Best Things to Do in Jaisalmer (2027)

From headline sights to easy half-day trips, these are the best things to do in Jaisalmer, a Golden desert fort city in Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India, with tips drawn from how people really visit.

Jaisalmer is a desert city in western Rajasthan, built of golden sandstone and dominated by a fort that is still lived in today. It sits close to the Pakistan border and the Thar Desert, offering camel safaris, dune camps and ornate havelis. The atmosphere is quieter and more remote than Jaipur or Udaipur.

1. Explore Jaisalmer Fort

A living fort built of golden sandstone, with houses, shops, Jain temples and guesthouses inside its walls. Walk the lanes early, and be mindful of the strain on the fort’s old drainage.

2. Visit the havelis

Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli are mansions covered in intricate sandstone carving. Some are museums, and others are still homes.

3. Watch sunset at Gadisar Lake

A man-made lake with small temples and ghats, a quiet place at dusk. Boats are available for short rides.

4. Walk through Bada Bagh

A garden with royal cenotaphs built on a hill outside town. The domed structures glow at sunset.

5. Take a camel safari

Short rides to the Sam or Khuri dunes, or overnight trips with a desert camp. Choose reliable operators, and treat the animals respectfully.

6. See the Sam Sand Dunes

Rolling dunes about 40 km from town, popular for sunset and evening music. They are touristy, so consider Khuri for a quieter option.

7. Visit Kuldhara

An abandoned village a short drive from town, surrounded by desert. It is a place of local legend and a good photo stop.

8. Eat Rajasthani food

Try dal baati churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi and ghotua laddus. Rooftop restaurants face the fort.

Jaisalmer Quick Facts

• Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India.
• Type of place: Golden desert fort city.
• Best time to visit: Visit from October to March, when days are warm and nights are cool for desert camps and camel rides. Summers are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often above 40 °C, and the monsoon is short but humid.
• Suggested time: 2 to 3 days, or 1 full day plus a night if you are short on time.
• Busiest: December to February, especially during the Desert Festival. Quietest: May to August.

What to Eat in Jaisalmer

Try dal baati churma, ker sangri (a desert bean and berry dish), gatte ki sabzi and fresh lassi. Sweets include ghotua laddus and mawa kachori. Rooftop restaurants offer views of the fort at sunset.

Getting Around

Jaisalmer is about 280 km from Jodhpur, roughly 5 to 6 hours by road or an overnight train. The city has a small airport with limited flights. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and jeeps are used locally, and desert camps often arrange transfers.

Money-Saving Tips

Jaisalmer is affordable, with budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Fort entry is free, but some havelis and museums charge small fees. Camel safaris and desert camps vary widely in price, so compare options.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Visiting in summer when temperatures are extreme.
• Booking a camel safari without checking the animal care and the camp.
• Underestimating the cold on a winter desert night.
• Spending all time at the busiest dunes and missing quieter areas.

Best Time to Do These Things

Visit from October to March, when days are warm and nights are cool for desert camps and camel rides. Summers are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often above 40 °C, and the monsoon is short but humid. Desert nights in winter can be surprisingly cold, so bring a warm layer for camel safaris and camps. Book camps in advance for the festival and holiday weeks.

Top-Rated Tours in Jaisalmer

These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Jaisalmer, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.

• Private Heritage Walking Tour in Jaisalmer Fort and Old Bazaar — rated 5.0 from 325 reviews, from $20.
• Luxury Overnight Camping Jaisalmer — rated 4.9 from 232 reviews, from $52.
• Private Jaisalmer Fort & old city tour — rated 4.9 from 171 reviews, from $10.
• Off the beaten track overnight Camel Safari Tour Jaisalmer — rated 4.9 from 167 reviews, from $30.

How to Fit It All In

Most visitors need 2 to 3 days to cover the highlights without rushing, and 1 full day plus a night is enough for the essentials. Our Jaisalmer trip-length guide shows how to split the days, and the best time to visit page helps you choose the season. Desert nights in winter can be surprisingly cold, so bring a warm layer for camel safaris and camps. Book camps in advance for the festival and holiday weeks.

Plan Your Trip

More Jaisalmer planning help: best tours and experiences in Jaisalmer, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one thing to do in Jaisalmer?

Explore Jaisalmer Fort tops most lists. A living fort built of golden sandstone, with houses, shops, Jain temples and guesthouses inside its walls.

What can I do in Jaisalmer in one day?

Explore Jaisalmer Fort and the Jain temples while it is quiet.

Is it worth booking a guided tour in Jaisalmer?

Tours save time on logistics and often include entry or transport. Listed tours start around $10 with a typical price near $30. The most-reviewed option we list is Private Heritage Walking Tour in Jaisalmer Fort and Old Bazaar, rated 5.0 from 325 reviews and starting around $20.

Are there good day trips from Jaisalmer?

Visit Kuldhara and Eat Rajasthani food are popular add-ons. See our trip-length guide for how to fit them in.