Scenes from the Thar Desert

Blending into the desert-scape, Bara Bagh (which means "Big Garden") is the royal cenotaph, or cemetary, for Jaisalmari kings. The golden sandstone is intricately carved.

In the distance, wind turbines harness power for the Indian army stationed nearby. Jaisalmer is 100 kilometers away from Pakistan; the city's airport closed a few years ago, to be used exclusively by the army.

With its majestic fort (lauded by residents as the world's oldest living fort) and winding cobblestone streets, the city certainly rewards travel weary tourists, who spend at least 5 hours on a bus or train to get here. The "Golden City" feels much harsher than Udaipur - the lake city, which feels like a magical fairyland. Jaisalmer is a bit like the wild west -- windy and dusty, with more aggressive habitants of the town. But regardless, a blast to explore.