Top Things to Do in Jaisalmer: 10 Must-See Places & Experiences
Jaisalmer packs forts, palaces, a living old city and one of India’s best deserts into one compact trip. Here are the ten experiences worth your time — the icons and the ones most people miss.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), a rare living fort
- See Patwon Ki Haveli and the carved merchant mansions
- Boat on Gadisar Lake at golden hour
- Camel safari and a night at a Sam desert camp
- Visit Kuldhara ghost village and Bada Bagh cenotaphs
- Day-trip to Tanot Mata Temple & Longewala near the border
1. Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)
The heart of the city and one of the very few living forts in the world — people still live, cook and trade inside its golden sandstone walls. Wander the lanes, find the Jain temples, and climb the ramparts for sweeping views.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli & the havelis
Jaisalmer’s merchant mansions are carved so finely the stone looks like lace. Patwon Ki Haveli is the grandest cluster; Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli are close by.
3. Gadisar Lake
A man-made lake ringed by little temples, ghats and chhatris. Come at sunrise or sunset for the best light and a peaceful boat ride.
4. Sam Sand Dunes & camel safari
About 40 km west, the Sam dunes are the classic desert experience — a camel ride across the sand at sunset, followed by a night at camp. See our camel safari guide for how to do it well.
5. A night at a desert camp
Folk music, a bonfire, a Rajasthani dinner and a sky full of stars. The camp night is what turns a sightseeing trip into a proper adventure.
6. Kuldhara ghost village
An entire village abandoned overnight nearly two centuries ago and never resettled — eerie, atmospheric and very photogenic.
7. Bada Bagh
A cluster of royal cenotaphs (chhatris) on a hillside, stunning at sunset with modern windmills turning behind them.
8. Tanot Mata Temple & Longewala
Out toward the border, the Tanot Mata Temple carries a famous war legend, and the Longewala War Memorial marks the 1971 battle. A moving day trip — details in our Tanot & Longewala guide.
9. Sunset points & rooftop dinners
The fort glows gold at sunset. Grab a rooftop café overlooking Sonar Quila for dinner with the best view in town.
10. Local food & bazaars
Try ker sangri, dal baati churma and pyaaz kachori, then browse the bazaars for mirror-work textiles, leather and Rajasthani crafts.
Want all of this in one trip?
Our City + Desert package covers the fort, dunes, camel safari and a desert camp night — sorted end to end.
See packagesFAQ
How many days do you need in Jaisalmer?
Two nights and three days is ideal — one night for the city and one at a Sam desert camp. Add a day if you want the Tanot–Longewala border trip at a relaxed pace.
Is Jaisalmer worth visiting?
Yes. It combines a rare living fort, ornately carved havelis, a golden old city and one of India's best desert experiences — few places pack so much into one trip.
What is Jaisalmer famous for?
Its golden sandstone architecture (the ‘Golden City’), the living Jaisalmer Fort, the Sam sand dunes and camel safaris, and desert camping under the stars.
What are some free things to do in Jaisalmer?
Wandering the fort lanes, watching sunset from the ramparts or a rooftop, strolling Gadisar Lake and exploring the bazaars cost little to nothing.