If you are planning your first visit to India, this Jaisalmer itinerary is perfect for you.
Jaisalmer is a wonderful Rajasthani city to explore. With two or three days in Jaisalmer you can see all the highlights of the Golden City. Visit the famous Jaisalmer Fort, explore the old city, see the historic havelis and bustling colourful bazars and take a camel safari in India’s Thar Desert.
In this guide, we will help to plan the perfect two or three-day visit to Jaisalmer. We cover the top sights to visit, how to get to Jaisalmer and how to get around, where to stay, where to eat and of course how to plan your time.
So far, we’ve visited Jaisalmer six times! It is our favourite city in north India and one we highly recommend for your itinerary.
- About Jaisalmer
- Things to do with 2 or 3 days in Jaisalmer
- How long do you need?
- Best time to visit?
- Summary – 2- or 3- Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
- Details – 2- or 3- Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
– Day 1 – in Jaisalmer
– Day 2 – in Jaisalmer
– Day 3 – in Jaisalmer - Have longer than 2 or 3 days in Jaisalmer?
- Getting there
- Getting around in Jaisalmer
- Where to eat
- Where to stay in Jaisalmer
About Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was established in the 12th century by the Rajput king Rawal Jaisal as a fortress town rising from the sands of the Rajasthan Thar Desert.
Local craftsmen used the abundant yellow sandstone from the desert to fashion the solid ramparts of the fort.
During the 16th and 18th century the geographical location of Jaisalmer made it an important stop on the camel merchant trade lines between India and Central Asia on the historic Silk Road. At this time textiles were a big part of the trading that Jaisalmer is still famous for today.
In the centuries following the rise of shipping trade in the ever-growing port of what was then Bombay (Mumbai) saw the city decline as a vital stop on trading routes. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 Jaisalmer became more isolated and seemingly the remoteness sealed the fate of the city.
However today tourism in Jaisalmer is steadily on the incline. There is history and a vibrant culture and lots of unique things to do in Jaisalmer.
- Read about getting an e-Visa for India, arriving at Delhi International Airport and how to get a SIM card for India.
Best things to do with 2- or 3- days in Jaisalmer
Below is a list of the places to visit if you have 2 or 3 days in Jaisalmer.
- Thar Desert
- Overnight Camel Safari
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Jain Temple
- Laxminath Hindu Temple
- Villagers Market
- Gadisar Lake
- Amar Sagar Gate
- Mandir Palace
- Tazia Tower
- Desert Art Gallery
- Patwa Haveli
- Nathmal Ki Haveli
- Vyas Chatri Brahmin Tombs
- Royal Chatri
All of these are included on this 3-day Jaisalmer itinerary.
How many days are enough for Jaisalmer? Is a 2- or 3- day Jaisalmer itinerary best?
Two or three days in Jaisalmer is a great addition to your overall India itinerary. (It is our favourite place in India!).
With 2 days in Jaisalmer you can take an overnight camel safari in the Thar Desert and see the Jaisalmer Fort. These are the main highlights of Jaisalmer.
Though with just two days in Jaisalmer it will be a rushed visit as getting to Jaisalmer makes for a decent travel day (train, bus or plane) on either side of the overnight camel safari.
3 days in Jaisalmer is ideal to take an overnight camel safari, stop at the desert sites, tour the iconic Jaisalmer Fort and explore the old city havelis, bustling bazars and culture of Jaisalmer.
- Read our complete and detailed itinerary for Rajasthan.
What is the best time of year to visit Jaisalmer?
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the winter months from October to March. The temperature at this time of year is between 10°c to 27°c with a pleasant arid desert climate.
Although it’s renowned for being the best time of year to visit and thus it can be more crowded, you won’t notice the crowds in the expanse of the Thar Desert.
This time of the year has perfect weather for exploring all the best things to do in Jaisalmer during the longer, sunny days.
Summary – 2- or 3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
First up here is a summary of what to see with two or three days in Jaisalmer.
DAY 1 – Jaisalmer
- Villagers Market
- Amar Sagar Gate
- Mandir Palace
- Tazia Tower
- Lunch
- Thar Desert Overnight Camel Safari
DAY 2 – Jaisalmer
- Return from Thar Desert
- Patwa Haveli
- Nathmal Ki Haveli
- Pansari Bazar
- Jaisalmer Fort*
- Gadisar Lake
DAY 3 – Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort Tour
- Jain Temple
- Laxminath Temple
- Desert Art Gallery
- Vyas Chatri Brahmin Tombs
- Royal Chatri
*If you have two days in Jaisalmer you will visit the Jaisalmer Fort on Day 2.
