Jaipur to Jaisalmer Desert Drive
Road trip · Jaipur → Jaisalmer
This drive runs west across Rajasthan from the Pink City of Jaipur to the golden fort-town of Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar Desert, taking in Pushkar''s holy lake and the blue …
Best season
October to March
Duration
3–4 days
Distance
~560 km
Ideal vehicle
A comfortable sedan or SUV for the long, hot highway stretches.
The route
4 stops along the drive.
- 1Jaipur
Start in the Pink City and head west.
- 2Pushkar
Holy lake, temples and a lively bazaar around Ajmer.
- 3Jodhpur
The blue old city beneath the mighty Mehrangarh Fort.
- 4Jaisalmer
The golden living fort and the Sam sand dunes.
Overview
This drive runs west across Rajasthan from the Pink City of Jaipur to the golden fort-town of Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar Desert, taking in Pushkar''s holy lake and the blue city of Jodhpur on the way. The land grows drier and emptier as you go, ending in dunes and a living sandstone fort. It is a journey of forts, palaces, camel country and big desert skies.
Highlights
Pushkar's lake and bazaars, Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort and blue old city, and Jaisalmer's living fort and Sam sand dunes.
Road conditions
Good, mostly single- and two-lane state highways with long open stretches; distances between towns are large, so carry water and fuel up when you can.
Driving tips
Break the drive at Pushkar and Jodhpur rather than doing it in one go. Carry water and sun protection, fuel up in the bigger towns, and time Jaisalmer for a sunset at the fort or the Sam dunes. Avoid long desert stretches after dark.