Package Best For
This 10-day journey through the Thar Desert is designed for travelers seeking an experience in Rajasthan’s most iconic and mystical desert landscapes. From the painted streets of Jodhpur to the golden sands of Jaisalmer, and from the remote villages of Osian and Khimsar to the camel-filled lanes of Bikaner, this trip is a sensory dive into life where sand meets sky. Enjoy sunset camel rides, desert glamping, folk music under the stars, and explorations of ancient forts and temples – all while staying in a curated mix of luxury desert camps, heritage havelis, and restored royal residences. This is Rajasthan in its raw, windswept, and beautiful form – an adventure that’s earthy, elegant, and unforgettable.
Tour Highlights
- Stay in desert camps, dune lodges, and heritage properties
- Camel safaris, jeep rides, and starlit dinners in remote dunes
- Explore grand forts: Mehrangarh, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh
- Discover ancient temples, stepwells, and local crafts
- Enjoy folk performances, local cooking demos, and village walks
- Personalized services, air-conditioned transport, and private guides throughout
Tour Itinerary
Day-1: Arrival in Jodhpur – Gateway to the Thar Desert
Arrive in Jodhpur, the Blue City, where your private driver and guide will welcome you at the airport or railway station. Check into a beautiful heritage haveli or palace-style hotel. After settling in, begin your exploration with a visit to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a cliff with commanding views of the indigo city below. Continue to the Jaswant Thada, a peaceful marble cenotaph, and take a short walk through Clock Tower Market, where the scent of spices and the shimmer of handicrafts fill the air. Enjoy a traditional welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the lit-up fort. Overnight in Jodhpur
Day-2: Jodhpur to Osian – Desert Temples & Safari Camps
After breakfast, drive to Osian (approx. 1.5 hours), an ancient town once part of the silk route and known for its exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. En route, pass through desert villages and local farms. Visit the Sun Temple and the intricately carved Mahavira Jain Temple, both dating back to the 8th century. Later, arrive at your luxurious desert camp, where you’ll stay in a royal tented suite amidst sand dunes and arid scrubland. In the late afternoon, set off on a camel safari across the dunes, ending with a sunset high tea. Return for a starlit dinner and folk dance performance around a crackling bonfire. Overnight in Osian Desert Camp
Day-3: Osian to Khimsar – Dunes & Desert Castles
After a relaxed breakfast, depart for Khimsar (approx. 2.5 hours), where you’ll check into the magnificent Khimsar Fort, a 16th-century fortress turned into a heritage hotel. Explore the fort’s courtyards, battlements, and towers, which echo with tales of Marwar royalty. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari into the nearby sand dunes, stopping to spot wildlife like chinkara gazelles and desert foxes. Continue to the remote Khimsar Dunes Village, a beautiful eco-resort nestled in the middle of nowhere. Watch the sun dip below the dunes, followed by traditional music and a local Marwari dinner under the open sky. Overnight at Khimsar Dunes
Day-4: Khimsar to Jaisalmer – Into the Golden Kingdom
Depart this morning for Jaisalmer (approx. 5.5 hours), also known as the Golden City, rising like a mirage from the desert. En route, enjoy glimpses of rural desert life and stop at small dhabas (roadside eateries) for local chai. Upon arrival, check into a heritage haveli or palace hotel inside or near the fortified old city. Rest and refresh, then take a short guided evening walk through the golden sandstone lanes of Jaisalmer — lined with intricately carved havelis, temples, and crafts shops. End with dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated Jaisalmer Fort. Overnight in Jaisalmer
Day-5: Jaisalmer – Forts, Havelis & History
Explore the magic of Jaisalmer with a full-day guided tour. Visit the massive Jaisalmer Fort, a living fortress with temples, houses, and shops. Continue to see some of the finest examples of desert architecture — the Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, each adorned with stone filigree and local legends. In the afternoon, visit Gadsisar Lake, an oasis-like reservoir lined with temples and ghats. Evening at leisure or enjoy a puppet show and local music performance arranged at your hotel or a cultural center. Overnight in Jaisalmer
Day-6: Jaisalmer – Dune Safari & Glamping in the Desert
After breakfast, venture deeper into the Thar Desert for a night of desert camping. Drive to the Sam or Khuri Sand Dunes, where your luxury glamping tent awaits — complete with en-suite bathrooms and plush bedding. In the afternoon, ride camels into the sunset over golden dunes, enjoy panoramic views, and hear the wind hum across the sand. As night falls, join fellow travelers for a traditional Rajasthani dinner, live music, Kalbelia dance performances, and a breathtaking view of the night sky filled with stars. Overnight in Desert Camp (Sam or Khuri)
Day-7: Jaisalmer to Bikaner – Desert Trade & Fortresses
After a relaxed breakfast in the desert, return to the city and drive onward to Bikaner (approx. 6 hours). Check into a heritage hotel such as Laxmi Niwas Palace or Narendra Bhawan, both reflecting Bikaner’s princely past. Rest on arrival, then take a short stroll through the quiet lanes of old Bikaner, where camels still carry goods and old havelis speak of desert commerce. Optional: Enjoy a sundowner or curated dinner at your hotel’s regal courtyard. Overnight in Bikaner
Day-8: Bikaner – Camel Culture & Royal Forts
Begin with a visit to the spectacular Junagarh Fort, one of the few major forts not built on a hill, featuring richly decorated palaces and pavilions. Then head to the Karni Mata Temple in nearby Deshnoke — famously home to thousands of revered rats (a fascinating cultural visit for the bold-hearted). In the afternoon, visit the National Research Centre on Camel, where you can interact with camels, learn about their importance to desert life, and even enjoy camel milk ice cream. Evening at leisure or a private farewell dinner at your palace hotel. Overnight in Bikaner
Day-9: Bikaner to Jodhpur – Return Journey
After breakfast, drive back to Jodhpur (approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel for one final night of desert luxury. The afternoon is free — shop for last-minute souvenirs or relax with a spa session. Optional: Take a cultural heritage walk through Jodhpur’s blue lanes, or attend a classical Rajasthani music recital hosted at a haveli. Overnight in Jodhpur
Day-10: Departure from Jodhpur
After breakfast, transfer to Jodhpur Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of camel caravans, golden sunsets, fortress towns, and the warm hospitality of the Thar Desert.
Note: This itinerary is ideal for those seeking an authentic desert experience wrapped in comfort and culture. Stays are carefully selected to offer a mix of rural charm, royal legacy, and natural wonder. Activities like camel safaris, jeep rides, temple visits, and folk performances are fully customizable. The tour can be extended to include Mandawa, Nagaur, or Shekhawati, and tailored for photographers, couples, or special occasions.