Detailed 2- or 3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
Here is the complete Jaisalmer itinerary for three days with details for each day, sites and stops to see.
The Day 2 afternoon itinerary schedule is adaptable if you only have two days in Jaisalmer.
- Read all about the things to do in Jaisalmer.
Day 1 – 3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
On Day 1 you have the morning to explore Jaisalmer before departing for the Thar Desert by Jeep around 2:00 – 3:00pm for the overnight camel safari.
Stop 1 – Villagers Market / Maharana Pratap Maidan Market
Start your Jaisalmer itinerary with a wander through the main market.
If you are going on a camel safari in Jaisalmer this is a good place to get a scarf and start your preparations to get desert-ready.
The main Jaisalmer market is more commonly known as the Villagers Market. It is named after Maharana Pratap Singh I who was the king of the Kingdom of Mewar in the present-day state of Rajasthan.
It is a bustling and lively marketplace with everything from brightly coloured and perfectly stacked fruits and vegetables to jewellery and bangles in the iconic style of the Jaisalmeri women.
Stop 2 – Hanuman Chowk
Continue through the market to the busy square of Hanuman Chowk. In Jaisalmer this square is locally known as ‘Chai Chowk’ for very good reason…
This part of the market is surrounded literally by chai stalls and kiosks.
The most famous and one of the oldest in the city is Prabhu Tea Stall. It is a firm favourite on our India Group Trips and a must-taste second stop on your Jaisalmer itinerary today. Look out for the small sign for Prabhu Tea Stall (or the huge pots of boiling chai).
- Tip: A cup of chai costs just 10 INR (10 cents) and – this is a bold statement – but Gavin reckons this might be the best chai we’ve tried in India!
Stop 3 – Tazia Tower
The Tazia Tower is visible from anywhere around Mandir Palace in the centre of town. You will even be able to see it from your bench seat at Prabhu Tea Stall.
It is a beautifully carved five-story tower that was constructed in the form of Tazia or tower that is usually part of Muslim religious funerary festivities.
The Tazia Tower in Jaisalmer was built in 1886 AD by Muslim carvers and presented as a gift to the imperial Hindu king, Maharawal Berisal Singh.
Stop 4 – Amar Sagar Gate
From Hanuman Chowk head next through Amar Sagar Gate and the entrance to Mandir Palace.
Amar Sagar Gate leads from the Villagers Market to Gandhi Chowk below the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the original historic gates into the old city of Jaisalmer.
Stop 5 – Mandir Palace and Badal Villas
Mandir Mahal is the central palace in Jaisalmer and residence of the current King of Jaisalmer, Maharawal Chaitanya Raj Singh.
Part of Mandir Palace has been transformed into a luxury heritage hotel and museum. The museum showcases artefacts, furniture, documents, and royal possessions giving you a glimpse of what life was once like for the Maharaja of the Golden City.
- Open: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Cost: 160 INR per adult
- Location: Ghandi Chowk
Stop 6 – Lunch
Return to your guesthouse for lunch. We always stay at the same guesthouse and can recommend that for your stay and camel safari. Plus the rooftop restaurant has epic views to the Jaisalmer fort while you lunch!
Get your small daypack packed with a toothbrush and your scarf for the overnight camel safari departing Jaisalmer around 2:00 – 3:00pm.
- Read everything you need to know about the overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer.
Stop 7 – Thar Desert Overnight Camel Safari
This is the highlight of any Jaisalmer itinerary!
Pretty much every hotel and business in town will offer you a camel safari. It is one of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer. But you definitely want to make sure you book a good one and also one that is ethical – to the camels, and to its workers.
- Tip: We booked our camel safari through owner Padam at Wanderlust Guesthouse.
Depart by Jeep for the Thar Desert around 1 – 1.5 hours away stopping at an ancient fort on the way.
Trek out into the desert on camels to reach your camp for the night. Enjoy nomadic hospitality of dinner cooked over the fire.
- Read everything you need to know about the overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer.
- Travel by Jeep to the desert.
- Stay overnight in the Thar Desert sleeping underneath the stars.
Day 2 – 3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
Stop 1 – Return from Thar Desert
Wake up in the desert for a hot chai and breakfast cooked on the fire. Ride your camel back to the nomad village and from there you will take a jeep back to Jaisalmer.
What an adventure!
Stop 2 – Guesthouse
Enjoy a relaxed lunch back at the guesthouse (and a shower after the desert).
