Khimsar is a small village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, sitting on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert about midway between Jodhpur and Nagaur. It is the kind of stop travellers reach for a quieter desert-fort experience: a 16th-century fort that is now a heritage hotel, a separate sand-dunes retreat a short drive away, and long, uncluttered sunsets over scrub and dunes. This guide covers the fort, the dunes village, when to go, how to reach, where to stay and what sits nearby.
Khimsar is a desert village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, built around the 16th-century Khimsar Fort. It works best as a one- or two-night halt on the Jodhpur–Bikaner route, from roughly October to March, reached in about two hours by road from Jodhpur, the nearest airport.
Key takeaways
- Khimsar Fort was built in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, a son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur, and now runs as a heritage hotel, per Wikipedia and the hotel operator (as of October 2026).
- Khimsar lies in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, roughly midway between Jodhpur and Nagaur.
- The best season is October to March, when desert days are warm and nights cold; summers are very hot.
- Jodhpur is the nearest airport, about 90 km away; the closest railheads are Nagaur and Merta Road Junction on the Jodhpur–Bikaner line (distances indicative, as of October 2026).
- The Khimsar Sand Dunes Village retreat sits about 8 km from the fort, per the hotel operator, and is the usual base for dune sunsets and a camel safari.
- Khimsar pairs naturally with Nagaur Fort (Ahhichatragarh), the temple town of Osian and the blue city of Jodhpur.
About Khimsar: quick facts
Khimsar is a village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, on the eastern fringe of the Thar Desert and roughly halfway between the cities of Jodhpur and Nagaur. Its draw is concentrated in two places run by one family-owned hospitality group: the old Khimsar Fort, now a heritage hotel, and a separate sand-dunes retreat about 8 km away. Between them sits a working desert village of scrub, sheep and open fields.
The fort’s coordinates are roughly 26.98°N, 73.40°E, and the postal address is P.O. Khimsar, Dist. Nagaur, Rajasthan 341025, per the hotel operator. Khimsar is not a crowded tourist town; most visitors come for a night’s stay, a desert sunset and the route between Jodhpur and Bikaner.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Khimsar village, Nagaur district, Rajasthan |
| Setting | Eastern edge of the Thar Desert |
| Headline sight | Khimsar Fort (built 1523), now a heritage hotel |
| Nearest airport | Jodhpur, about 90 km (indicative) |
| Nearest railheads | Nagaur and Merta Road Junction (indicative) |
| Best season | October to March |
| Typical stay | 1–2 nights |
Khimsar Fort and its Rathore history
Khimsar Fort was built in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, a son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur, according to Wikipedia and the fort’s current hotel operator. Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur and the Rathore capital of Marwar, so Khimsar’s founding line descends from the Rathore rulers of Jodhpur; the fort passed down through Karamsji’s descendants, part of whose family still lives in a wing of it. Sources vary between calling it a 15th- and 16th-century fort, but the 1523 date points to the early 16th century.
The fort sits on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, midway between Jodhpur and Nagaur. Wikipedia notes that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb stayed at Khimsar while he was in Nagaur. The structure has thick ramparts, courtyards and a step down to a pool now set within the old walls.
Today the fort runs as a heritage hotel, operated as Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Fort & Dunes (also listed historically as WelcomHeritage Khimsar Fort), with 71 rooms and suites inside the fort, per the operator. Staying overnight is the main way to see the interiors; a day visit for a meal or a guided fort tour is usually possible but should be reconfirmed directly with the hotel, as access depends on occupancy (indicative, as of October 2026).
The Khimsar Sand Dunes Village and the Thar setting
The Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is a separate desert retreat about 8 km from the fort, in Village Akla, Tehsil Khimsar, per the hotel operator. It is built as a cluster of Rajasthani dwellings called dhanis (traditional rural huts) set around a small lake, with 18 huts in all. This is where most visitors go for the open-dune experience the fort hotel itself does not sit directly on.
The setting is classic eastern Thar: low dunes, khejri trees and scrub rather than the tall golden dunes of Jaisalmer. The operator lists sunrise and sunset viewing, a camelback safari and dining under the stars as the main dune experiences. Blackbuck and other wildlife are sometimes seen in the surrounding scrub, and the hotel offers a jeep safari toward a blackbuck area. These are best booked through your stay rather than arranged independently.
Best time to visit Khimsar
The best time to visit Khimsar is October to March, when the desert is comfortable by day and cold at night. Summer, roughly April to June, brings extreme desert heat that makes daytime sightseeing and dune walks difficult. The short monsoon adds some greenery but little rain. Plan dune sunsets and the camel safari for late afternoon in winter, and carry warm layers for the evening.
| Season | Months | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Oct–Mar | Warm days, cold nights; clear light for dunes | Best |
| Summer | Apr–Jun | Very hot, harsh daytime sun | Avoid for sightseeing |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Some humidity, light greening of scrub | Workable, fewer visitors |
How to reach Khimsar
Khimsar is reached most easily by road from Jodhpur, about 90 km and roughly two hours away, which is also the nearest airport (distances indicative, as of October 2026). The village sits on the Jodhpur–Nagaur–Bikaner axis, so it is a natural halt for travellers moving between those cities. There is no airport or major railway station in Khimsar itself.
