What to Pack & Bring: Jaisalmer

Seasonal Attire

Pack according to the season to maximize your comfort in Jaisalmer's desert climate.

Winter & Monsoon

Winter (Oct-Mar) Day: Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen. Evening/Morning: Warm layers like a Fleece jacket, sweater, or a Light down jacket. For desert camping, thermal underwear, heavy jacket, Warm hat, and Gloves.
Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Light, quick-drying clothing. A Light rain jacket or a Compact umbrella for occasional showers.
Layering is for comfort as temperatures shift.

Summer & Modesty

Summer heat and local customs both shape your wardrobe choices.

Warm Weather & Cultural Dress

Summer (Apr-Jun): Very light, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light colors reflect heat. Long sleeves and pants offer protection against intense sun exposure, preventing sunburn and dehydration.
Cultural Dress Code: India maintains conservative dress norms. Modest attire is advised, especially when visiting religious sites. For women: cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting trousers, long skirts, or dresses. A Scarf is useful for covering shoulders or head. For men: long pants or modest shorts, and shirts.
Activity-specific attire: For religious sites, wear respectful attire. For desert safaris, choose comfortable, loose clothing that protects from sun and sand. A head covering, like a turban or large scarf, is recommended.

Footwear Advice

General Walking Shoes

Pack Comfortable walking sandals or Sturdy walking shoes. These are suitable for exploring the fort's uneven lanes and city streets.

Good support for varied terrain.

Desert Excursions

Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals that handle sand are helpful. Avoid open-toed footwear for camel safaris to prevent sand irritation.

Keep sand out for comfort.

Footwear Brands

Consider the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal for good support across varied terrain. Prioritize durability and breathability.

Quality and lasting comfort.

Essential Documents

Critical Papers

Have both physical and digital copies.

Passport and visa documentation: Carry your original passport with a valid visa. Make photocopies and store digital copies on your phone and in cloud storage. Keep physical and digital backups in separate places.
Travel insurance policy information: Bring print and digital copies of your policy. Include emergency contact numbers for your insurance provider.
International driving permit (if applicable): Not typically needed for Jaisalmer, but useful if planning to rent a car elsewhere in India.
Vaccination records and health documentation: Carry your Yellow Fever certificate if required. Bring a list of any prescribed medications, including generic names.

Printed and digital copies of reservations: Keep copies of flight tickets, hotel bookings, train tickets, and tour reservations for smooth check-ins.
Emergency contact information: A list of contacts for family, friends, your embassy/consulate, and travel insurance provider. Store this information digitally and on paper.
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Some attractions offer discounts. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) might offer benefits at some places.
Consider World Nomads or SafetyWing for travel insurance.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay powered and connected with the right tools for India's electrical systems and mobile networks.

Electricals & SIMs

Power adapter and voltage: India uses Type C, D, and M plug sockets. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is helpful. The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter supports worldwide charging.
Mobile phone compatibility and SIM card options: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Indian SIM cards (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea) are widely available. Passport copy, visa copy, and a passport-sized photo are needed to purchase. A prepaid SIM offers affordable calls and data.
Consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Gadgets & Backups

Capture your memories and safeguard your data with these tech recommendations.

Camera & Storage

Camera equipment: A camera with good low-light performance is useful for sunset, sunrise, and night photography in the desert. Protect your gear from dust and sand. A Lens cleaning kit is helpful. B&H Photo offers camera equipment.
Portable chargers and power banks: Keep devices charged, especially during long travel days or desert safaris where power outlets are scarce. A High-capacity power bank like the Anker PowerCore 20100 Portable Charger is a good choice.
Backup solutions for important data: Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents. Photographers might consider a Small external hard drive.

Helpful Apps

Navigation

Google Maps works well. Download offline maps for areas where internet access might be unreliable. Also, consider an eSIM service like Airalo for data.

Translation

Google Translate is useful. Download the Hindi offline language pack to facilitate communication.

Local Services

Booking.com and Agoda are popular for finding and booking stays. UPI Payment Apps like PayTM and Google Pay are widely used for local payments, though they usually require an Indian bank account.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit makes a difference in a foreign environment. Have your essentials organized.

Essential Kit

Destination-specific First aid kit contents: Include Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape, pain relievers (Tylenol), Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), antihistamines, rehydration salts, small scissors, and tweezers. Adventure Medical Kits for supplies.
Prescription medications (with documentation): Carry a sufficient supply for your trip duration. Keep medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels. Carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note, especially for controlled substances.
Over-the-counter medications for common issues: Bring cold and flu remedies, antacids, and mild laxatives.