If you have two days in Jaisalmer this afternoon will be the time to see Jaisalmer Fort and Gadisar Lake.
If you have three days for your Jaisalmer itinerary you can jump ahead to Stop 4 below and take a walk through Pansari Bazar for sunset at Gadisar Lake.
Stop 3 – Jaisalmer Fort
*This stop on the Jaisalmer itinerary is suited if you have two days in Jaisalmer. Otherwise, for the 3-Day Jaisalmer itinerary skip ahead to Stop 4 today.
After freshening up and having lunch on the guesthouse rooftop, take a walking tour of the Jaisalmer Fort.
This will be the perfect opportunity to learn about this historic golden city of India as well as make the most of some souvenir shopping in the Fort market place.
- Read about what to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
Stop 4 – Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal), Patwa Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli
From your guesthouse set out in the general direction of Jaisalmer fort and Pansari Bazar to see the Jaisalmer havelis – Moti Mahal, Patwa Haveli, Nathmal Haveli.
These were the elaborate homes of Jaisalmer’s rich merchants.
Salam Singh ki Haveli (Moti Mahal) was built in 1815 as residence of the influential Mahta family. It has been beautifully carved with exquisite details in the roof and brackets decorated ornately with peacocks.
Patwon Ki Haveli is the largest and the oldest mansion complex in Jaisalmer. It was built in 1805 as one of a group of five Haveli built for the Patwa brothers.
- Tip: Entry to Patwa Haveli costs 200 INR ($2 USD) per adult.
Ignore the original hand painted tourist prices at the entrance. (They haven’t been updated in a decade).
Nathmal Haveli was built in the late 19th century and was once the residence of the prime minister. It is still an inhabited house today and occupied by descendants of the original owners.
If you stand back and look at the front of the building you can notice (on a second look) the difference between the design on the right and the left sides.
The left and right wings of the haveli were the work of two brothers whose competitive spirit has been left preserved in the different details of the design. One architect carved the left side, and one carved the right but somehow the result is of perfect harmony and detail!
Stop 5 – Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by historic temples, shrines and ghats just on the outskirts of the city. It is a peaceful and scenic (and popular) site and one of the must-see things to do in Jaisalmer.
The lake was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer and later reconstructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in 1367 AD.
It is said the lake once provided water to the entire town and thus has a long history of significance for Jaisalmer once serving as an integral water source for the city.
There is no entry fee to visit the lake.
It is best to visit at sunset when the crowds are (generally) less and makes a nice end to the day.
- Tip: You can get an auto-rickshaw from the lake back to your guesthouse.
Stop 6 – Dinner
Finish Day 2 of your Jaisalmer itinerary with dinner on the rooftop terrace of your guesthouse.
- Read about Rajasthani food to try in Jaisalmer.
Day 3 – 3-Day Jaisalmer Itinerary
Stop 1 – Breakfast on the rooftop
Start Day 3 of your Jaisalmer itinerary with a traditional breakfast.
If you haven’t yet tried Paratha this is a typical Indian breakfast with a layered fried flatbread (delicious) served with fresh curd and pickle.
Stop 2 – Bhatia Market and Jandani Chowk
After breakfast, set out on foot from your guesthouse in the direction of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Bhatia Market is the main market lane that starts from Gandhi Chowk near the first gate into the old city and leads all the way to the base of the fort.
There is everything you can think of for sale in Bhatia Market.
From tailors to shops selling brightly coloured garlands and offerings to the deities. And fabrics and textiles for locals and tourists alike. There are school uniform shops and stationery kiosks next to leatherwork galleries. And pharmacies and paan stalls and everything in between.
About halfway to the fort is a small central chowk with a humble looking market sprawled and spread across the square. Here the women sell vegetables and fruits from the nearby farms.
Stop 3 – Jaisalmer Fort
As well as taking a camel safari in the Thar Desert, the fort is undisputably the main attraction in Jaisalmer and lives up to all expectations.
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the world’s largest fully preserved forts and one of the very few ‘living forts’ in the world with nearly one fourth of the old city’s population still residing within the fort walls.
The fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and derives its name from two words – Jaisal and Meru. The name Jaisal is from the king Rawal Jaisal and Meru is the name of an unassailable mythical mountain of the Gods in the Himalayas.
Inside the fort are Jain temples that date back to the 14th century along with the ornately decorated Laxminath Hindu temple.
The main Maharajah Palace above the main entrance to the inner fort courtyard has a fantastic audio tour. And there are cafes and souvenir shops inside and an entire labyrinth of beautiful sandstone-surrounded lanes to get lost in.
