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
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
October to March.
Money notes
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.