This paper explores the possibility of developing a design methodology and criteria for climatically responsive buildings and settlements for the two desert conditions of India, i.e. hot-dry desert of Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and cold-dry desert of Leh (Ladakh), through a study of the indigenous architecture of these areas. The method explained, in detail, in the paper is based essentially on development of a mathematical model after co-relation of the monitored thermal performance and computer simulation of indigenous buildings. This paper limits its presentation to the stage of thermal performance data and analysis.