- By air: Jodhpur is the nearest airport, about 90 km away, with onward taxis to Khimsar.
- By rail: The closest railheads are Nagaur (NGO) and Merta Road Junction (MTD) on the Jodhpur–Bikaner line; from either, continue by road. Check live services on IRCTC or the National Train Enquiry System before relying on a specific train.
- By road: Khimsar lies on the main Jodhpur–Nagaur road; Nagaur city is roughly 45 km away. Taxis and self-drive are the usual options.
| From | Distance | Typical mode |
|---|---|---|
| Jodhpur (airport and rail) | ~90 km | Taxi, ~2 hr |
| Nagaur | ~45 km | Taxi / road |
| Merta Road Junction | On Jodhpur–Bikaner line | Rail + road |
| Bikaner | North on the same axis | Road |
Top things to see and do
The main things to do in Khimsar are visiting the 16th-century fort, heading to the sand dunes for sunset and a camel safari, and using the village as a base for Nagaur and Osian. The experiences are concentrated and low-key, which suits a short, restful stop rather than a packed itinerary.
- Khimsar Fort: Walk the ramparts and courtyards of the 1523 fort; a guided fort tour and a meal are usually available to staying guests, with day visits by prior arrangement.
- Sand Dunes Village: About 8 km away; go for the sunset, a camelback safari and dinner in the open.
- Desert and blackbuck safari: A jeep ride through the scrub toward blackbuck areas, arranged through the hotel.
- Day trips: Nagaur’s Ahhichatragarh Fort and the temples of Osian are both within a half-day of Khimsar.
| Experience | Where | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort tour | Khimsar Fort | 1–2 hr | Best as a staying guest; reconfirm day visits |
| Dune sunset + camel safari | Sand Dunes Village (~8 km) | Half a day | Late afternoon in winter |
| Blackbuck jeep safari | Surrounding scrub | 1–2 hr | Book through the hotel |
| Nagaur Fort day trip | Nagaur (~45 km) | Half a day | Managed by Mehrangarh Museum Trust |
A suggested two-day itinerary
Two days is enough to see Khimsar unhurried, with one day for the fort and dunes and a second for a nearby day trip. This assumes you arrive from Jodhpur.
- Day 1: Arrive from Jodhpur by late morning; settle into the fort or dunes village; explore the fort courtyards and ramparts in the afternoon; drive to the Sand Dunes Village for sunset, a camel safari and dinner.
- Day 2: Early jeep safari through the scrub; after breakfast, a half-day trip to Nagaur’s Ahhichatragarh Fort, or westward to the temple town of Osian; return for a second desert evening or continue toward Bikaner.
Where to stay in and around Khimsar
The main places to stay in Khimsar are the Khimsar Fort heritage hotel and its Sand Dunes Village retreat, both run by the same group; budget and mid-range options are limited in the village itself and more plentiful in Nagaur and Jodhpur. Book well ahead in peak winter, as room counts are small.
- Heritage / luxury: Khimsar Fort (71 rooms and suites) and the Sand Dunes Village (18 huts), per the operator; expect upper-end tariffs, especially October to March.
- Mid-range: A handful of hotels and resorts around Khimsar and on the Nagaur road; verify facilities before booking.
- Budget: Most budget rooms are in Nagaur (~45 km) or Jodhpur (~90 km); consider Khimsar a day or overnight add-on if the heritage tariffs are beyond budget.
For a wider choice of hotels, guesthouses and transport, many travellers base themselves in Jodhpur; see our Jodhpur travel guide for options there.
Food to try
Food in Khimsar is standard Marwari and Rajasthani fare, mostly eaten at the heritage hotels since village eateries are few. Expect robust, largely vegetarian desert cooking built around millet, lentils and ghee. On a short stay, most meals will be at your hotel.
- Dal baati churma (baked wheat balls with lentils and a sweet crushed-wheat mix) — the signature Marwari plate.
- Ker sangri (a dry curry of desert berries and beans) — a true Thar dish.
- Gatte ki sabzi (gram-flour dumplings in a yoghurt gravy) — common across Rajasthan.
- Bajre ki roti (millet flatbread) with ghee and garlic chutney — everyday winter bread.
A sample budget
A night in Khimsar is driven almost entirely by the heritage-hotel tariff, so the total varies widely with season and room type. The figures below are indicative planning estimates, not quoted prices, and must be reconfirmed before booking (as of October 2026).
| Item | Indicative range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage hotel (per room, per night) | Upper-end; reconfirm with hotel | Peaks Oct–Mar; split between two for per-person |
| Meals | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Largely in-hotel dining |
| Camel / jeep safari | Reconfirm with hotel | Often bundled with the stay |
| Jodhpur–Khimsar taxi (one way) | ₹2,500–₹4,500 | Shared between travellers; reconfirm with operator |
Assumptions: two people sharing a room, winter travel, road transfer from Jodhpur. A budget traveller can cut costs by staying in Nagaur or Jodhpur and visiting Khimsar on a day trip.