- Tip: Head first for the Jain Temple Shree Chandraprabhu Swami. This is only open in the morning so for the 3-day Jaisalmer itinerary visit the Jain Temple in the fort first.
- Read about things to see in Jaisalmer Fort.
Stop 4 – Jain Temple / Shree Chandraprabhu Swami Ji Temple
Within the fort there are seven yellow sandstone Jain temples that date back to the 14th century.
The largest and most extravagant of the Jain temples is Chandraprabhu built in 1509. No mortar was used in the construction of the whole temple. Instead the blocks of masonry are held together by iron staples.
- Open: 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Cost: 300 INR per adult
Stop 5 – Laxminath Temple
This is the central Hindu temple in the middle of Jaisalmer Fort. The Laxmi temple is recognisable by the brightly decorated dome although the style is much simpler than the neighbouring and iconic Jain temples.
The entrance is recognisable by the silver architrave around the doorway to the main inner sanctum. And both the external and internal doorways and the main shrine inside are heavily garlanded with brightly coloured offerings.
- Tip: There is no charge to enter the Laxminath Temple.
Stop 6 – Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre
The main Maharajah Palace above the entrance to the fort chowk has a fantastic audio tour.
Even if you aren’t normally one for museums, the audio tour at the palace is only 40 minutes long and really gives a great – short – description and outline of Jaisalmer and its importance geographically and culturally in India.
It is worth the time!
- Open: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Cost: 250 INR per adult
- Location: Maharajah Palace, Jaisalmer Fort
Stop 7 – Desert Art Gallery / Jaisalmer Fort
Before you leave the fort stop in at the incredible Desert Art Gallery.
Jaisalmer is famous for its textiles. The city itself was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road trading routes between India and Central Asia. And although Jaisalmer suffered a decline in trade after the expansion of Mumbai ports it still held onto the value of exchanging textiles as dowry within tribes in the region.
This place – the family-owned Desert Art Gallery – is one of the reasons we keep returning to Jaisalmer. Bhawani and his brother Sawai have created what is the largest collection of textiles and handicrafts, carpets, rugs, and patchwork wall hangings all from the nomadic tribes and gypsies of the region.
As any traveller to India knows there are many imitations and potential traps as far as souvenir shopping. But this gallery is something Jaisalmer can be very proud of. All these fragile antiques have been collected and lovingly repurposed to create original and unique items.
You will find Desert Art Gallery just inside the fort to the left of the original Ganesh Pol gate. Or if you ask, anyone will point you in their direction.
Stop 8 – Lunch
By now it will be lunchtime and what better place to dine than in a palace?!
Stop for lunch back down in Ghandi Chowk at Mandir Palace Restaurant or the Trio Restaurant. Both of these have palatial views and serve Indian, Chinese and continental lunch.
Stop 9 – Vyas Chhatri
Take an auto-rickshaw from the Villagers Market to the Vyas Chhatri just on the outskirts of Jaisalmer.
Chhatris are a type of Indian funerary monument or chapel built over a tomb. The Vyas Chhatris in Jaisalmer are the tombs and cremation grounds for Brahmin.
The style of Chhatris are an important aspect of Rajasthani architecture and the memorial site is a peaceful and picturesque sunset point from which to view the fort.
- Open: Sunrise – sunset
- Cost: 100 INR per person
- Location: Bada Bagh
Stop 10 – Bada Bagh / Royal Chhatri Cenotaphs
Continue by auto rickshaw to Bada Bagh about six kilometres north of Jaisalmer.
Bada Bagh is a garden complex where a set of royal chhatri cenotaphs adorn the hilltop.
These are the royal tombs and the site of cremation for the Maharajas of the Jaisalmer State in the 18th, 19th and early 20thcenturies.
The views at sunset are spectacular and the site is often popular for pre and post-wedding photoshoots. (And why not?!).
- Open: Sunrise – sunset
- Cost: 300 INR
- Location: Bada Bagh
Stop 11 – Dinner
What a busy but satisfying day!
Finish the third day of your Jaisalmer itinerary with dinner overlooking the Jaisalmer Fort.
- See suggested places to eat in Jaisalmer below.
Have longer than 2 or 3 days in Jaisalmer on your India itinerary?
If you have more than two or three days in Jaisalmer there is more to see and plenty more to taste!
- Read about the other things to do in Jaisalmer.
Getting there
Despite being the end of the railway line and quite literally the furthest west city in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is connected by road, rail and air.
