Forts and Dunes Circuit: Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Pickup
Jaipur Airport
Drop
Jodhpur Airport
Type
Short-haul
Overview & Highlights
This private circuit follows the desert side of Rajasthan over seven nights: two in Jaipur, one in Bikaner, two in Jaisalmer and two in Jodhpur. You see Amber Fort and the City Palace, Bikaner's Junagarh Fort, the living fort of Jaisalmer and Mehrangarh above Jodhpur's blue houses. The highlight is an evening at the Sam Sand Dunes, with a camel ride and sunset over the desert. The drives are long, 5 to 6 hours between cities, so the route is planned with rest stops and a late start where possible. It suits travellers who enjoy history and open landscapes. Dates, hotel category and pace can all be adjusted.
- Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
- Junagarh Fort in Bikaner
- Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli and Gadisar Lake
- Camel ride and sunset at the Sam Sand Dunes
- Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival in Jaipur
- Arrive at Jaipur Airport and meet your driver.
- Transfer to your hotel and check in.
- Relax after your journey, with the evening at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
2Day 2: Amber Fort | City Palace | Jantar Mantar
- After breakfast, visit Amber Fort, reaching the fort by jeep or on foot.
- Make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, then visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory.
- Spend the evening in Johari Bazaar or Bapu Bazaar.
- Overnight stay in Jaipur.
3Day 3: Jaipur to Bikaner | Junagarh Fort
- After breakfast, drive to Bikaner, about 330 km and 5 to 6 hours with rest stops.
- Check in at your hotel and rest after the drive.
- In the afternoon, visit Junagarh Fort, with its courtyards, halls and carved balconies.
- Overnight stay in Bikaner.
4Day 4: Bikaner to Jaisalmer | Gadisar Lake
- After breakfast, drive to Jaisalmer, about 330 km and 5 to 6 hours, with rest stops on the way.
- Check in at your hotel on arrival.
- In the evening, visit Gadisar Lake, with its small temples and ghats, at sunset.
- Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
5Day 5: Jaisalmer Fort | Havelis | Sam Sand Dunes
- After breakfast, explore Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort of golden sandstone with shops and homes inside.
- Visit Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli, known for their carved facades.
- In the afternoon, drive to the Sam Sand Dunes, about 40 km away, for a camel ride and sunset over the desert.
- Enjoy a folk music evening where available, then return to Jaisalmer.
- Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.
6Day 6: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Jodhpur, about 285 km and 5 hours.
- Check in at your hotel on arrival.
- In the evening, walk to the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, if time allows.
- Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
7Day 7: Mehrangarh Fort | Jaswant Thada | Blue City
- After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of India's largest forts, on a rocky ridge above the city.
- Continue to Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial near the fort.
- Enjoy views over the blue houses of the old city, then spend the afternoon at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Jodhpur.
8Day 8: Departure from Jodhpur
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
- Transfer to Jodhpur Airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Jaipur on twin sharing
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Bikaner on twin sharing
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Jaisalmer on twin sharing
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Jodhpur on twin sharing
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Entry tickets to the monuments listed in the itinerary
- Camel ride at the Sam Sand Dunes
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Rajasthan
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Camera or video fees charged at monuments, where applicable
- Optional activities and entry fees not listed
- Anything not listed under inclusions
- GST as applicable
Other Info
Must carry
- Valid government photo ID for every traveller
- Flight or train tickets
- Light cotton clothing, plus a warm jacket for Dec-Feb
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes for forts and steps
- Scarf or modest clothing for temple visits
- Power bank and any regular medicines
Notes
- Carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence) for hotel check-in and airport security.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon.
- The order of the itinerary may change due to weather, road or operational conditions, without reducing the sights covered.
- Rates and availability are confirmed at the time of booking.
- Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
- Road journeys between Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur take 5 to 6 hours each; we plan rest stops along the way.
- Camel rides and desert activities depend on weather; desert evenings are cold in Dec-Jan and very hot in Apr-Jun.
- An overnight desert camp can be added on request, subject to availability and season.
- Dress modestly at temples and religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes where required.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.