Thar desert: Jodhpur and Jaisalmer

Day 1: Arrive in Jodhpur

Jodhpur

• Clock Tower, Sardar Market and Toorji ka Jhalra · 2.5 h. Spices, textiles and makhaniya lassi around the Ghanta Ghar, then the restored stepwell nearby.
• Umaid Bhawan Palace museum · 1.5 h. An Art Deco palace, part hotel and part royal residence; the small museum and vintage cars are open to visitors.

Local tip: Spices, textiles and makhaniya lassi around the Ghanta Ghar, then the restored stepwell nearby.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Jodhpur

Jodhpur

• Mehrangarh Fort museum · 3 h. One of India's best-run forts: take the audio guide, see the palanquin and armoury galleries and the Phool Mahal. A lift saves the steepest climb.
• Jaswant Thada and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park · 2 h. The white marble cenotaph below the fort, then easy trails through a restored desert park with fort views.
• Blue City lanes walk · 2 h. The blue-washed Brahmpuri lanes below the fort; a local guide helps you find the viewpoints without trespassing.

Local tip: One of India's best-run forts: take the audio guide, see the palanquin and armoury galleries and the Phool Mahal. A lift saves the steepest climb.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Jodhpur

Jodhpur

• Zipline over Mehrangarh's walls · 1.5 h
• Bishnoi village jeep safari · 4 h. Visit the conservation-minded Bishnoi community, potters and weavers; blackbuck and chinkara graze near the villages.

Local tip: Visit the conservation-minded Bishnoi community, potters and weavers; blackbuck and chinkara graze near the villages.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Jodhpur → Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer · Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, Car ~5h (train ~5–6h)

• Jaisalmer Fort and Jain temples · 3 h. A living fort where families still live; the palace museum and the carved Jain temples (open in the morning) are the highlights. Staying outside the walls eases the strain on the fort's old drains.

Local tip: A living fort where families still live; the palace museum and the carved Jain temples (open in the morning) are the highlights. Staying outside the walls eases the strain on the fort's old drains.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

• Patwon ki Haveli and the merchant havelis · 2 h
• Gadisar Lake at sunrise · 1.5 h
• Kuldhara abandoned village · 1 h
• Bada Bagh cenotaphs at sunset · 1.5 h

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

• Sam Sand Dunes camel ride, sunset and desert camp · 6 h. About 40 km west; camp packages bundle a camel ride, folk music and dinner. Camps vary a lot — choose a licensed one with good reviews, or head to quieter dunes near Khuri.

Local tip: About 40 km west; camp packages bundle a camel ride, folk music and dinner. Camps vary a lot — choose a licensed one with good reviews, or head to quieter dunes near Khuri.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.