From the 1st gate to the main square inside the fort is 200 metres (220 yards) with a moderate grade. On a scale of 1 to 10 with dead flat being 1 and a sheer cliff being 10, I'd say the walk would be a 4. The cobble stones however are uneven and can be slippery when wet, so comfortable shoes are preferable to thongs (flip flops).You also need to keep to one side as locals on motorbikes and tuk tuks buzz up and down at speed. If you take a tuk tuk up to the fort you will be charged 50 rupee (locals are charged 10). Just before the last gate there's a great little cafe where you can catch your breath and enjoy a nice pastry before passing through the last gate into the fort. Have a great trip.

You should get an hotel Inside the fortress. It is magic to visit at night and wander into the narrow streets. It is quite as well.

The fort should be open. Not sure about the shops and other attractions

We hired a local guide Suraj, a small frame guy with bengali accent, he was very knowledgeable and very good at photography...... he took photos from good angle, I handed my iphone to him and he did excellent job taking pictures as well as giving guided tour to us.

Fort is 2km far from railway station

Yes, in july most of the dessert camps will be closed, but there are couple of camps which might be operating. There you can enjoy camel ride.

The fort Longewala post - 120 kms ahead of Jaiselmer. The drive is just so beautiful. Also, you can go to see the India - Pak border which is another 30-35 kms ahead of Longewala. This needs prior permission from BSF(the cab guy will help you get that-we didn’t know so couldn’t cover that). That has to be done before 3-4 pm.

DON'T !!!! Street dogs may attack him. also entry not allowed inside the Inner ramoarts and restaurants.

you need not do any prior bookings bcoz it is offseason & you might easily bargain for a good deal . If you seek adventure you may go ahead to Tanot mata temple near Indo pak border. the Jaisalmer fort & Jain temples & havelis especially Patwon ki Haveli is a must visit. also do not miss to go to the cannon site for breathtaking views of the city. Jaisalmer war museum located on Jaisalmer Jodhpur highway is a must visit for all Indians . one can go ahead to fossil park on Jaisalmer Barmer road to learn about the well preserved fossils . Do not miss the camel safari in Sam village , but remember to bargain well as the price ranges from Rs 20 to 200. It is better to stay overnight @ Sam to truly have a desert experience .If you are planning to stay , RTDC Sam hotel is best option & you will also get off season discount , but the food is average. you can also visit Kuldhara on the way to Jaisalmer .