Permits, photography and rules
No special permit is needed to visit Khimsar; it is an open village in Nagaur district with no inner-line or protected-area restriction. The fort and dunes village are private hospitality properties, so photography inside them follows the hotel’s house rules, and safaris in surrounding wildlife areas should be done with the hotel’s own guides. For drones, follow the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s rules and seek permission before flying near the fort. Dress modestly at any temples you visit nearby.
Practical tips
Khimsar is a short, easy stop, but it is rural, so plan cash, fuel and connectivity before you arrive. Mobile coverage is generally workable but can be patchy in the dunes; carry some cash as UPI and card acceptance may be limited at small village outlets.
- Cash and payments: ATMs are limited in the village; draw cash in Jodhpur or Nagaur. Hotels take cards and UPI; small vendors may not.
- Health: For anything beyond minor needs, Nagaur (~45 km) or Jodhpur (~90 km) have the nearest larger hospitals; carry personal medicines.
- Solo women travellers: The heritage hotels are secure and staffed; as anywhere, keep evening dune outings to organised safaris rather than wandering alone.
- Packing: In winter, pack warm layers for cold desert nights and sun protection for the day; sturdy shoes for the dunes.
- Driving: The Jodhpur–Nagaur road is a straightforward drive; aim to reach before dark.
Nearby places
Khimsar sits within easy reach of Nagaur’s fort, the desert city of Jodhpur and the temple town of Osian, making it a good midway base. The table below lists the main nearby options; distances are indicative and should be reconfirmed.
| Place | Distance (indicative) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaur (Ahhichatragarh Fort) | ~45 km | Early-12th-century fort restored under the Mehrangarh Museum Trust; a UNESCO Award of Excellence winner (2002), per the Aga Khan Development Network |
| Osian | West, toward Jodhpur | Cluster of early medieval Hindu and Jain temples in the Thar |
| Khatu (Khatushyamji) | East, Sikar region | Major pilgrimage temple; a longer detour |
| Jodhpur | ~90 km | Mehrangarh Fort and the blue city; see our Jodhpur guide |
If you are heading on to the blue city, our Jodhpur travel guide covers Mehrangarh, the old city and where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Khimsar and what is it known for?
Khimsar is a village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, about midway between Jodhpur and Nagaur. It is known for the 16th-century Khimsar Fort, now a heritage hotel, and a nearby sand-dunes retreat. It makes a quiet desert-fort halt on the Jodhpur–Bikaner route.
Who built Khimsar Fort and how old is it?
Khimsar Fort was built in 1523 by Rao Karamsji, a son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur, according to Wikipedia and the fort’s hotel operator. That places it in the early 16th century, though some sources loosely call it a 15th-century fort. Rao Karamsji’s descendants still occupy part of it while the rest is a heritage hotel.
Can you visit Khimsar Fort without staying there?
Day access to Khimsar Fort is possible but not guaranteed, because the fort is run as a private heritage hotel. Staying overnight is the surest way to see the interiors; a meal or a guided fort tour for day visitors depends on occupancy. Reconfirm directly with the hotel before planning a day visit (as of October 2026).
What is the best time to visit Khimsar?
The best time to visit Khimsar is October to March, when desert days are warm and nights are cold, ideal for dune sunsets and a camel safari. Avoid April to June, when daytime heat is extreme. The brief monsoon between July and September is workable and quieter, with a little greening of the scrub.
How do you reach Khimsar from Jodhpur?
Khimsar is about 90 km from Jodhpur, roughly a two-hour drive on the Jodhpur–Nagaur road (indicative, as of October 2026). Jodhpur is the nearest airport and a major railhead, so most travellers fly or train into Jodhpur and continue by taxi. Nagaur and Merta Road Junction are closer railheads on the Bikaner line.
What is the Khimsar Sand Dunes Village?
The Khimsar Sand Dunes Village is a desert retreat about 8 km from Khimsar Fort, in Village Akla, per the hotel operator. It is built as a cluster of Rajasthani huts, called dhanis, around a small lake, with 18 huts. It is the usual base for dune sunsets, a camelback safari and open-air dining.
Last updated and sources
Khimsar suits travellers who want a short, restful desert-fort stop rather than a busy sightseeing town, best enjoyed between October and March. Go for a night or two, pair it with Jodhpur or Nagaur, and reconfirm hotel access and safaris before you travel.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Khimsar Fort; Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels — Khimsar Fort & Dunes (fort founding, room counts, Sand Dunes Village, address); Aga Khan Development Network: Rehabilitation of Nagaur Fort (Ahhichatragarh restoration, Mehrangarh Museum Trust, UNESCO Award of Excellence 2002). Rail services should be checked on IRCTC / the National Train Enquiry System. Accessed October 2026.
