Pushkar is worth visiting even without a festival. The lake, the ghats, and the Brahma temple, all of that is there year-round to explore. But every November, for about a week, the sand outside town fills up with thousands of camels, traders in bright turbans, and more tourists than the town usually sees in a month. That is the Pushkar Camel Fair.
This guide covers what you need to plan your trip: the upcoming 2026 dates, distance from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer; how to get there; what happens at the fair; where to stay; and a few tips that actually help once you are there.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 Date
The Pushkar Camel Fair follows the Hindu month of Kartik and ends on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima. Based on this year’s lunar calendar, the fair is expected to run from around November 17 to 24, 2026, with the peak falling on Kartik Purnima around November 23-24.
NOTE: A few travel sites list slightly different windows for this year, anywhere from early November to the third week. That gap exists because Rajasthan Tourism only locks in the official dates about two months out. Check their website before you book flights or a non-refundable stay.
What is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
The fair started as a plain livestock market. Herders walked their camels, horses and cattle in to trade long before tourists showed up with cameras. That trading still happens today, on the open grounds at the edge of town.
The religious side runs alongside it. Pushkar Lake is tied to Lord Brahma in Hindu mythology, and the full moon night here is considered one of the holiest on the calendar. Pilgrims bathe in the lake that day, believing it clears away their sins. So you get two crowds at once: traders closing deals in the dust, and pilgrims performing rituals on the ghats close by.
Over the years, a cultural program grew around both sides, adding competitions, folk performances and craft stalls. That’s why it is known today as much for its color as for its roots as a cattle market.
What Makes the Pushkar Fair Different From Other Festivals?
Most festivals pick one lane: religious, cultural, or commercial. Pushkar runs all three at once, in the same few days, in one small town. Traders haggle over camels on one side while pilgrims bathe in the sacred lake on the other. Add a Ferris wheel, a mustache contest, and a desert full of tents, and you get a mix that’s hard to find anywhere else in India.
Where is the Pushkar Camel Fair Celebrated?
The fair takes place on the Mela Ground on the edge of Pushkar town in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district. The lake, the main bazaar and most hotels are all within walking distance of the grounds.
Nearest big city: Ajmer which is about 15 km away
Nearest railway station: Ajmer Junction
Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport (JAI)
Distance from Jaipur: Around 145 km, about 3 hours by road
Distance from Jodhpur: roughly 200 km, about 3.5 to 4 hours by road via National Highway 62
Pushkar Camel Fair Entry Fee
The fair itself is free to attend. There is no ticket needed to walk the grounds, watch the camel trading, or catch most cultural performances. A few specific activities carry their own cost:
A hot air balloon ride costs you around Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per person for a roughly 45 to 60 minute flight.
A camel or horse ride might cost you between Rs 100 and Rs 300 for a short ride around the grounds.
Reserved seating at cultural shows will range in price from Rs 200 to Rs 500, where applicable.
Parking near the fairground will cost you around Rs 50 to Rs 100 on peak days for two-wheelers and cars
NOTE: These are rough figures and can change from year to year depending on the operator and demand, so confirm rates on the ground before you pay.
How to Reach Pushkar from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer?
From Jodhpur
By Car: The journey by road route will be around 200 km long and will take 3.5 to 4 hours along National Highway 62. You may expect more traffic in the Pushkar region on fair days so you may need to factor in that too. There are also options to hire a taxi on rent from Jodhpur. The cost for hiring a hatchback will be around Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,800 one way; the cost of hiring a sedan will be approximately Rs 4,000, while hiring an SUV such as an Innova will be from Rs 5,200 onwards.
By Train: There are many trains available between Jodhpur and Ajmer Junction, and it will take you about 3-4 hours. Pushkar is just a 30-40 minute drive from Ajmer by cab or bus. You need to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to get full.
By Bus: Buses of RSRTC run from Jodhpur to Ajmer. One must board the local bus or jeep at Ajmer for Pushkar. The fare for an AC bus will be around Rs 250 to Rs 350. Time taken will be around 5 hours.
From Jaipur
By Car: Pushkar is about 145 km away and takes a 3-hour drive via National Highway 48 and National Highway 58. The road is in good shape throughout. A sedan costs around Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 one way, and an SUV starts from around Rs 4,200. For a bigger group, a tempo traveller in Jaipur is the more comfortable option for the 3-hour ride.
By Train: Jaipur connects to Ajmer Junction with regular trains through the day, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Ajmer, it is a short cab or bus ride of 30 to 40 minutes into Pushkar.
By Bus: RSRTC and several private operators run direct buses from Jaipur to Pushkar (or via Ajmer), taking about 3 to 4 hours. Fares run from around Rs 200 for a non-AC seat up to Rs 600 or so for an AC Volvo.
From Jaisalmer
By Car: This is the longest stretch, around 450 to 470 km, and takes 8 to 9 hours via Jodhpur and Merta. It is a long day of driving, so many travellers break the journey overnight in Jodhpur rather than doing it in one go. A sedan for the full route costs upwards of Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 one way, and an SUV costs more. Hiring a Jodhpur to Jaisalmer taxi for the first leg and picking up a separate car onward to Pushkar tends to work out smoother than one long haul straight through.
By Train: There is no direct train between Jaisalmer and Pushkar. You will need to change at Ajmer, and total travel time runs close to 10 to 11 hours depending on the connections.
By Bus: A daily bus is available, which runs by RSRTC and takes almost 9 to 11 hours. It is quite affordable but at the same time takes more time than any other means of transport. Thus, it is most suitable for travel by night.
