India8 days
Rajasthan: Desert Safari, Forts & Havelis — 8 Days
Delhi to Jodhpur through Shekawati, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer with camel safaris in the Thar Desert
This eight-day journey moves across Rajasthan's principal towns and desert landscape, beginning in Delhi with visits to the Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, then traveling west through the merchant towns of Shekawati to Bikaner and Jaisalmer. The route includes two camel safaris in the Thar Desert — a full day from Bikaner and a sunset ride at Jaisalmer — and stops at several fortified structures: Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, the walled city of Jaisalmer Fort, and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The itinerary also incorporates visits to the Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, overnight camping in the desert, and time in local bazaars and markets.
Highlights
- Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Shekhawati havelies and mansions — merchant architecture and local textile markets
- Camel breeding farm in Bikaner
- Full-day camel safari across the Thar Desert with overnight desert camp stay
- Sunset camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort — the only fort in India with inhabited residential structures inside
- Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and Jaswant Thada cenotaph
Day by day
1Delhi: Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb & Lutyens' DelhiQutub Minar · Humayun's Tomb · Lutyens' Delhi · Delhi International Airport · India Gate · Parliament House · Bahai Temple · President's House · hotel in Delhi
Arrival at Delhi International Airport and hotel transfer. The first day includes a sightseeing tour covering the Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The afternoon continues through Lutyens' Delhi (New Delhi) to view India Gate, Parliament House, the Bahai Temple, and a drive past the President's House. Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
2Shekawati: Havelis, Bazaars & Spice MarketsShekawati · Mandawa · local bazaars · Khari Baoli Spice Market
Morning drive to Shekawati, with hotel check-in at Mandawa. The region is known for its merchant architecture — ornate havelis and mansions with distinctive wall paintings. An evening walking tour takes in local bazaars; Shekawati has a reputation for handwoven textiles, handicrafts, and brass and iron scissors. A side visit includes Khari Baoli Spice Market in Delhi (if included in the route), one of the oldest wholesale markets in the city, where spices are sold in bulk from large sacks and carts rather than small packets. Overnight in Mandawa.
3Bikaner: Junagarh Fort & Camel Breeding FarmBikaner · Junagarh Fort · camel breeding farm
Drive to Bikaner, known as the Camel City. Hotel check-in followed by a visit to the well-preserved Junagarh Fort and the city's camel breeding farm. Overnight in Bikaner.
4Full-Day Camel Safari & Desert Camp, Thar Desertdesert camp · Thar Desert
A full-day camel safari departs across the Thar Desert from Bikaner. Hotel checkout and transfer to the desert for the ride. The afternoon and evening include cultural performances, a campfire, and Rajasthani regional cuisine at the desert camp. Overnight at the camp.
5Jaisalmer: Rat Temple & Sam Sand DunesJaisalmer · Rat Temple · Sam Sand Dunes · desert camp · Hotel
Morning checkout from the desert camp with a visit to the Rat Temple en route. Continued travel to Jaisalmer, known as the Golden City. Hotel check-in and afternoon transfer to Sam Sand Dunes for a camel ride and sunset viewing from the desert. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
6Jaisalmer: Fort, Havelis & Local CultureJaisalmer Fort · Patwon ki Haveli · Nathmal Ji ki Haveli
A full day of sightseeing in Jaisalmer includes Jaisalmer Fort (also known as Sonar Fort), the only fort in India with inhabited houses within its walls — a setting that provides direct access to the local culture and daily life of the city. The itinerary continues to the Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji ki Haveli, both ornate merchant residences with detailed interiors and carved facades. Afternoon leisure. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
7Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant ThadaJodhpur · Mehrangarh Fort · Jaswant Thada · old markets near the Clock Tower
Departure for Jodhpur with hotel check-in. A guided tour covers Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, and Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph. The evening is available for wandering the old markets near the Clock Tower. Overnight in Jodhpur.
8Jodhpur to Delhi DepartureDelhi · Jodhpur Airport
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Jodhpur Airport for your direct flight to Delhi and onward journey. Your Rajasthan camel safari concludes, leaving behind memories of desert landscapes and remarkable experiences across the region.
Where you go
- 1Delhi International Airport
- 2Bikaner
- 3Junagarh Fort
- 4Thar Desert
- 5Jaisalmer
- 6Sam Sand Dunes
- 7hotel
- 8Jaisalmer Fort
- 9Jodhpur
- 10Mehrangarh Fort
- 11Jaswant Thada
- 12Delhi