Arrive at Jaisalmer Railway Station on Railway Station Road and allow roughly an hour to collect your bags, arrange an auto-rickshaw or hotel transfer, and check in. The station is about 2–3 km from the old city; expect 10–20 minutes by auto depending on traffic, with fares usually around ₹100–₹200. Leave your luggage at the hotel before heading out—August can be humid, and walking through the fort is much easier without bags. Keep water handy and confirm your evening restaurant reservation before leaving.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Gadisar Lake, generally 10–15 minutes from the station area and close to the old city. Spend an unhurried hour walking beside the water and beneath the historic gateways; the light is usually softer later in the afternoon, and the lake is a pleasant first glimpse of Jaisalmer’s sandstone architecture. Entry to the lake area is generally free, though boat rides cost extra, commonly around ₹100–₹300 depending on the boat and duration. From here, continue by auto or on foot toward Jaisalmer Fort—the approach is uphill in places, so walking takes around 15–20 minutes.
Explore Jaisalmer Fort for about two hours, following the lanes around Sonaron Ka Baas and taking time for the palace courtyards, temple streets, and rooftop viewpoints. The fort is a living neighborhood rather than a single monument, so wander respectfully and be prepared for uneven, polished stone. Palace and temple opening hours vary, but late afternoon is usually comfortable; allow roughly ₹250–₹300 for palace admission, with possible camera charges. Afterward, walk downhill to Patwon Ki Haveli on Patwa Haveli Lane for a short heritage visit—its carved façades and merchant interiors are best appreciated before closing, typically around 6 p.m.; admission is usually around ₹100–₹250. Finish at Jaisal Italy, inside the fort, for dinner on its rooftop terrace. Budget approximately ₹500–₹1,000 per person, and reserve or arrive early for the best city-facing tables; roads inside the fort are narrow, so plan to walk the final stretch rather than rely on a vehicle.