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Things to Do in Jaisalmer

Things to Do in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Rajasthan, India Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Engage with Jaisalmer's environment through various adventures.

Thrilling Desert Adventures

Dune Bashing Jeep Safari

This involves an exciting ride over the dunes in a 4x4 vehicle at Sam Sand Dunes. An adrenaline-pumping activity, very popular at sunset.

Quad Biking

Also at Sam Sand Dunes, atv riding offers an adventurous ride on the sand, giving you control over your desert exploration.

Paramotoring

Occasionally available during peak season at Sam Dunes Of sand. Always check availability and confirm safety standards with reputable operators.

Nature & Leisure Activities

  • Hiking & Trekking: Limited traditional routes. Enjoy short walks around Gadisar Loch or explore the fort on foot.
  • Boating on Gadisar Lake: Paddle boats and rowboats are available for hire. Leisurely experience at the beginning of morning or late afternoon.
  • Wildlife Safari: Arrange jeep safaris from Jaisalmer to Desert National Park. Spot desert fox, chinkara, and various birds.
  • Cycling: Possible on a smaller number of crowded paths or around Gadisar Lake. Some operators offer organized tours to villages in the vicinity.

Desert Trekking

  • Traditional routes are limited.
  • Focus on short walks.
  • Explore Jaisalmer Fort on foot.
  • Gentle exercise and discovery.

Water Sports

  • Boating on Gadisar Lake.
  • Paddle boats and rowboats available.
  • Leisurely experience.
  • Pleasant in early morning or late afternoon.

Cycling Tours

  • Possible on a smaller number of crowded roads.
  • Around Gadisar Lake.
  • Organized tours to villages in the vicinity.
  • Slower pace to observe local life.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

Always prioritize safety. Choose reputable operators for adventure sports. Ensure equipment is well-maintained plus local experts are certified.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Jaisalmer's rich cultural heritage through direct participation.

Workshops & Learning

  • Cooking Classes: Some guesthouses or local families have lessons focused on Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine.
  • Music & Dance Workshops: Local artists might offer informal seminars on Rajasthani folk music or traditional dance forms.
  • Community Tourism: Some desert safari operators include visits to remote desert villages, interacting with local communities.
  • Language Learning: Getting the hang of basic Hindi a few phrases is welcome. Tourism staff generally speak English.

Performances & Festivals

Folk Music & Dance

Evening traditional shows are common at desert camps and many hotels. They feature traditional Kalbelia dance, Ghoomar, and shows by local folk musicians.

Puppet Shows Kathputli

Traditional Rajasthani puppet shows are usually included in cultural evenings. These shows tell stories through colorful puppets and folk music.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Held annually in February, this is a three-day extravaganza with Rajasthani folk music, dance, camel races, and traditional games.

Folk Music

Experience live performances by Manganiyars and Langas, traditional musicians of Rajasthan.

Traditional Dance

Witness Kalbelia dance and graceful Ghoomar performances, demonstrating Rajasthani heritage.

Puppetry

Enjoy Kathputli shows, traditional Rajasthani puppet performances that narrate stories.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find moments of calm and renewal among your travels.

Spas & Wellbeing

  • Spa Services: Jaisalmer has limited dedicated luxury spas. Some mid-range and luxury hotels offer in-house massage treatments.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Jaisalmer is not a key yoga retreat destination. Some guesthouses or hotels may offer basic yoga classes, often on their rooftops.
  • Traditional Healing: Ayurvedic massages might be available at certain hotels or from independent practitioners.
  • Pool Access: Some luxury hotels outside the fort have swimming pools. These aren'tably refreshing in hot weather.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Live Music & Performances

Many restaurants and hotels with rooftop dining feature live Rajasthani folk music and dance performances in the evenings.

Nightclubs & Bars

Jaisalmer does not have traditional nightclubs or specific bar districts. Nightlife centers around cultural performances and quiet rooftop dining.

Late-Night Options

Rooftop restaurants often stay open until 10:30-11:00 PM. Stargazing in the sandy landscape is a popular late-night activity during safaris.

Other Wellness Notes

Natural Therapy

Jaisalmer lacks natural thermal springs or equivalent natural therapy options.

Beach Clubs

Jaisalmer is a desert city, so it has no sandy shores. Pool clubs are the closest alternative.

Jaisalmer Ambiance

The city's peaceful desert character influences its relaxed entertainment scene.

Shopping & Markets

Jaisalmer's markets feature a variety of local crafts and souvenirs.

Traditional Markets & Souvenirs

  • Sadar Bazaar: Main market outside the fort. Find local goods, textiles, and daily items.
  • Manak Chowk: Bustling area near the fort entrance with stores that sell tourist items and local crafts.
  • Pansari Bazaar: Known for traditional spices, local produce, and unique dried desert ingredients.
  • Souvenirs: Camel leather products, Rajasthani textiles, puppets, silver jewelry, wood sculptures, local sweets like Ghotua Ladoo.

Shopping Etiquette & Logistics

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Many shops within and around the fort sell locally made handicrafts. Look for items showing Rajasthani artistry. You might observe artisans working.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Luxury shopping is limited. Boutiques within some heritage hotels may offer curated collections of major-premium local crafts.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans directly for fair wages. Bargaining is customary in markets; do so respectfully and fairly. Try for a price that suits both you and the vendor.

Camel Leather Products

Bags, wallets, and shoes made from camel leather are popular and unique souvenirs from Jaisalmer.

Rajasthani Textiles

Find quilts, embroidered fabrics, and colorful turbans, which make great keepsakes from the region.

Silver Jewelry

Jaisalmer has a reputation for its beautiful silver jewelry, usually including semi-precious stones.

Shipping & Customs

International Shipping
  • Arrange through local postal services or international couriers.
  • Available in larger cities like Jodhpur or Jaipur, but ask locally.
  • For bulk purchases, shipping may be cost-effective.
Customs Information
  • Be aware of customs regulations for your home country.
  • Regarding textiles, animal products (as needed), and accessories.
  • This helps avoid issues upon your return.

Shopping Tip

There's no hurry when browsing the markets. Engage with vendors, but remember to bargain respectfully for your purchases.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure Planning

  • Desert safaris are a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Consider overnight desert camps for astronomy.
  • Walking tours within the fort reveal hidden alleys and everyday life.

Cultural & Leisure Planning

  • Attend evening folk music and dance performances.
  • A cooking lesson is an option to learn Rajasthani cuisine.
  • Look for in-house massage services at hotels for relaxation.
  • Explore local markets for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Things to Do in Jaisalmer. Activities, Experiences, Adventures