The best things to do in Jaisalmer capture the magic of the Golden City and the Thar Desert that surrounds it: exploring one of the world’s few living forts, wandering through intricately carved merchant havelis, boating on a serene desert lake at sunrise, riding a camel across golden dunes at sunset, and sleeping under a canopy of desert stars to the sound of folk music. Jaisalmer combines heritage and adventure like nowhere else in Rajasthan. This guide covers the full range of what to do, from the essential fort and desert experiences to the quieter and more adventurous options.
For destination planning, see our Jaisalmer travel guide and places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Things to Do in Jaisalmer: Explore the Golden Fort and Havelis
Explore the Living Jaisalmer Fort
The essential thing to do in Jaisalmer is to explore the Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), one of the world’s few living forts, where a quarter of the old city still lives within the twelfth-century walls. Wander its lanes, visit the Raj Mahal palace museum and the exquisitely carved Jain temples, browse the shops, and take in the views over the golden city from the ramparts. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best golden light. Our places to visit in Jaisalmer guide covers the fort in detail.
Tour the Merchant Havelis
Explore the three great havelis of Jaisalmer: Patwon Ki Haveli (a cluster of five intricately carved mansions, the most rewarding for architecture), Salim Singh Ki Haveli (with its distinctive peacock-shaped roof), and Nathmal Ki Haveli (known for its symmetry). Together, they showcase the extraordinary wealth and artistry of the desert merchant families. The fort and havelis can be covered on foot in a focused morning.
Things to do in Jaisalmer: Desert Adventures
Ride a Camel Across the Sam Sand Dunes
The quintessential Jaisalmer experience is a camel safari across the Sam Sand Dunes, about 40 to 45 kilometres from the city. Riding across the golden sand as the sun sets, with the dunes shifting from gold to amber to pink, is one of the most magical experiences in Rajasthan. Our desert safari in Rajasthan guide covers the desert experience in full.
Spend a Night at a Desert Camp
An overnight stay at a desert camp near the Sam Sand Dunes, with folk music and dance around a bonfire, a traditional Rajasthani dinner, and a night under a sky full of stars, is consistently described by travellers as the single strongest Jaisalmer memory. The stargazing here is among the finest in northern India.
Try Desert Adventure Sports
For adventurous travellers, the Sam Sand Dunes offer jeep safaris (dune bashing), quad biking, and paramotoring (motor-powered parasailing), which offer a bird’s-eye view of the golden dunes. These add an adrenaline dimension to the desert experience.
Watch the Sunset at the Dunes
Even without a full safari, watching the sunset over the dunes, as the golden sand turns amber and pink, is one of the most memorable things to do in Jaisalmer, best combined with the evening folk performances.
Things to do in Jaisalmer: Lakes, Villages and Viewpoints
Boat on Gadisar Lake at Sunrise
Take a boat ride on Gadisar Lake, the serene 14th-century desert reservoir surrounded by temples, shrines, and the carved Tilon Ki Pol gateway. Sunrise is the most peaceful and photogenic time, and in winter, the lake attracts migratory birds.
Explore the Kuldhara Ghost Village
Visit Kuldhara, the famous abandoned village about 20 kilometres from the city, deserted overnight by its Paliwal Brahmin residents nearly 200 years ago. Its ruined sandstone homes, eerie silence, and ghostly legends make it one of the most atmospheric and intriguing things to do near Jaisalmer, easily combined with a desert safari. Our offbeat places in Rajasthan guide covers Kuldhara.
Watch the Sunset at Bada Bagh or Vyas Chhatri
Bada Bagh, a complex of royal cenotaphs on a hill, and Vyas Chhatri, the city’s popular sunset point with its golden sandstone cenotaphs, both offer beautiful sunset views over the desert and the golden city.
Visit the Desert National Park
Nature lovers can explore the Desert National Park, which protects the Thar’s unique ecosystem and wildlife, including black buck, chinkara, desert fox, and the endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds.
Things to do in Jaisalmer: Food, Culture and Shopping
Experience Rajasthani Folk Performances
Watch Manganiyar and Langa folk music and Kalbeliya dance performances, particularly at a desert camp around a bonfire, one of the most moving cultural experiences in Rajasthan. Our cultural experiences in Rajasthan guide covers these traditions.
