Start with a hearty Rajasthani-style breakfast (poha, kachori, chai) at your hotel or The Trio rooftop; rooftop views give a first glimpse of the honey-coloured city. Typical breakfast hours 7:30am–10:30am, so arrive early to beat crowds.
Explore the living fort with narrow lanes, Jain temples and panoramic ramparts — it’s the heart of the city and offers unmatched views; most shops and temples inside the fort open by 9:00am and the fort area is best visited before late afternoon heat.
Visit the ornate Patwon Ki Haveli (multi-storey merchants’ mansion) to see intricate carvings and mirror work; the haveli typically opens by 9:00am and closes around 5:00pm.
Have a relaxed lunch (Rajasthani thali or pizza at Jaisal Italy) to refuel; most city restaurants serve lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm and have both Indian and continental options.
Stroll the lakeside ghats and, if available, take a short boat ride to see migratory birds and temple shrines; Gadisar Lake is pleasant in late afternoon and generally accessible from 6:00am–6:00pm.
Travel to Sam Sand Dunes (~40–50 km, 45–60 minutes) by private car or jeep — leave with enough time to reach before sunset; jeep transfers to dunes typically booked mid-afternoon for sunset programs.
Take a classic camel ride to the dunes and watch the desert sunset — camel safaris for sunset usually start 60–90 minutes before sunset and last about an hour; dunes are open 24/7 but sunset is the highlight.
Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner (dal-baati, churma) and live folk music/dance at a desert camp; camps run dinner and shows in the evening and most provide bedding and hot water for an overnight stay. Confirm camp check-in and included meals when booking.
Catch sunrise over the dunes — many camps offer an early camel or jeep trip to a high dune for spectacular photography; sunrise trips usually start around 5:00–6:00am depending on season.
Enjoy a simple hot breakfast at the camp (paratha, chai) before checking out and returning to Jaisalmer town; camp breakfasts typically served 7:00am–8:30am.
Visit this compact museum to learn Thar culture, traditional crafts and local history; it typically opens around 9:30am and closes by 6:00pm and is an excellent primer before visiting havelis.
Try a rooftop lunch with local fare (ker sangri, bajra rotla) or a fusion menu; restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm and offer vegetarian options.
Explore the elegant facades and carved balconies of Salim Singh and Nathmal Ki Haveli close to the fort; open roughly 9:00am–5:00pm, both make for great photographic stops.
Drive north to Bada Bagh — a serene complex of cenotaphs set on terrace steps with views over desert scrub; best in late afternoon and generally open from 8:00am–5:00pm (arrive before closing).
Visit the eerie, deserted village of Kuldhara and learn the legend of its abandonment; the site is open to visitors (typically 8:00am–6:00pm) and is quieter in the late afternoon.
Return to the city for a relaxed dinner at The Trio rooftop or a hotel restaurant like Suryagarh for refined Rajasthani and international dishes; dinner service generally runs from 7:00pm–11:00pm.
If energy permits, take an evening stroll on the fort ramparts to see the fort lit up and catch rooftop music or local performances happening inside the fort precinct; ramparts accessible into evening but shops inside may close earlier.
Shop for camel leather goods, textiles, silver jewelry and handicrafts in the crowded bazaars around the fort; stalls open by 10:00am and bargaining is customary — allow 1.5–2 hours for shopping.
Use this slot to visit any haveli or small museum you skipped (e.g., more of Patwon’s complex or a private haveli) — most sites are open until about 5:00pm, so midday is safe.
Have a final relaxed lunch sampling local favorites or a lighter cafe meal; many cafes serve 12:00pm–3:00pm and offer pleasant rooftop seating for a last view of the fort.
If you have a late departure, return to Gadisar Lake for a last low-sun reflection and peaceful setting before heading out; lake accessible until about 6:00pm.