Drop bags and freshen up at a centrally located hotel/guesthouse near the Fort so you can walk to major sights; many hotels allow luggage drop if early arrival. Check-in times vary (typically 12:00pm) but most will let you store luggage and use the facilities.
Popular rooftop-style bakery near the Fort serving fresh pastries, eggs and chai — a light, quick breakfast before walking the Fort area; open typically 8:00am–9:00pm. Great fort views from nearby cafes.
Explore the living fort with winding lanes, temples, shops and ramparts; the Fort is open for visitors during the day (commonly 9:00am–5:00pm) and offers panoramic city views — allow time to climb the ramparts and visit small museums inside.
Visit Patwon Ki Haveli (largest haveli complex) and nearby Salim Singh and Nathmal Ji Ki havelis to see ornate sandstone carvings and period architecture; most havelis welcome visitors roughly 9:00am–5:00pm.
Enjoy a relaxed rooftop lunch with Rajasthani and north-Indian dishes and great views of the Fort; many rooftop restaurants are open 10:00am–10:00pm, perfect for midday rest and people-watching.
Stroll the ghats and take a short boat ride on Gadisar Lake to see birdlife and historic chhatris — the lake area is open from sunrise to sunset, making it a tranquil afternoon stop.
Wander Bhatia Bazaar for textiles, camel leather goods, and handicrafts; stop at a nearby cafe for tea — most shops open 9:00am–8:00pm but small traders may close midday, so go now for best selection.
Depart by car/jeep for Sam Sand Dunes (~40–60 minutes depending on traffic and route). Most desert camp pick-ups start mid/late afternoon so you'll arrive before sunset; the dunes are open anytime but evening access is preferred for sunset.
Enjoy a camel ride across the sand to a dune viewpoint for sunset — sunset in late September is around 6:20–6:40pm, perfect timing for golden light and photos; camel rides are available roughly 4:30pm–7:30pm.
Spend the night at a desert camp with a traditional Rajasthani dinner, folk music/dance show and stargazing — cultural shows typically run 7:30pm–9:30pm and dinner is included in most camp packages.
Sleep in a tented camp (comfortable to luxury options available) — camps provide blankets/warmth; confirm amenities when booking. Camps provide pick-up/drop-off and usually offer hot water and basic toilets.
Witness sunrise over the dunes — many camps organize an early camel ride or short jeep run to a good sunrise spot; sunrise in early October is around 6:00–6:20am, so be ready slightly earlier.
Hearty breakfast at the camp (typically Indian tea/coffee, parathas, bread and eggs) which is included in most overnight packages; enjoy the desert morning before heading back to the city.
If you want a second breakfast or a fuller brunch, sit at a rooftop cafe near the Fort and sample Rajasthani specialties like ghevar or a full Indian breakfast; cafes generally open by 8:00am.
Drive ~35km to the haunted/abandoned village of Kuldhara to see its ruined streets and learn the dramatic local legend; site is open sunrise–sunset and takes about 1–1.5 hours to explore.
Return to the city and visit a small museum (Thar Heritage Museum inside the Fort or a local cultural centre) to see curated displays of local crafts and tribal artifacts; most museums open 9:00am–5:00pm.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with Rajasthani thali or popular local restaurants — try dal-bati-churma or a kachori plate; many restaurants serve lunch through 3:00pm and are walkable in the old city.
Pick up souvenirs (jootis, textiles, miniature paintings, camel leather goods) in Bhatia Bazaar; most shops stay open until early evening, so use remaining time to shop before departure.
Head to the train station or bus stand, or begin your drive out of Jaisalmer. Allow extra time for transfers to ensure you catch scheduled transport — Jaisalmer station and bus stand are reachable by short taxi ride.