Desert
Circuit
Jaisalmer | Jodhpur | Bikaner
Golden forts, blue city lanes, camel safaris, and nights under desert stars. The ultimate Thar Desert adventure.
Short answer
What does the Rajasthan desert circuit by car cost?
The Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner circuit is a 5 to 6 day tour by car covering the golden fort, the blue city lanes, camel safaris and nights in the dunes. It costs ₹30,000 by sedan or ₹42,000 by SUV, and the page carries the day-by-day plan, the pricing and the questions travellers ask.
- Duration
- 5 to 6 days
- Sedan
- ₹30,000
- SUV
- ₹42,000
- Cities
- Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner
Day-by-Day Desert Plan
Delhi/Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Jaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer OR Delhi → Bikaner → Jaisalmer- Early start (5-6 AM)
- Drive through Rajasthani desert landscape
- Stop at Pokhran Fort en route (if via Jodhpur)
- Reach Jaisalmer by evening
- First glimpse of the Golden Fort at sunset
Jaisalmer & Desert Safari
Jaisalmer → Sam Sand Dunes- Morning: Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila — living fort)
- Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli
- Gadisar Lake and surrounding temples
- Afternoon: Drive to Sam Sand Dunes (42 km)
- Camel safari through Thar Desert
- Sunset from the dunes — iconic experience
- Evening: Desert camp with folk music, Rajasthani dinner under stars
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Jaisalmer → Barmer/Pokhran → Jodhpur- Morning exploration of Bada Bagh cenotaphs at sunrise
- Visit Kuldhara abandoned village (haunted village legend)
- Drive to Jodhpur through desert scrubland
- Arrive Jodhpur by afternoon
- Mehrangarh Fort — one of India's largest and most impressive
- Walk through the Blue City streets below the fort
Jodhpur Sightseeing
Jodhpur city- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- Mandore Gardens — ancient cenotaphs of Marwar rulers
- Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park (ecological park)
- Clock Tower market — spices, textiles, handicrafts
- Mirchi Bada and Makhaniya Lassi (iconic Jodhpur food)
- Step wells — Toorji Ka Jhalra
Jodhpur to Bikaner
Jodhpur → Nagaur → Bikaner- Drive to Bikaner through desert landscape
- Optional: Stop at Nagaur Fort
- Junagarh Fort — magnificent unbreached fort
- Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) at Deshnok — unique experience
- Bikaner's famous Bikaneri Bhujia and Rasgulla
Bikaner to Jaipur/Delhi
Bikaner → Jaipur OR Bikaner → Delhi- Morning visit to Lalgarh Palace
- Camel Research Centre (breed and research center)
- Drive to Jaipur or Delhi
- Optional: Stop at Mandawa (Shekhawati painted havelis)
- Arrive destination by evening
Related Trips
Travel Guides & Resources
Helpful guides for planning your desert adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for the Rajasthan desert circuit?
October to March is ideal. November-February offers the best desert weather (15-25°C during the day, 5-10°C at night). Avoid April-June (extreme heat, 45°C+) and July-September (monsoon can affect desert roads).
Is the desert camp experience safe?
Yes, reputable desert camps at Sam Sand Dunes are safe and well-managed. We recommend camps we have vetted personally. The experience includes camel rides, folk music, Rajasthani dinner, and sleeping under stars (tented accommodation). Costs ₹2,000-5,000/person.
Can I do this circuit starting from Delhi?
Yes! From Delhi, you can start with Bikaner (450 km) on Day 1, then follow Bikaner→Jaisalmer→Jodhpur→Delhi route. Or fly to Jodhpur and we arrange the car from there. We also offer the full Delhi-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bikaner-Delhi circuit in 7-8 days.
What type of vehicle is recommended for desert roads?
All roads between Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bikaner are well-paved national highways. A sedan works perfectly. SUV is recommended only if you plan off-road desert excursions or have more than 3 passengers.
What should I pack for the desert circuit?
Light cotton clothes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat/scarf, comfortable walking shoes, warm jacket for evenings (Oct-Feb), camera, and power bank. Desert camps may have limited electricity.
How much does a desert safari cost?
Camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes costs ₹500-1,500/person. Jeep safari costs ₹1,000-2,500/person. Desert camp overnight stay with dinner and breakfast costs ₹2,000-5,000/person depending on the camp quality.
Into the Golden Desert
Sedan from ₹30,000 | SUV from ₹42,000 | Desert camps extra