What are the best things to do in Jaisalmer?
Top picks in Jaisalmer include Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), Patwon Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes camel safari, Gadisar Lake. See the full list and itinerary on this Jaisalmer travel guide.
Photo: Adrian Sulc · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Jaisalmer
Travel guide for Jaisalmer, India — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Jaisalmer is a stop in India, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), Patwon Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes camel safari instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 25–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Jaisalmer
1
Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)
2
Patwon Ki Haveli
3
Sam Sand Dunes camel safari
4
Gadisar Lake
5
Jain Temples in the fort
6
Kuldhara abandoned village
7
Bada Bagh chhatris
8
Desert National Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake
Jain Temples in the fort
Desert National Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Jaisalmer itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Jaisalmer Fort
- Visit Gadisar Lake
- Visit Jaisalmer War Museum
- Eat at Anchal Sweets
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
- Eat at Free Tibet Restaurant
Budget
Jaisalmer trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 90–150+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Jaisalmer, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Jaisalmer
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Jaisalmer mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–80 · luxury 90–150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Anchal Sweets
Free Tibet Restaurant
German Bakery
Lakeview Lounge Restaurant
Little Italy
Midtown restaurant
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Fort View
Hotel Jaisalmer Palace
Hotel Moonlight
Hotel Priya
Hotel Rajmandir
Shopping
- Bronze statues
- Jewel Caravan
- Shayama Cashmere Store
- Silk & Cashmere
- Silver Jewelry
- Indian crafts Boutique-Museum
Museums & culture
- Jaisalmer War Museum
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
In pictures
Jaisalmer gallery
Photos: Adrian Sulc, Aranya Bhadu, Talessman at English Wikipedia, Vineethasara, Pinakpani, Const.crist — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Jaisalmer travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Jaisalmer?
Plan at least 2 days in Jaisalmer for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Jaisalmer?
Popular stays in Jaisalmer include Hotel Fort View, Hotel Jaisalmer Palace, Hotel Moonlight. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Jaisalmer cost?
On the ground in Jaisalmer (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–80, and luxury about 90–150+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Jaisalmer, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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