Rajasthan is a land of forts, colors, and the golden desert. A perfect way to experience its royal charm and rustic beauty is by planning a 5-day trip from Delhi covering Jodhpur, Sam Dunes, and Jaisalmer. This route lets you explore the Blue City’s grandeur, the Thar Desert’s magic, and the Golden City’s heritage — all in one seamless itinerary.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover train schedules, hotel recommendations, day-wise sightseeing plans, desert experiences, and travel tips — everything you need to make your Rajasthan trip memorable.
Trip Overview
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Delhi |
| Destinations | Jodhpur → Sam Dunes → Jaisalmer |
| Ending Point | Delhi |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Ideal For | Family, Friends, Solo & Couples |
| Travel Mode | Train + Private Cab |
Day 1: Overnight Journey from Delhi to Jodhpur
Evening Departure:
Start your Rajasthan journey by boarding an overnight train from Delhi to Jodhpur.
| Train Name | Train No. | Departure (Delhi) | Arrival (Jodhpur) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandore Express | 12461 | 9:15 PM | 7:00 AM | 9 hrs 45 mins |
| Rajasthan Sampark Kranti | 12463 | 8:55 PM | 7:00 AM | 10 hrs 5 mins |
| Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Jodhpur Express | 22482 | 7:00 PM | 6:30 AM | 11 hrs 30 mins |
Night Stay: Onboard Train.
Day 2: Explore Jodhpur – The Blue City
Morning:
Arrive at Jodhpur Junction. Check into your hotel, refresh, and enjoy breakfast.
| Hotel Category | Suggested Hotels | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Govind Hotel, Pushp Guest House | Near Clock Tower |
| Mid-Range | The Arch Boutique, Kankariya Heritage | Nai Sarak |
| Luxury | Ajit Bhawan, Radisson Jodhpur | Circuit House Road |
Places to Visit in Jodhpur:
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Timings | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mehrangarh Fort | ₹200 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Iconic fort with museum and city view |
| Jaswant Thada | ₹30 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Marble cenotaph near lake |
| Umaid Bhawan Palace (Museum) | ₹60 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Royal collection and vintage cars |
| Toorji ka Jhalra (Stepwell) | Free | 8 AM – 7 PM | Ancient stepwell in the old city |
Lunch Suggestion:
Try Dal Baati Churma and Makhaniya Lassi at Gypsy or Janta Sweet Home.
Evening:
Explore Sardar Market & Clock Tower for handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. You can enjoy sunset views at Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, right beside Mehrangarh Fort.
Night Stay: Hotel in Jodhpur.
Day 3: Jodhpur to Sam Dunes – Desert Adventure Begins
Morning Departure:
After early breakfast, depart for Sam Dunes (Jaisalmer region) by private cab (approx. 5–6 hours drive, 280 km).
Enjoy the scenic desert drive and short breaks at Pokhran Fort or Ramdevra Temple along the route.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Sam Village, located about 40 km from Jaisalmer. Check-in at your pre-booked desert camp.
| Camp Category | Recommended Camps | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Desert Dream Royal Camp | Camel Safari, Cultural Show |
| Mid-Range | Rajputana Desert Camp | Jeep Safari, Rajasthani Buffet |
| Luxury | Prince Desert Camp, The Serai | Swiss Tents, Bonfire, Folk Music |
Evening in the Desert:
- Enjoy Camel Safari over the dunes (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM).
- Witness Thar Desert Sunset – a perfect photo opportunity.
- Experience Rajasthani Folk Dance, Kalbeliya performances, and Bonfire Dinner under the starlit sky.
- Try traditional dishes like Bajra Roti, Ker Sangri, and Gatte ki Sabzi.
Night Stay: Desert Camp in Sam Dunes.
Day 4: Sam Dunes to Jaisalmer – The Golden City Experience
Morning:
Wake up early for the mesmerizing desert sunrise. After breakfast, drive back to Jaisalmer City (approx. 1 hour).
