An Epic Road Trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer

Rajasthan, the royal desert state of India, is a realm of magnificent forts, vibrant festivals and rich culture. Two of its most famous cities are Jaipur, the Pink City, and Jaisalmer, the Golden City. A road trip between these destinations takes you through the very best of Rajasthan.

When to Go

The ideal time for a Jaipur to Jaisalmer road trip is between October to February when the weather is pleasant. Summers can get very hot in Rajasthan while the monsoon season may cause roadblocks.

Trip Itinerary

A typical itinerary is to start from Jaipur, head to Jodhpur, then proceed towards Jaisalmer with a stop at Khimsar and Jaisalmer city. This journey takes 4-5 days at a relaxed pace.

Day 1: Jaipur to Jodhpur

The drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur takes 6-7 hours, so start early. Along the way, stop at Ajmer to see the Dargah Sharif pilgrimage site. In Jodhpur, must-see spots are Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Day 2: Jodhpur to Khimsar

After seeing Jodhpur's sights in the morning, drive to Khimsar which takes about 3 hours. Stay at the grand Khimsar Fort for a royal experience. Explore the nearby villages and sand dunes.

Day 3: Khimsar to Jaisalmer

Next day, hit the road to Jaisalmer, a 5 hour drive away. Break the journey with a lunch stop at Osian village famous for its Hindu and Jain temples. Reach Jaisalmer by evening.

Day 4: Exploring Jaisalmer

Spend this full day discovering Jaisalmer's main attractions like the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and the Sam Sand Dunes for a camel safari.

Getting Around

Hiring a taxi service in Jaisalmer as well as the other cities allows you to travel in comfort to all the points of interest. Having a private cab at your disposal means no waiting for buses or trains and flexibility in your itinerary. Many taxi companies also offer packages for multi-day trips.

Top Attractions En Route

Jodhpur - The blue houses surrounding the formidable Mehrangarh Fort overlooking the city make for stunning views.

Jaisalmer Fort - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's one of India's last living forts still housing residents.

Khimsar Dunes Village – Beautiful village where you can experience rural life and sunset camel rides on the dunes.

Bada Bagh – An impressive garden complex with royal chhatris or cenotaphs near Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park - For a unique desert safari on camelback spotting fascinating wildlife.

Driving Through Rajasthan

Driving through the dramatic desert landscapes from Jaipur to Jaisalmer reveals the rural heart and soul of Rajasthan. With mighty forts, exquisite palaces, expansive sand dunes, and colorful villages, this road trip offers an unforgettable experience.