Jodhpur-Jaisalmer NY Trip - DAY 4

As we stepped into DAY 4, we also stepped into the New Year 2026. The air carried a unique energy, making it hard to leave the hospitable Pal Garh Resort, even though the stay had only lasted 3 days. With the journey to Jaisalmer ahead, there was still so much left to experience. Yet, as the end of the trip drew closer, the excitement softened, with the quiet realization that it would soon be over.

We were set to hit the road after breakfast (which, still hadn’t gotten boring) for a 5-hour journey to Durjaygarh Hotel in Jaisalmer. We traveled in two cars: one driven by a hired driver and the other by my uncle. We split into groups, and I rode with my cousin brother. Midway through the journey, the drivers accidentally took different routes, so we decided to meet directly at the hotel instead. As we approached the city, true to its name, golden sand dunes stretched out on both sides. It was clear, we had truly entered the desert region. The scorching heat reinforced our prediction.

The groups reunited upon reaching the hotel, where everyone selected their respective rooms. It was unanimously decided to have lunch first, followed by a visit to the magnificent Gadisar Lake and then a brief walk at the fort. We had lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a traditional seating arrangement, enjoying a sun basked view of India’s only inhabited fort: The Sonar Quila. This time, however, we opted for simple, comforting food after our long drive. After returning to the hotel, we relaxed in our rooms and rested to recharge for the evening tour.

Gadisar Lake is truly an engineering marvel, a vast artificial reservoir that has long sustained the arid, drought-prone city. It also proved to be a perfect photographic spot, with the lake glimmering under the moonlight, making it even more captivating. We then continued to Jaisalmer Fort, which looked astonishing at night. Uniquely, it bustled with vendors calling out their wares, one of the few forts where such lively activity thrives. We enjoyed some hot Maggi and sipped on comforting tea, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Not only that, we also enjoyed the return to the hotel in a rickshaw, with the pleasant night air blowing against our faces. Back at the hotel, the entire group gathered for a fun game of cards before retiring early in preparation for the long day ahead. The Day 5, and sadly the last day of our unwinding and exhilarating New Year trip, included a visit to the fort museum, followed by an enriching experience at Sam Sand Dunes.