800–1,300 |
| Local transport (auto, jeep) | ₹200–500 | ₹1,000–2,000 |
| Entry fees and desert trips | ₹300–600 | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Typical day | ₹1,300–2,500 | ₹5,300–10,800 |
A night at a desert camp with a camel ride, dinner, and breakfast is the main extra; prices vary widely, so compare what's included. Khuri is quieter and often cheaper than Sam.
Highlights
Jaisalmer Fort
A 12th-century sandstone fort where people still live, with temples and palaces inside.
Patwon ki Haveli
A cluster of five merchant mansions with intricately carved facades.
Sam and Khuri dunes
Camel rides, desert sunsets, and nights under the stars.
Gadisar Lake
A historic reservoir with temples and ghats, lovely at sunrise.
Practical tips
- Choosing a desert camp
- Camps range from simple to luxury. Read recent reviews, confirm what's included, and check the camp is registered.
- Protect the fort
- The living fort is under strain from water use and tourism; many travellers choose to stay outside its walls.
- Desert nights
- Temperatures drop sharply at night in winter; bring a warm layer for the dunes.
Jaisalmer FAQs
Is a desert camp in Jaisalmer worth it?
Yes, a night in the dunes with a camel ride and a clear sky is the highlight for most visitors. Compare camps carefully, as quality varies.
Sam or Khuri dunes?
Sam is closer and busier, with more camps and activities. Khuri is quieter and feels more remote.
How many days are enough for Jaisalmer?
Two to three days covers the fort, the havelis, and a night in the desert.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.