Dreamy Deserts of Rajasthan: a boutique Rajasthan desert tour
Our boutique Rajasthan desert tour takes you from the blue lanes of Jodhpur to the golden sandstone of Jaisalmer, ending with two peaceful nights in the Thar Desert. Along the way, you’ll explore magnificent forts, meet village communities and stay in some of our favourite little hotels. We’ll take care of every detail, with your own private car and driver and knowledgeable local guides, so you can simply enjoy discovering this fascinating corner of Rajasthan.
In a nutshell, this seven-day journey brings together colourful old cities, beautifully carved temples, village visits and sunsets among the dunes. You’ll spend two nights each at RAAS Jodhpur, Killa Bhawan in Jaisalmer and Manvār Kumat, with a lovely balance of exploring and time to enjoy your fabulous hotels.
Best time to visit: October through March, when the weather is comfortable for sightseeing and the evenings are lovely around the campfire
Ideal length: 6 nights, flexible to your schedule
2026/27 guide price: ₹201,500 (approximately $2,082; £1,576) per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room between October 2026 and March 2027. Supplements may apply over Christmas and New Year.
Welcome to Rajasthan! On arrival in Jodhpur, a member of our team will meet you at the airport. We’ll then chauffeur you to RAAS and help you settle in for two nights. If you’re arriving in India through New Delhi or Mumbai, we can assist with the arrangements to get you here.
Set at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, RAAS is a fabulous little boutique hotel in the heart of the old city. Beyond its sandstone gateway, you’ll find peaceful courtyards, a swimming pool and wonderful views of the fort above. We particularly love how the restored haveli sits alongside the contemporary rooms, giving you all the comforts you’d wish for without losing the character of your surroundings.
This evening, we’ll arrange a private Bhopa performance for you. This traditional form of Rajasthani storytelling brings the scenes on a painted cloth to life through music and song. Afterwards, enjoy a Rajasthani thali dinner, with a selection of little dishes introducing you to the region’s different flavours.
This morning, your private guide will introduce you to Jodhpur, beginning with the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Perched high above the city, its palaces, courtyards and collections offer a fascinating glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal past. The views across the blue houses below are fabulous, too.
You’ll also visit Jaswant Thada before exploring the lanes of Jodhpur’s old city. There’s plenty to enjoy here, from neighbourhood shops and busy markets to the little everyday scenes that make wandering so rewarding. If you’d prefer, we can arrange an early-morning bicycle tour or explore by rickshaw instead. We’ll plan this around your interests and how active you’d like to be.
This afternoon, head into the countryside by Jeep to discover the villages south of Jodhpur. With your guide making introductions, you’ll meet local potters, weavers and Bishnoi families, see traditional crafts being practised and learn a little about village life. It’s a lovely opportunity to look beyond the city’s grand monuments and get to know the people who call this part of Rajasthan home.
Today, your Rajasthan desert tour continues west to Jaisalmer, where you’ll stay for two nights at Killa Bhawan.
This charming little heritage hotel sits within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort, with colourful fabrics, traditionally furnished rooms and inviting terraces overlooking the city. We love its character and location: step outside and you’re straight into the fort’s narrow lanes, with little shops, temples and cafés all around you.
After checking in, take some time to settle in and enjoy the views from the terrace. As the afternoon draws to a close, the sandstone buildings take on the golden glow that gives Jaisalmer its name. Later, you might like to head out for dinner; we’ll happily recommend some of our favourite places.
Another little hotel we love is 1st Gate Home Fusion, at the foot of the fort. If you’d prefer more space and facilities in a resort setting, Suryagarh is a fabulous alternative just outside the city.
This morning, explore Jaisalmer with your private guide. Unlike many of Rajasthan’s forts, this is still very much a living neighbourhood, with homes, temples, shops and restaurants tucked within its ancient walls.
You’ll wander through the narrow lanes and visit the beautifully carved Jain temples before discovering the city’s remarkable havelis. Built by wealthy merchants, these sandstone mansions are covered in intricate carving, with delicate balconies and façades that are lovely to admire up close.
Later, visit Gadisagar Lake, once an important source of water for the city. Its waterside shrines and pavilions make a pleasant setting for a stroll before returning to your hotel.
There’s no need to rush through Jaisalmer. If you’d like to linger over a coffee, browse the little shops or spend more time enjoying your hotel’s terrace, your guide will happily adapt the day to suit you.
Today, we’ll chauffeur you to Manvār Kumat for two nights in the Thar Desert. After exploring Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, it’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of your Rajasthan desert tour.
With just 11 spacious tents set within a private desert estate, Kumat offers plenty of peace and privacy. Your tent is air-conditioned, with a generous bathroom and private sit-outs where you can relax and take in your surroundings. There’s also a swimming pool overlooking the desert landscape, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
The rest of the day is yours to settle in, enjoy a swim or simply sit with a book and the views. This evening, enjoy a Rajasthani dinner accompanied by local folk music, a lovely way to spend your first night in the desert.
Rise early this morning for a Jeep excursion into the desert. You’ll explore sandy trails, open scrubland and nearby settlements, discovering a little more about the landscape and life in this part of Rajasthan.
Return to Kumat for breakfast, with the rest of the morning free to enjoy the camp. There’s time for a swim, a quiet hour on your private sit-out or simply doing very little, which is rather the appeal of staying here.
This afternoon, we’ll arrange the Thar Sundowner, a lovely highlight of your Rajasthan desert tour. Travel by Jeep to Manvār’s private desert estate, where high tea awaits among the dunes. Enjoy a selection of Indian and Western savouries and sweet treats as the evening light softens across the sand.
There’s plenty of time to take photographs and enjoy the views before watching the sun slip below the horizon. Afterwards, return to Kumat for dinner and your final night in the desert.
Today, we’ll chauffeur you to Jodhpur airport in time for your onward flight. If your flight schedule allows, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Kumat before setting off. Much like your arrival, if you’re planning to depart India from New Delhi or Mumbai, we can assist you with getting there.
Our journeys are inclusive of accommodation with breakfast, a private car with driver throughout, experienced local guides, entrance tickets and the excursions described. In other words, we take care of the practicalities so the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the sights and enjoying your fabulous hotels! This indicative cost for our Rajasthan desert tour is per person, based on two people travelling between October 2026 and March 2027, sharing a double or twin room. Your final quotation will reflect your travel dates and any changes we make together, while supplements may apply during the peak Christmas and New Year period. The US dollar and pound sterling equivalents are approximate and may fluctuate.
Make it more you: This Rajasthan desert tour is fabulous all on its own. Still, you can also embellish it with stays in other parts of Rajasthan, such as Jaipur, Udaipur or Ranthambhore for the chance to see wild Bengal tigers. You might also like to include a few nights in one of our favourite rural hideaways. We’ll plan every detail of your special trip around your individual interests and requirements, helping you discover Rajasthan in comfort, without compromising on authentic experiences.
All our tours are private and tailor-made to complement your taste and interests. The itinerary described above is just a starting point, and together we can refine it into your ideal Indian experience. To find out more, meet our specialist or get in touch to arrange a chat. Meanwhile, for further inspiration, you may like to explore our Highlights of Rajasthan itinerary.
