In short
- Access to the fort's residential streets is free and open 24/7.
- The Palace Museum charges ₹50 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners.
- Camera fees apply at the museum: ₹50 for a camera, ₹100 for video.
In this article
Jaisalmer Fort is a living citadel with thousands of residents. There is no single entry gate that charges a fee. You can walk right in at any time. However, specific historic sites inside have their own ticketing systems and operating hours.
Is entry to Jaisalmer Fort free?
Yes, walking through the main gates and exploring the streets is completely free.
The fort is a functioning neighborhood with roughly 4,000 local residents. Because it is a public space, nobody will charge you to pass through the four massive entry gates. You can explore the alleys and reach the cannon viewpoints without a ticket.
What is the entry fee for the Fort Palace Museum?
The Fort Palace Museum costs ₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹250 for foreign nationals.
The Raj Mahal, or former royal residence, operates as a multi-story museum inside the fort. You must purchase a ticket at the entrance near Dussehra Chowk to go inside. If you want to take photos, you must pay an additional camera fee.
What are the timings for Jaisalmer Fort?
The main streets of the fort are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can walk into the fort at any time of day or night. However, the attractions inside have specific hours. Most visitors arrive between sunrise and sunset to see the yellow sandstone glow. If you book a guided walk, tours usually run during daylight hours.
When are the Jain temples open to tourists?
The Jain temple complex typically closes to non-Jain tourists around noon.
The fort contains seven carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 16th centuries. You should plan to visit these early in the morning. Remember to remove your footwear and any leather items before entering the temple complex.
Do I need to pay for a guide?
Hiring a guide is optional but helpful to understand the history of the old city.
Many local guides offer private walking tours through the narrow alleys, palace, and temples. Tour prices start from $10 depending on the platform, and rates change. The foreigner ticket for the Palace Museum often includes an audio guide.
Questions travellers ask
Is Jaisalmer Fort open at night?
Yes, the public streets and squares of the fort remain open 24 hours a day. The museum and temples, however, close in the evening.
How much does a camera ticket cost?
The Fort Palace Museum charges a fee of ₹50 for a standard camera and ₹100 for a video camera.
Do people still live in Jaisalmer Fort?
Yes, approximately 3,500 to 4,000 local residents live and work inside the fort. This makes up about a quarter of the old city's population.
