How long is the Rajasthan Desert Circuit: Jaipur to the Golden City route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Jaipur to Jaipur in Rajasthan, India.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is October to March.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Adventure, Classic road trip, Nature.

Rajasthan Desert Circuit: Jaipur to the Golden City

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Jaipur

3 nights

The Pink City is the circuit's gateway and deserves three nights. Amber Fort rewards an early start; its mirrored Sheesh Mahal and elephant-ride courtyard are the standouts. Allow a morning for Jantar Mantar (UNESCO observatory), an afternoon at City Palace, and an evening in Johari Bazaar.The Pink City is the circuit's gateway and deserves three nights. Amber Fort rewards an early start; its mirrored Sheesh Mahal and elephant-ride courtyard are the standouts. Allow a morning for Jantar Mantar (UNESCO observatory), an afternoon at City Palace, and an evening in Johari Bazaar.

Recommendations

2h 23m · 171 km drive to Pushkar

Pushkar

2 nights

A town unlike anywhere else in India: alcohol and meat are banned, and everything centres on the sacred Pushkar Lake ringed by 52 ghats. Two nights is enough to explore the lake at sunrise, visit the only Brahma temple in India, and browse the colourful market street.A town unlike anywhere else in India: alcohol and meat are banned, and everything centres on the sacred Pushkar Lake ringed by 52 ghats. Two nights is enough to explore the lake at sunrise, visit the only Brahma temple in India, and browse the colourful market street.

Recommendations

2h 48m · 201 km drive to Jodhpur

Jodhpur

2 nights

The Blue City earns its name: a sea of indigo-painted houses clusters beneath the vast walls of Mehrangarh Fort. Two nights gives time to walk the narrow old-city lanes, tour the fort museum, and catch sunset at Jaswant Thada cenotaph.The Blue City earns its name: a sea of indigo-painted houses clusters beneath the vast walls of Mehrangarh Fort. Two nights gives time to walk the narrow old-city lanes, tour the fort museum, and catch sunset at Jaswant Thada cenotaph.

Recommendations

4h 3m · 291 km drive to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

2 nights

India's only fully inhabited medieval fort glows gold at sunset, with thousands still living within its walls. Spend a morning on the fort and its Jain temples, an afternoon at Gadisar Lake, then drive to Sam Sand Dunes for an overnight desert camp experience.India's only fully inhabited medieval fort glows gold at sunset, with thousands still living within its walls. Spend a morning on the fort and its Jain temples, an afternoon at Gadisar Lake, then drive to Sam Sand Dunes for an overnight desert camp experience.

Recommendations

4h 49m · 347 km drive to Bikaner

Bikaner

1 night

Often skipped, Bikaner rewards the northern detour. Junagarh Fort was never conquered in 500 years and its palace interiors are among Rajasthan's finest. The Karni Mata rat temple at Deshnok, 30 km south, is one of India's most unusual pilgrimage sites.Often skipped, Bikaner rewards the northern detour. Junagarh Fort was never conquered in 500 years and its palace interiors are among Rajasthan's finest. The Karni Mata rat temple at Deshnok, 30 km south, is one of India's most unusual pilgrimage sites.

Recommendations

On the way

Jaipur
4h 57m · 356 km
Returning to Jaipur completes the loop and puts you back at the starting point for onward connections. Jaipur International Airport is 10 km south of the city centre, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.Returning to Jaipur completes the loop and puts you back at the starting point for onward connections. Jaipur International Airport is 10 km south of the city centre, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Recommendations

Rajasthan Desert Circuit: Jaipur to the Golden City