Check-in: At your city hotel.
| Hotel Category | Suggested Hotels | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Tokyo Palace, Mystic Jaisalmer | Near Fort |
| Mid-Range | The Gulaal, Hotel Fifu | Hanuman Circle |
| Luxury | Marriott Jaisalmer, Suryagarh | Sam Road |
Full-Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing
| Attraction | Entry Fee | Timings | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) | ₹100 | 9 AM – 6 PM | Living fort, Jain temples, royal palace |
| Patwon ki Haveli | ₹100 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Intricate carvings, museum, architecture |
| Nathmal ki Haveli | ₹50 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Twin haveli with mirror work |
| Salim Singh ki Haveli | ₹50 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Unique peacock-shaped roof |
| Gadisar Lake | Free | Sunrise – Sunset | Boating and photography spot |
| Bada Bagh | ₹50 | 8 AM – 6 PM | Royal cenotaphs and scenic sunset point |
| War Museum | ₹55 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Indian Army history and tanks display |
Lunch Recommendation:
Try Rajasthani thali or Ker Sangri curry at a traditional restaurant near the Fort area.
Evening:
Walk through the old lanes of Jaisalmer, filled with sandstone houses and golden hues. End your day at Gadisar Lake for sunset views or attend the Light and Sound Show at Jaisalmer Fort (if available).
Night Stay: Hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 5: Jaisalmer – Last Day Exploration and Return to Delhi
Morning (Half Day Sightseeing):
Utilize your morning to cover nearby attractions before departure.
Suggested Plan:
- Visit Kuldhara Village (Ghost Village) – 20 km from Jaisalmer. Learn the legend of the abandoned Paliwal Brahmin settlement.
- Quick stop at Amar Sagar Jain Temple, known for its carvings and lakeside view.
- Visit Desert Cultural Centre & Museum (₹60 entry) – perfect to understand Rajasthani instruments, turbans, and art forms.
Afternoon:
Have lunch at a rooftop café offering fort views. Return to hotel, pack, and get ready for your return journey.
Return Options:
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Train (Direct) | Jaisalmer–Delhi Express (14660) departs around 4:45 PM, reaches Delhi next morning 11:00 AM |
| Via Jodhpur | Drive to Jodhpur (5–6 hrs) and take an evening train or flight to Delhi |
| Flight | Limited direct flights; if available, via Jaipur or Jodhpur |
Night: Overnight travel to Delhi.
Approximate Budget (Per Person)
| Expense Head | Budget (₹) | Mid-Range (₹) | Luxury (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Tickets (Delhi–Jodhpur–Delhi) | 1,200 | 2,000 | 3,500 |
| Hotels & Camps (4 Nights) | 4,500 | 9,000 | 18,000 |
| Local Transport | 2,000 | 4,000 | 7,000 |
| Food & Misc. | 3,000 | 5,000 | 8,000 |
| Entry Fees & Activities | 1,000 | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Total Estimate | ₹11,700 | ₹22,000 | ₹39,500 |
Figures are approximate and may vary based on season and bookings.
Important Travel Tips
- Plan Desert Camp in Advance: Sam Dunes gets fully booked during winter months.
- Carry Cash: Many smaller shops in desert regions may not accept digital payments.
- Keep Warm Clothes: Desert nights can drop below 10°C in winter.
- Start Early: Most forts open by 9 AM; early visits help avoid crowds.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry desert air can dehydrate you quickly.
- Photographers’ Tip: Best light for photos is from 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM.
Suggested Packing Checklist
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Cotton clothes, jacket, hat, scarf |
| Footwear | Sandals for dunes, sneakers for forts |
| Health | Sunscreen, lip balm, water bottle |
| Electronics | Camera, chargers, power bank |
| Documents | Train tickets, hotel vouchers, ID proof |
Conclusion
This 5-day Jodhpur–Sam Dunes–Jaisalmer itinerary is the perfect way to experience Rajasthan’s diversity. From the blue streets of Jodhpur, the royal charm of Mehrangarh Fort, the golden glow of Jaisalmer Fort, to the endless dunes of Sam, every destination adds a unique layer to your journey.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, culture lover, or photographer, this route delivers a complete blend of heritage, desert thrill, and royal hospitality.
Make sure to spend at least one night under the desert sky — it’s an experience you’ll remember for life.
Disclaimer
This itinerary is a suggested plan for informational purposes. Train timings, hotel prices, and activity availability may change seasonally. Travelers should verify current details before making reservations.