Getting to Jaisalmer by air / flights to Jaisalmer
Flights to Jaisalmer are a sought-after commodity in the tourist season (winter) from October to March. But for the rest of the year there are no commercial flights to Jaisalmer.
Usually, the flights to Jaisalmer start around the time of Diwali – in October or November – and once flights are running for the season there are daily flights from Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
- Tip: Jaisalmer Airport is 12km from the city. The airport also operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Air Force base, so photographs are prohibited.
Getting to Jaisalmer from Delhi by train
If you are travelling in the off-season for flights from Delhi to Jaisalmer, the next best option is to travel by train.
Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) is the end of the railway line but there is a daily overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer.
- Read about the overnight train from Delhi to Jaisalmer.
- Book tickets for train from Delhi to Jaisalmer online through 12GoAsia.com.
Getting to Jaisalmer from Jaipur by train
There are three main trains to Jaisalmer from Jaipur:
- RANIKHET EXP (15014)
- SHALIMAR EXP (14646)
- LEELAN EXP (12468)
Traveling from Jaipur to Jaisalmer by train takes between 12 – 15 hours.
- Read how to get the train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
- Book tickets for train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer online through 12GoAsia.com.
Getting to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur or Bikaner by bus
If the arrival hours of the trains to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur and Bikaner don’t appeal there are regular buses during daytime hours.
- Jodhpur to Jaisalmer: There are hourly buses departing during the day between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer in both directions.
- Bikaner to Jaisalmer: There are two daily buses (06:00H and 14:00H) that depart from Jaisalmer to Bikaner and similarly in the other direction.
The journey is around 6 hours by bus. It is easy to book tickets for the bus through your accommodation host the day before.
- Read about travel in India by bus and how to get the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
Getting to Jaipur from Jaisalmer
In the other direction from Jaisalmer to Jaipur it is easy to take a sleeper train overnight. We make this journey regularly with our Group Trips in India!
There are several options for the train from Jaisalmer to Jaipur.
- Read how to take the train from Jaisalmer to Jaipur.
- Book tickets for train from Jaisalmer to Jaipur online through 12GoAsia.com.
Getting around in Jaisalmer
It is easy to see most of things to do in Jaisalmer on foot. Though be prepared for a lot of walking!
Otherwise within the city it is straightforward and cheap to flag down an auto rickshaw to get back to your accommodation or to and from the train station.
To get to the desert for the camel safari the most common transport in Jaisalmer is by Jeep.
Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Jaisalmer
Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Jaisalmer and be sure to try Ghotua – the traditional Jaisalmeri sweet that the city is famous for.
- Natti’s Chai Shop: The small Natraj Restaurant in Ghandi Chowk is our favourite place for a cold drink and chat with owner, Natti. He is well known in town and is a real character!
- Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets: Operating for 12 generations! If you haven’t yet tried Jaisalmer’s iconic Ghotua – the most famous of Jaisalmeri sweets – this is the place to do it.
- Wanderlust Guesthouse Café: If you are nervous about trying street food or news foods in India, this is the perfect place to do it. Wanderlust has a great menu with homecooked Indian dishes and the best lassis in town.
- Bharat Juice Shop: This juice shop is one of the oldest drink cafes in Jaisalmer and is situated brilliantly between the Fort and Gadisar Lake.
- Trio Restaurant: Long-running eatery next to Mandir Palace serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
- Mandir Palace Restaurant: Rooftop restaurant overlooking the palace grounds serving Indian and international dishes.
- Prabhu Tea Stall: A bustling small shop in the centre of ‘Chai Chowk’ best visited in the morning. Gavin reckons this is the best chai we’ve tried in India!
Like with any Indian city there is a seemingly limitless choice of new foods to try, places to eat and chai to drink in Jaisalmer!
- Read about traditional Rajasthani food to try in Jaisalmer.
Accommodation and where to stay in Jaisalmer
This is our favourite place to stay in all of India.
Wanderlust Guesthouse is a small accommodation outside of the Fort and in walking distance to all the things to do in Jaisalmer within the old city.
Padam and his team at Wanderlust Guesthouse do an amazing job of hospitality with beautifully clean rooms, delicious food and the best camel safari in Jaisalmer.
The view from the terrace restaurant of the setting sun over Jaisalmer Fort is the kind that memories are made of.
It is a great place to stay, and no doubt will become a favourite of yours in India too.
- Read our review of Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
More about planning for travel in India and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your Jaisalmer itinerary!
