Jaisalmer Fort and Desert Safari with Camel Ride

An 800-year-old fort, a haunted village, and a camel into the desert in one afternoon

This nine-hour tour from Jaisalmer covers the 12th-century fort, the abandoned village of Kuldhara, and a camel safari across the Thar Desert ending with a cultural show and dinner. A private English-speaking guide leads the fort exploration, transport and hotel pickup are included, and children from age 3 are welcome. The camel ride and evening entertainment happen after sunset, so the day runs from early afternoon through dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore fort, village, desert safari

• Hotel pickup in Jaisalmer
• Visit Jaisalmer Fort
• Drive to Kuldhara Village
• Explore Kuldhara Village
• Camel desert safari at sunset
• Enjoy cultural dance and music
• Have Rajasthani vegetarian dinner
• Return to hotel

The Experience

The tour starts with a 1 PM hotel pickup and heads straight to Jaisalmer Fort. Built in the 12th century, this 800-year-old structure is the second oldest fort in all of Rajasthan and remains a living fort—people still inhabit it. Your guide takes you through the ancient temples and passages inside, pointing out details most visitors miss. The fort sits at the heart of the old city, so you're walking through rooms and courtyards that have stood for eight centuries.

After the fort, a scenic drive takes you to Kuldhara Village, an abandoned settlement about 40 kilometers away. The village is known for its eerie atmosphere and local legends; it sits empty now, with crumbling structures and a quiet that makes the place feel genuinely haunted. You explore on foot before heading into the open desert. The Longewala War Memorial marks the edge of the Thar, and from there the camel ride begins. You ride as the sun drops toward the horizon, watching the golden sand stretch endlessly in all directions. The light changes fast in the desert, and the sunset is the centerpiece of the afternoon.

Once the sun sets, you return to a camp set up in the desert with tents and a bonfire. A folk dance and music performance happens here—local musicians and dancers perform traditional Rajasthani songs and dances. Dinner is a vegetarian Rajasthani meal served under the stars, included in the tour price. After dinner, the driver takes you back to your hotel. The whole day runs nine hours, and the evening portion—the camel ride, the show, the meal—is what makes this tour different from a standard fort visit.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Jaisalmer.
• all transport in an air-conditioned car with a private English-speaking guide.
• entrance fee to Kuldhara Village.
• the camel ride at sunset.
• the folk dance and music performance at the desert camp.
• a vegetarian Rajasthani dinner under the stars.
• parking, tolls, fuel and taxes throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Go City Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a private guide and car for the full day—fort, ghost town, and desert—rather than joining a group tour where you'd share transportation and guidance.

Top questions

What exactly is Jaisalmer Fort, and why is it called a living fort?

Jaisalmer Fort is an 800-year-old structure built in the 12th century and the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Unlike most forts that are now empty monuments, people still live inside it, which is why it's called a living fort. Your guide takes you through the ancient temples and passages within the fort walls.

Is Kuldhara Village actually haunted, or is that just a story?

Kuldhara Village is an abandoned settlement with local legends attached to it, but whether it's truly haunted depends on what you believe. What's certain is that it's empty, crumbling, and genuinely eerie to walk through. The village sits about 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer, and exploring it is part of the afternoon before the desert portion begins.

How long is the camel ride, and what happens after it?

The camel ride happens at sunset and lasts through the golden hour as the sun drops toward the horizon. After you return from riding, you go to a camp in the desert where there's a bonfire, a folk dance and music performance by local artists, and a vegetarian Rajasthani dinner under the stars.

Is the Rajasthani dinner included, or do I pay extra for it?

The Rajasthani vegetarian dinner is included in the tour price and is served at the desert camp after the camel ride and cultural show.

What's the age requirement for children on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 3 onward. The tour includes a camel ride, so younger children should be comfortable with that activity.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Jaisalmer are included. Your guide picks you up at around 1 PM and returns you after dinner, so the whole day is covered with transport.