Dine on a Rooftop with Fort or Desert Views
Enjoy laal maas, a traditional thali, or international dishes at a rooftop restaurant with views over the golden fort or the desert. Our places to eat in Jaisalmer guide covers the food scene.
Shop for Handicrafts
Explore the markets around Manak Chowk and the fort for embroidery, leatherwork, banjara bags, mirror-work textiles, and antiques, the distinctive crafts of the desert region. Our shopping in Rajasthan guide covers the options.
Plan your Jaisalmer experience with Immersive Trips
At Immersive Trips, we design Jaisalmer itineraries that combine the heritage of the golden fort and havelis with the unforgettable adventure of the desert: camel safaris, starlit camps, and folk music under the Thar sky. Get in touch with our team to plan your Golden City adventure.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Jaisalmer
What is the number one thing to do in Jaisalmer?
The two essential experiences are exploring the living Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) and taking a camel safari with an overnight stay at a desert camp near the Sam Sand Dunes. The desert experience, with its sunset, folk music, and stargazing, is consistently described as the single strongest Jaisalmer memory.
What can I do in Jaisalmer in two days?
In two days, spend the first day exploring the fort, the Jain temples, and the three main havelis, plus a sunrise boat ride on Gadisar Lake. On the second day, take a jeep safari toward the Sam Sand Dunes (via Kuldhara), then enjoy a camel safari, sunset, folk performances, and an overnight desert camp.
Is the camel safari and desert camp worth it?
Absolutely. The camel safari across the Sam Sand Dunes at sunset, followed by an overnight desert camp with folk music around a bonfire and a night under the stars, is the quintessential Jaisalmer experience and consistently the highlight of a visit. The stargazing is among the finest in northern India.
What adventure activities are available in Jaisalmer?
Beyond camel safaris, the Sam Sand Dunes offer jeep safaris (dune bashing), quad biking, and paramotoring (motor-powered parasailing), which gives a bird’s-eye view of the golden dunes. These add an adrenaline dimension to the desert experience for adventurous travellers.
Is Kuldhara worth visiting?
Yes. Kuldhara, about 20 kilometres from the city, is a famous abandoned village deserted overnight by its Paliwal Brahmin residents nearly 200 years ago, now standing eerily frozen in time. Its ruined sandstone homes, ghostly legends, and desert setting make it one of the most atmospheric and intriguing things to do near Jaisalmer, easily combined with a desert safari.
What is the best sunset spot in Jaisalmer?
The Sam Sand Dunes offer the most spectacular sunset, with the golden sand turning amber and pink. Within and around the city, Vyas Chhatri (the popular sunset point with its golden cenotaphs), Bada Bagh, and the fort ramparts all offer beautiful sunset views over the desert and the golden city.
Can I see folk music and dance in Jaisalmer?
Yes. Manganiyar and Langa folk music and Kalbeliya dance performances are staged at desert camps around a bonfire, at cultural venues, and at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival (held in winter). A live performance under the desert stars is one of the most moving cultural experiences in Rajasthan.
Is Gadisar Lake worth visiting?
Yes, particularly at sunrise. Gadisar Lake, the serene 14th-century desert reservoir surrounded by temples, shrines, and the carved Tilon Ki Pol gateway, is a peaceful and photogenic spot. A sunrise boat ride is a lovely, tranquil experience, and in winter, the lake attracts migratory birds. An evening laser and light show adds another dimension.
Are there things to do for families in Jaisalmer?
Yes. Families particularly enjoy the camel safari and desert camp (a genuine adventure for children), exploring the living fort, boating on Gadisar Lake, and the ghost village of Kuldhara. The folk music, dance, and bonfire at the desert camp are a highlight for all ages. Our family tour packages in Rajasthan guide covers family experiences.
When is the best time for desert activities in Jaisalmer?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather for desert activities, with cool days and pleasant evenings ideal for camel safaris and desert camping. February adds the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a colourful celebration of desert culture with camel races, folk music, and dance. The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot and best avoided.