Jaisalmer

Overview

Jaisalmer is built from the same yellow sandstone as the ridge it stands on, which is why it glows at sunset. Its fort is one of the very few in the world still lived in — families, shops and temples inside the walls, not a museum.

Beyond the city, the Thar opens out into the Sam and Khuri dune belts, where the standard trip is a camel or jeep ride to the dunes for sunset, then a desert camp for the night.

Main attractions

Who should join

• First-time Rajasthan travellers — this is the classic desert trip
• Families, including elders (most sightseeing is by vehicle)
• Couples and photographers
• Culture and heritage travellers
• Winter travellers — summer here is genuinely extreme

How to reach

By road from Ahmedabad via Barmer or via Jodhpur — roughly 625 km, 10 to 11 hours. Most of our Jaisalmer departures use an overnight journey.

Jaisalmer has its own railway station with direct trains from Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. Nearest major airport is Jodhpur (about 285 km).

Things to carry

• Warm jacket — desert nights are cold in winter
• Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
• Scarf for dust on the dunes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lip balm and moisturiser
• Power bank

Frequently asked questions