Khamma Ghani! Welcome to Jaisalmer, India’s Golden City, where every wall and stone glows like gold under the desert sun. Jaisalmer is not just a destination; it is an immersive experience of royal forts, ancient havelis, the vast Thar Desert, and the world’s only living fort.
If you are planning a short trip with friends or family, this 2-day, 1-night Jaisalmer itinerary covers how to reach, where to stay, what to see, and how much it may cost, so you can enjoy a smooth and memorable desert getaway.
Why Visit Jaisalmer, Rajasthan?
Jaisalmer is famous for its golden sandstone architecture, majestic fort, and vibrant desert culture that make it one of the most photogenic cities in Rajasthan. The city offers a rare combination of history, architecture, desert adventure, and local food in a compact, easy-to-cover layout over 2 days.
From watching the sunrise over Sonar Kila to witnessing folk dance under the starry desert sky, Jaisalmer gives you a royal feel in a short, well-planned trip.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from January to March, when days are pleasant and nights are cool, making sightseeing and desert activities comfortable. During these months, you can enjoy jeep safaris, camel rides, and cultural nights in the desert without suffering from extreme heat.
Avoid peak summer (April to June), as temperatures can get very high in the Thar Desert, making daytime travel and outdoor activities uncomfortable.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
By Train – Jaisalmer Junction
The most convenient way to reach the city is by train to Jaisalmer Junction, which is well connected to major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. If there is no direct train from your city, you can change trains at Jaipur or Jodhpur and then continue onward to Jaisalmer.
Many tour packages include pickup from Jaisalmer Junction, so once you arrive, a car or cab will usually be waiting to take you directly to your hotel or camp.
By Air – Nearest Airport
Jaisalmer has a small airport with limited or seasonal flights, so most travellers fly into Jodhpur Airport, which is about 275–300 km away. From Jodhpur, you can hire a private cab or take a bus to Jaisalmer, with the road journey taking around 4.5–5.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
This route is ideal if you are coming from cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad that have better connectivity to Jodhpur than to Jaisalmer.
By Road – Bus and Private Vehicle
Regular government and private buses connect Jaisalmer with nearby cities such as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Ahmedabad. Overnight sleeper buses are a popular budget option for backpackers and solo travellers looking to save on both time and hotel cost.
If you prefer flexibility, consider a self-drive car or private taxi, which gives you the freedom to stop for photos and food along the scenic desert highways.
Tour Packages for a Hassle-Free Trip
For a 2-day, 1-night trip, booking a complete Jaisalmer tour package can save time and effort, especially for first-time visitors. These packages usually include pickup and drop, city sightseeing, desert camp stay, jeep safari, camel ride, cultural night, and most meals.
A package is particularly helpful for families and groups, as it reduces the need to coordinate multiple bookings and negotiations on the spot.
Where to Stay in Jaisalmer
Stay Inside the Fort – Living Heritage Experience
One of the most unique experiences in Jaisalmer is staying in a guesthouse or homestay inside Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila). Many heritage-style stays offer fort views, rooftop cafés, and easy access to major attractions within walking distance.
This option is perfect if you love history, narrow lanes, and waking up to panoramic views of the golden city below.
Desert Camps near Sam Sand Dunes
If your priority is the Thar Desert experience, choose a desert camp stay near Sam Sand Dunes, about 40–45 km from the main city. Most camps provide Swiss tents or cottages, evening folk dance programs, bonfires, buffet dinners, and sunrise or sunset safaris.
Spending the night in the desert under a clear sky filled with stars is often the highlight of a short Jaisalmer trip.
Budget, Mid-Range and Luxury Options
– Budget travellers can find hostels and simple guesthouses both inside and around the fort area.
– Mid-range travellers have a wide choice of boutique hotels, heritage stays, and comfortable desert camps.
– Luxury seekers can opt for high-end resorts and premium desert camps offering private performances, fine dining, and more exclusive services.
Jaisalmer 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary
This 2D/1N Jaisalmer itinerary assumes you arrive early on Day 1 and leave on Day 2 night or Day 3 morning.
Day 1: Forts, Havelis and Golden Sands
Morning – Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila) and Local Food
Start your morning with a traditional Rajasthani breakfast near or inside the fort, trying dishes like Fateh Ki Kachori, Gothwa Laddu, and Dal Pakwan. A hearty local meal sets the tone for a full day of walking and sightseeing.
Next, head to Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Kila, built in 1156 by King Jaisal Singh. It is one of the rare “living forts” in the world, with thousands of residents, houses, shops, and temples still functioning inside the massive fort walls.
Inside the fort, do not miss:
– Royal Palaces: Visit the King’s and Queen’s Palaces, where an entry ticket (usually around a few hundred rupees per person) lets you explore royal rooms, tools, artefacts, and the King’s throne.
– Rooftop View: The palace rooftops offer a stunning, panoramic view of the golden city and the desert horizon.
For a deeper understanding of the fort’s history and hidden stories, hiring a licensed local guide is highly recommended.
Late Morning – Bari Haveli Museum, Jain Temples and Fort Market
After exploring the main fort complex, walk to Bari Haveli Museum, a multi-storey haveli museum that showcases old artefacts, traditional lifestyle items, and beautiful interiors. The ticket is usually modestly priced and the haveli is great for photography.
Nearby, the ancient Jain Temples inside or near the fort are known for their detailed stone carvings and peaceful ambiance. Dress modestly and remember that photography may be restricted or limited in certain areas.
As you exit, stroll through the Fort Market, where colourful shops line the narrow lanes, selling:
– Handcrafted jewellery and home décor
– Camel leather products
– Rajasthani outfits, dupattas, and turbans
This is a good time to pick up souvenirs and soak in the living-fort vibe.
