Two days in Jaisalmer is enough to see the highlights of the Golden City and spend a memorable night in the Thar Desert. This itinerary balances sightseeing with time to relax, so you come home with great memories rather than sore feet. Adjust it to your arrival time and pace, and use it as a starting point when you plan with our team.
Before you go
Jaisalmer is best visited between October and March, when days are comfortable and nights are cool. Most travellers arrive by train or road, and some fly into Jaisalmer on seasonal flights. Plan to stay one night in the city or arrive early on day one, and spend the second night at a desert camp near Sam Sand Dunes. If you want just one night in Jaisalmer, you can flip the plan: arrive, head straight to the desert, and see the city on day two.
Day 1 morning: Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila)
Start early at Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Qila, the golden fort that rises above the city. It is one of the few living forts in the world, with homes, shops, guesthouses and temples still inside its walls. Walk the narrow lanes, visit the Jain temples, known for their detailed stone carving, and climb to a viewpoint for sweeping views over the city.
Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets. Allow two to three hours.
Day 1 midday: the havelis
After the fort, walk to the old merchant mansions, or havelis, that make Jaisalmer famous. Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of five houses with intricately carved facades and balconies. Nathmal ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli are also worth seeing if you have time. Stop for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the fort.
Day 1 afternoon: Gadisar Lake
In the late afternoon, head to Gadisar Lake, a historic reservoir surrounded by temples, ghats and small shrines. It is a peaceful place to sit, watch the birds and take a short boat ride. Stay for the evening light, when the sandstone glows.
Day 1 evening: the city at night
Spend the evening exploring the markets around the fort for textiles, mirror work, leather goods and local crafts. Have dinner in the city and rest well for day two.
Day 2 morning: Kuldhara and the road to Sam
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Sam Sand Dunes. On the way, stop at Kuldhara, an abandoned village with rows of stone houses and many local legends. Walking through the empty lanes is an atmospheric experience. Depending on time, you can also visit nearby heritage sites such as Khaba Fort.
Day 2 afternoon: check in and relax by the pool
Arrive at your desert camp in the early afternoon. At Mayara Fort, you can settle into a Royal AC Swiss Tent, a Royal Luxury Tent with Jacuzzi or a Heritage Family AC Cottage, then cool off in the swimming pool before the evening adventures begin.
Day 2 late afternoon: desert safari and sunset
About an hour before sunset, set off for the dunes. Choose a camel safari for a slow, classic ride, or a jeep safari for speed and distance. Find a quiet dune and watch the sky turn from gold to rose. Adventure seekers can add quad biking or parasailing earlier in the afternoon, where available.
Day 2 evening: culture, dinner and stars
Back at camp, evening snacks are served as the folk musicians and dancers begin their performance in the courtyard. Dinner follows, along with a DJ party for anyone who wants to dance. For a special occasion, ask about a private dinner on the dunes. Before bed, step away from the lights for some stargazing.
Day 3 morning: sunrise and departure
If you can, wake up early and walk out to the dunes for sunrise, when the light is soft and the desert is quiet. Enjoy breakfast at the camp before heading back to Jaisalmer or onward to your next destination.
Tips for this itinerary
- Start sightseeing early to avoid the midday heat
- Wear comfortable shoes for the fort and havelis
- Book your desert camp in advance in peak season
- Arrange safaris and transfers before you arrive
- Carry cash for small purchases and tips
- Keep a light jacket for desert evenings
Adding a third day
With an extra day, slow the pace. Spend a full day at the camp with a long lunch, a second safari or a visit to nearby villages. You could also explore more of Jaisalmer, including Bada Bagh, with its royal cenotaphs, or the Desert National Park area. Our team can help design a custom plan.
Plan your Jaisalmer trip with us
Our team can help with transfers between the city and the camp, sightseeing and desert activities. Share your dates and interests on WhatsApp and we will help you shape the perfect itinerary.
Getting around Jaisalmer
The old city and the fort are best explored on foot, as many lanes are narrow and busy. For longer distances, auto-rickshaws and taxis are easy to find. To travel between Jaisalmer and Sam Sand Dunes, a private taxi or a transfer arranged through your camp is the most comfortable option, especially if you are carrying luggage or travelling after dark. Agree on fares in advance and allow about an hour each way.
Where to eat
Jaisalmer is a great place to try Rajasthani food. Look for dishes such as dal baati churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi and bajra roti, along with sweets like ghotua and mawa kachori. Rooftop restaurants around the fort offer views with your meal. At the desert camp, dinner and breakfast are included in your stay, so you can simply relax after your safari.
Shopping in Jaisalmer
The markets around the fort and Sadar Bazaar are full of colourful textiles, embroidered cushion covers, mirror-work bags, leather sandals, silver jewellery and carved stone pieces made from the local yellow sandstone. Take time to compare, bargain politely and ask shopkeepers about where items are made. Small handmade pieces make lovely souvenirs of your trip to the Golden City and are easy to carry home.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Jaisalmer?
Two days covers the fort, havelis, Gadisar Lake and a night at Sam Sand Dunes. Add a third day for a slower pace.
Should I stay in the city or the desert?
Ideally both: one night in the city and one at a desert camp.
How far is Kuldhara from Sam?
Kuldhara is on the way from Jaisalmer towards Sam, making it an easy stop.
Can Mayara Fort arrange transfers?
Yes. Transfers and sightseeing can be arranged on request and are quoted separately.