Desert
Circuit
Jaisalmer | Jodhpur | Bikaner
Golden forts, blue city lanes, camel safaris, and nights under desert stars. The ultimate Thar Desert adventure.
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