Afternoon – Patwon Ki Haveli and Gadsisar Lake
Post lunch, head to the iconic Patwon Ki Haveli, a group of five havelis built between the early and mid-1800s by a wealthy trader for his sons. Each haveli has intricate carvings, jharokhas, murals, and courtyards that showcase the grandeur of old Marwari merchant life.
Inside the open havelis, you will find:
– Vintage furniture and utensils
– Antique locks, cycles, and everyday tools from past centuries
– Beautiful balconies and windows perfect for Instagram-worthy photos
Next, visit Gadsisar Lake, historically a key water reservoir for the city. The lake is surrounded by chhatris and temples, creating a calm and scenic atmosphere, especially towards sunset.
You can also enjoy boating here for a small fee, making it a relaxing break before heading toward the desert.
Evening – Sam Sand Dunes, Desert Safari and Sunset
By late afternoon, drive around 40–45 km from the city to reach your desert camp near Sam Sand Dunes. After a short rest and welcome drink at the camp, head out to the dunes for your desert adventures.
Popular activities include:
– Jeep Safari: A thrilling ride up and down the sand dunes, best enjoyed during golden hour before sunset.
– Camel Safari: A slower, more traditional desert experience that is perfect for photos and watching the colours of the sky change.
Sunset over the dunes is one of the most memorable moments of a Jaisalmer trip, so try to reach in time and carry your camera, scarf, and sunglasses.
Night – Cultural Program, Folk Dance and Dinner
After returning from the dunes, most camps welcome guests with tea, snacks, and a traditional Rajasthani greeting. As the evening sets in, a Rajasthani cultural program usually begins around the central stage or bonfire.
You can expect:
– Live folk music
– Kalbelia or other traditional folk dances
– Guest participation segments like simple dance steps or clapping along
The night typically ends with a buffet dinner featuring local dishes such as Dal Bati, Churma, Sangri ki Sabzi, rotis brushed with ghee, and sweet dishes. After dinner, you can enjoy some quiet time under the stars before resting in your tent or cottage.
Day 2: Tanot Mata Temple, Longewala and Light & Sound Show
Morning – Drive to Tanot Mata Temple
Wake up early, have breakfast at the camp or hotel (often Poha, Puri Sabzi, or similar Indian breakfast items), and prepare for a long but rewarding day trip towards the India–Pakistan border.
The drive from Jaisalmer to Tanot Mata Temple is around 120–130 km and can take about 3.5–4 hours. The road cuts through stark desert scenery, giving you a real feel of the Thar region’s expanse.
Tanot Mata Temple holds deep spiritual and historical significance, especially due to events during the 1965 and 1971 wars. It is often called the temple of miracles, as many shells fired in the area reportedly did not explode or damage the temple during wartime.
The temple today is maintained with the support of the Border Security Force, and in some areas you can see carefully preserved unexploded shells on display, adding to the emotional impact of the visit.
Midday – Longewala War Memorial
After Tanot, drive about 30–40 minutes to reach Longewala War Memorial, the historic site of the 1971 India–Pakistan war. This is the same battle depicted in popular movies and is one of the most famous examples of a small Indian post successfully holding out against a much larger force.
At Longewala, you can:
– See captured Pakistani tanks and military vehicles on display.
– Visit the museum and watch a documentary film that explains how the battle unfolded.
– Read about the role of the Indian Air Force, army units, and the bravery of soldiers who defended the post.
The visit is both informative and emotional, making you feel a strong sense of pride and respect for the armed forces.
Evening – Return to Jaisalmer and Gadsisar Light & Sound Show
After exploring Longewala, drive back to Jaisalmer city, reaching by late evening depending on your start time and breaks. Once back, head again to Gadsisar Lake, this time for the Light & Sound Show.
The show usually takes place in the evening and narrates the history of Jaisalmer, its rulers, battles, and the importance of water and trade in the region’s development. It is a beautiful way to conclude your trip, tying together everything you have seen across forts, havelis, desert, and border sites.
Jaisalmer Trip Budget for 2 Days, 1 Night (Approximate)
Exact costs will vary by season and preference, but here is a rough idea for planning:
– Travel to Jaisalmer:
– Train (sleeper/3AC): budget-friendly to moderate per person depending on class.
– Flight to Jodhpur + cab: higher but saves time.
– Stay (1 Night):
– Budget guesthouse/hostel: low range per night for two people.
– Mid-range hotel or desert camp: moderate range per night.
– Luxury resort/camp: higher range per night.
– Food (2 Days):
– Street food and simple meals: low to moderate per day, per person.
– Mid-range restaurants and camp buffets: higher per day, per person.
– Sightseeing & Activities (Per Person):
– Fort, palace and haveli entry tickets: combined moderate amount.
– Boating at Gadsisar Lake.
– Desert jeep safari + camel ride (often part of camp package).
– War memorial/museum tickets and any paid shows.
For a budget traveller, Jaisalmer 2D/1N can be done economically, while a mid-range traveller or family can expect a comfortable but still reasonable total for the full experience.
Practical Travel Tips for Jaisalmer
– Packing: Carry a light scarf, cap or hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle for daytime sightseeing. Nights in winter can be surprisingly cool, so pack at least one warm layer.
– Footwear: Wear comfortable closed shoes or sandals that are easy to clean, as sand gets everywhere in the desert.
– Money & Connectivity: UPI and cards are common in the city, but keep some cash for small stalls, remote areas, and tips. Network may be weaker in some desert and border regions.
– Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly at religious places, remove footwear where required, and avoid loud behaviour at temples and memorials.
– Photography: Always ask before clicking close-up photos of locals, especially performers, and respect areas where photography is restricted.
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