Jaisalmer has a way of making you feel like you’ve walked into a storybook. Rising out of the Thar Desert, this golden sandstone city is famous for its living fort, beautifully carved old mansions, and dunes that stretch out as far as you can see.
There’s a lot to see, and it’s easy to overplan. If you’re wondering about Best things to do in Jaisalmer in 3 days, this simple, tried-and-tested itinerary covers the city’s top attractions while leaving enough time to soak in its unique desert charm. You’ll also find a few local tips along the way to make your trip even more memorable.
Quick Basics Before You Go
- Best time to visit: November to February. Days are pleasant (20–25°C) and nights are cool. Avoid summer (April–July) — it regularly crosses 45°C.
- Getting there: Jaisalmer Airport has winter flights from Delhi and Jaipur. Trains like the Runicha Express run straight into Jaisalmer.
- Getting around: Auto-rickshaws, a rented scooter, or a private cab all work fine for getting around town.
The Plan at a Glance
Day 1 — The Fort and a Desert Sunset
- Morning: Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila)
- Afternoon: Rajasthani thali for lunch
- Evening: Gadisar Lake, then sunset at Vyas Chhatri
Day 2 — Old Mansions, a Ghost Village, and the Dunes
- Morning: Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli
- Afternoon: Kuldhara, the abandoned village
- Evening: Camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes
Day 3 — Border History and Shopping
- Morning: Longewala War Memorial
- Afternoon: Tanot Mata Temple
- Evening: Shopping at Sadar Bazaar
Day 1: Inside a Living Fort, Then Chasing the Sunset
Morning at Jaisalmer Fort. Start early here — it’s one of the few “living forts” left in the world, and roughly a quarter of the old city’s population still lives inside its yellow sandstone walls. Wander through the narrow lanes, look up at the carved stone balconies (jharokhas), and step into the 15th-century Jain temples tucked inside the fort — the marble and sandstone carving is so fine it almost looks like lace.
A proper Rajasthani lunch. Find a rooftop café with a view over the city and order a thali — Dal Baati Churma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, and a cold Makhaniya Lassi (a thick, saffron-flavored yogurt drink with cream on top) make a great combination. Before heading back down, climb up to Cannon Point for a wide view over the yellow rooftops stretching toward the horizon.
Evening at Gadisar Lake. This 14th-century reservoir is a nice, easy stop — a pedal boat ride takes you past an ornate stone gateway sitting right in the water. Then head to Vyas Chhatri, a set of delicate sandstone cenotaphs, for one of the best sunset views in town.
Day 2: Ornate Mansions, a Haunted Village, and the Dunes
Morning with the havelis. Spend the morning at Jaisalmer’s old merchant mansions. Start at Patwon Ki Haveli — five connected mansions built by a wealthy brocade merchant in the 1800s, known for detailed stone lattice work. From there, walk to Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, the second one easy to spot thanks to its unusual peacock-shaped roof.
Afternoon at Kuldhara. On your way toward the dunes, stop at Kuldhara, a village abandoned since the 13th century. Local legend says around 800 Paliwal Brahmin villagers left overnight to protect their honor from a tyrannical minister — and that a curse has kept the village empty ever since.
Evening in the desert. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Sam Sand Dunes, about 45 km from the city — this is where the real desert experience starts. Check into a desert camp, take a camel ride or jeep out onto the dunes as the light turns gold, then spend the evening around a campfire with Kalbelia dance, folk music, and dinner under a sky full of stars.
Day 3: Border History and Local Shopping
Morning at Longewala. Drive out toward the Indo-Pak border to see the Longewala War Memorial, the site of the well-known 1971 Battle of Longewala (the same battle the film Border is based on). You’ll see captured tanks, old army jeeps, and short documentaries about the soldiers who fought there.
On the way back, Tanot Mata Temple. This temple sits close to the border. During the wars of 1965 and 1971, dozens of bombs reportedly landed around it without exploding — locals credit the temple’s protection.
Evening at Sadar Bazaar. Head back to the city and spend the evening shopping at Sadar Bazaar and Bhatia Bazaar. Good things to look for:
- Leather goods: camel-leather bags, journals, and juttis (traditional footwear)
- Textiles: mirror-work bandhani dupattas, Rajasthani quilts, wall hangings
- Handicrafts: yellow sandstone pieces and brass antiques
Desert Camp or Heritage Hotel?
| Option | Vibe | Activities | Best For | Suggested Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert camp (Sam/Khuri) | Starry, cultural, hands-on | Camel safari, jeep safari, folk dance | Adventure lovers, families, couples | 1 night |
| Fort heritage hotel | Royal, historic, cozy | Rooftop dining, spa, city walks | Photographers, history buffs, luxury seekers | 1–2 nights |
Food Worth Trying
- Ker Sangri — a classic dish of wild berries and beans cooked in buttermilk and spices.
- Laal Maas — a fiery mutton curry made with local Mathania red chilies.
- Pyaaz Kachori — a crispy fried pastry stuffed with spiced onions, best eaten hot with sweet chutney.
Common Questions Best Things to do in Jaisalmer in 3 days
How many days do I actually need in Jaisalmer? Three days and two nights is a good amount — enough time for the fort, the havelis, and a night out in the dunes, without rushing.
Is Jaisalmer Fort free to enter? Walking through the ramparts and residential lanes is free. Specific sites inside, like the Fort Palace Museum and the Jain temples, charge a small entry fee.
Sam or Khuri dunes — which is better? Sam is bigger and more popular, with commercial camps, live shows, and jeep safaris. Khuri is quieter and less crowded, and better if you want something more low-key.
Is an overnight desert camp safe? Yes — reputable camps offer secure tents, attached bathrooms, private security, and family-friendly setups.
How far is the desert from the city? Sam Sand Dunes is around 45 km away, roughly a 45–50 minute drive.
Can I visit the Indo-Pak border near Jaisalmer? Sites like the Longewala War Memorial and Tanot Mata Temple don’t need special permits. Getting to the actual border fence does require permission from the BSF and local authorities.
What should I wear? Breathable cotton during the day. It gets noticeably colder after sunset, so bring a light jacket or shawl if you’re visiting between November and February.
Is dune bashing okay for kids and seniors? Jeep dune bashing is fast and bumpy — better suited to fit adults and teens. Seniors or anyone with back issues might prefer a calmer camel ride or a slower jeep drive instead.
How do I get to Jaisalmer from Jaipur or Jodhpur? From Jodhpur (~280 km), it’s about a 5-hour drive or a train ride. From Jaipur (~550 km), an overnight train or a short flight is more comfortable. google.com
