Jaisalmer Desert Escape | 4 Days in the Golden City

Six to seven days covers the classic triangle of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur comfortably, while eight to ten days lets you add Jaisalmer and the desert, or Ranthambore and Pushkar. Two weeks allows a grand loop through Bikaner, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh at a relaxed pace. For a first trip from Delhi, many travellers combine the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with a few extra days deeper into Rajasthan.

The most popular first-timer route runs Jaipur to Jodhpur to Udaipur, giving you the Pink City forts, the Blue City and Mehrangarh, and the lakes of Udaipur in a week. Add Jaisalmer between Jodhpur and Udaipur for the desert, or start with the Golden Triangle from Delhi via Agra and the Taj Mahal. We tailor the exact routing to your entry city, interests and pace.

Jaipur has the main international airport, with domestic airports at Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer for internal hops. Most travellers fly into Delhi or Jaipur and continue by private car or train. Rajasthan is very well connected by rail, including overnight trains between the major cities, and Delhi to Jaipur is a comfortable five to six hour drive on the expressway.

Rajasthan is one of the more visited and tourism-ready states in India and is generally safe, with our on-ground drivers and support throughout your trip. As anywhere, we recommend modest dress at temples and in smaller towns, avoiding intercity road travel late at night, and keeping to arranged transport. Our private packages are especially popular with families, couples and solo travellers who want a vetted driver and stays.

A comfortable private tour of the main cities typically starts around 18,000 to 30,000 rupees per person on twin sharing for six to eight days, covering a private car, three and four star stays, breakfast and sightseeing. Luxury heritage-hotel trips, desert camps and wildlife safaris cost more. We always share a clear, itemised quote up front and tailor the hotel category to your budget.

Yes, and it is one of the great joys of Rajasthan. Many former forts, havelis and palaces are now heritage hotels, from grand landmark stays in Udaipur and Jaipur to intimate family-run havelis in Jaisalmer and Bundi. We can build your trip around a few special heritage nights or keep it to comfortable modern hotels, depending on your taste and budget.

For most travellers it is a highlight. A night at a Sam or Khuri desert camp near Jaisalmer usually includes a camel or jeep ride onto the dunes for sunset, a Rajasthani dinner, folk music and dance around a bonfire, and clear desert stars. Camps range from simple to genuinely luxurious Swiss tents, and we match the standard to your comfort level.

Ranthambore is one of the best tiger reserves in India, but sightings are never guaranteed as these are wild animals across a large park. Doing two or three safaris across morning and afternoon slots greatly improves your chances, and summer months tend to offer the most sightings as tigers gather near water. Even without a tiger, the park is rich in deer, crocodiles, birds and the atmospheric Ranthambore Fort.

For the October to March season pack light cottons for the day and warm layers for cool desert nights, especially around Jaisalmer where temperatures can drop sharply after dark. Bring comfortable walking shoes for the forts, sunglasses, a hat and strong sunscreen, and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples. In summer, prioritise very light breathable clothing and sun protection, and carry plenty of water.