Disease Prevention & Hygiene

Protect yourself from environmental and hygiene-related health concerns specific to the region.

Repellent & Water Purity

Insect repellent and sun protection appropriate to the climate: Use DEET-based or Picaridin-based repellent (Sawyer Products) for exposed skin. Pack High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
Water purification options: A Water filter bottle like the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle or Purification tablets offer a backup for emergencies or sustainable travel. Visit LifeStraw for options.
Personal hygiene items that may be difficult to find locally: Bring specific brands of toiletries you prefer. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are always useful.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Motion Sickness Care

Motion sickness remedies are useful if you plan long bus or train journeys.
Consider ginger candies or patches for natural relief during travel.
Non-drowsy options are available for daytime travel.

Altitude Notes

Altitude sickness is not a concern in Jaisalmer as the city sits at a low elevation.
Jaisalmer is located in a desert region, far from high-altitude areas.
Focus on heat hydration rather than altitude sickness prevention.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Desert Safari Gear

Specific gear for desert adventures enhances comfort and safety.

Pack a Small daypack for water, snacks, and camera. The Osprey Talon 22 Daypack offers good capacity.
A Headlamp is useful for navigating at night in the desert. The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp provides hands-free lighting.
A durable scarf or shemagh for head and face protection against sun and sand.
Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals for sand.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Consider what items make sense to rent locally versus bringing from home based on availability and quality.

Camel safari operators typically provide gear like blankets for camping.
You do not need to bring specialty Camping gear.
Local shops may offer motorcycle/scooter rentals.
Bicycle rentals are available from some guesthouses.

Unique Jaisalmer Items

Some items are notably useful for the Jaisalmer experience.

A durable scarf or shemagh offers protection for your head and face against sun and sand during desert excursions.
A Dust mask or bandana for dusty conditions.
Sunglasses with UV protection for the strong desert sun.
A Reusable water bottle, like the Hydro Flask, to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Rent vs. Buy Considerations

Advantages of Renting Locally

Less luggage to transport, especially for bulky items.
Access to region-specific gear tailored to local conditions.
Support local businesses and the economy.
No need for long-term storage or maintenance of specialty items.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

Familiarity and comfort with your own trusted gear.
Guaranteed quality and fit, especially for personal items like shoes.
Cost savings if you plan to use the equipment frequently on other trips.
Avoid potential issues with local availability or rental conditions.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items contribute to your overall comfort and security during your travels, especially on long journeys.

Relax & Secure

Comfort items for transportation: A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs are useful for long train or bus journeys, aiding sleep. The Travelrest - The Ultimate Travel Pillow offers good support.
Security items: A Money belt or Travel wallet keeps valuables out of sight. Luggage locks provide security for your bags. RFID-blocking wallets (Travelambo) protect credit card information. TSA Approved Luggage Locks are practical. Visit Pacsafe for anti-theft bags.
Essential local information: Keep your hotel's number and address handy.
Embassy/Consulate contact: Know details for your country's embassy or nearest consulate in India (likely Delhi or Mumbai).

Sustainable & Region Specifics

Embrace sustainable travel practices and bring items suited to Jaisalmer's environment.

Eco-Conscious & Local

Reusable items: Carry a Reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for purchases and reduces the need for single-use plastic bags. The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle keeps water cold.
Region-specific items: A Dust mask or bandana is useful for dusty conditions, especially during desert travel.
Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: High-quality sunscreens, specific brands of medications, and certain Western-style snacks or comfort foods might be hard to find or more expensive locally. Bring these from home.
Travel light: Pack only what you need to move easily between locations.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Carry your own water bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Bring a foldable bag for purchases, avoiding single-use plastics.

Smart Charging

Unplug electronics when not in use to conserve energy.

Local Transport

Walk or use local transport where possible to minimize carbon footprint.

Destination-Specific Items

Climate Readiness

Light, breathable layers for daytime warmth.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen.
Warm outerwear for cool desert evenings (Oct-Mar).

Comfort Gear

Dust mask or bandana for desert and city air.
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the fort and city.
Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for easy movement. Rolling clothes saves space. Use packing cubes for organization. Check weather forecasts before departure. Make a comprehensive checklist.

Focus on versatility. Layers are important. Prioritize comfort for walking. Consider travel laundry detergent. Protect electronics from dust and heat, especially in desert conditions.

What to Pack & Bring