NOTE: Fares and timings above are rough estimates. Please confirm current prices before you book anything.
What Happens at the Pushkar Camel Fair?
Camel Trading
This is the fair’s original purpose and still its heart. Head to the outer grounds early in the morning to watch traders inspect, haggle and close deals the old way, with hand signals and long conversations under a blanket.
Camel Decoration Competition
Owners spend hours dressing up their camels in beads, mirror work, and dyed wool. Some of these animals look better dressed than half the crowd watching them.
Camel Race
Fast, dusty, and louder than expected. Crowds line the track and cheer their favorite rider on.
Folk Dance and Cultural Shows
Rajasthani folk dancers perform most evenings during the cultural program, usually near the main fairground or in town squares. Good seats fill up fast, so arrive a little early.
Puppet Shows
Traditional Rajasthani kathputli puppetry draws in families and kids. It is one of the few crafts still kept alive mainly through fairs like this one.
Handicraft Shopping
Stalls sell everything from mirror-work textiles to leather juttis. Good for browsing even if you do not plan on buying.
Local Food
Street stalls serve up Rajasthani snacks and sweets that are hard to find outside fair season. More on this further down.
Ferris Wheel and Fair Rides
A proper old-school mela always has a Ferris wheel, and Pushkar’s fairground is no exception. Simple, a little rickety, and part of the charm.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Some years, operators run early-morning balloon rides over the fairground and desert. It is a striking way to see the camel herds from above, but availability depends on weather and the operator, so check locally once you arrive.
Photography
Between the camels, the light and the local faces, this is one of the most photographed events in India. Early morning and late afternoon give you the softest light.
Sunset Viewpoints
The hills around Savitri Temple give you a solid view over the lake and desert at sunset. Worth the short climb if your legs are up for it.
Suggested Read: Best Desert Safari in Rajasthan 2026
Pushkar Camel Fair Competitions
Longest Moustache Competition
Exactly what it sounds like and one of the most photographed moments at the fair.
Bridal Competition
Women from the local area dressed in traditional Rajasthani bridal costumes and jewelry, graded on presentation and poise.
Traditional Sports
Tug of war, kabaddi and other rural games get organized for locals and visitors.
Horse Dance
Horses trained to perform steps to Rajasthani folk music. This horse dance on the beats of of the drums.
Cultural Performances
Music and cultural dance performances happen in the daytime and at night. These are free to attend by the visitors.
Folk Music
Local musicians play the khartal and morchang in both scheduled sets and impromptu jams around the grounds.
Best Places to Visit Near Pushkar
Pushkar Lake
There are a total of 52 ghats near Pushkar Lake. Early morning is the best time to visit, before the crowds show up. The popular ghats are Brahma Ghat, Gau Ghat, and Varaha Ghat.
Brahma Temple
It is one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma and Pushkar’s most important religious site.
Savitri Temple
Perched on a hillside, reachable by a short trek or cable car, with wide views over the lake and town
Rangji Temple
A mix of South Indian, Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, quite different from Pushkar’s other temples.
Varaha Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s boar incarnation. It is one of the older temples in Pushkar.
Must-Try Food at the Pushkar Fair
Malpua
A sweet, syrup-soaked pancake sold at stalls all over the fair. Best eaten warm, straight off the pan.
Dal Baati Churma
Rajasthan’s signature dish, baked wheat balls served with lentils and a sweet crumbled mix of wheat, ghee and jaggery. Heavy, filling, and worth every bite.
Kachori
A flaky, spiced fried snack sold at nearly every corner during fair week.
Rabri
Thickened, sweetened milk, often served chilled. A good way to cool off after a long day at the grounds.
Lassi
Pushkar’s lassi shops are locally famous, thick and cold, and a solid break from the heat and dust of the fair.
Quick Note: Pushkar town is largely vegetarian and does not serve alcohol or meat out of respect for its religious status. Plan your food expectations accordingly.
Shopping at the Pushkar Fair
Silver Jewelry: Designs of silver from tribal or traditional culture are typical of Pushkar. Bargaining is almost always involved.
Leather Items: Juttis, bags and belts, usually made by the locals in your presence.
Textiles: Fabrics with bandhani or tie-dye, mirror-work textiles and embroidered shawls.
Paintings: Miniature paintings in the Rajasthani style, which feature camels, desert or mythological scenes.
Souvenirs: Camel figures and other souvenirs and fairs are available at reasonable prices.
Pushkar Camel Fair Tour Package from Jodhpur
7 Days / 6 Nights Package
Starting from around Rs 18,500 per person (double occupancy, group of 4 or more)
Inclusions:
Transport from Jodhpur by road (car/tempo traveler/Force Urbania for group)
6 nights’ stay at Pushkar (hotel/tent – budget/medium to high)
Excursions in and around Pushkar (Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple, Rangji Temple and Pushkar Fair)
Desert Safari with Camel Ride near Pushkar (dunes)
Ajmer visit (Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ana Sagar Lake)
Evening entertainment program on camel decoration/competition days
Exclusions:
All meals except breakfast, entry fees for monuments, hot air balloon rides, and shopping.
7-Day Itinerary for the Pushkar Camel Fair
Day 1: Arrival and Temple Tour
Drive down to Jodhpur, make your hotel arrangements for the stay, and then spend the rest of the day in Brahma and Rangji temples. Enjoy your evening stroll along Pushkar Lake and conduct the aarti.
Day 2: Mela Grounds Day
Visit the Mela grounds early in the morning to see the camels being traded before it gets crowded. In the afternoon explore the handicraft stalls and enjoy lunch with a food vendor.
Day 3: Cultural Activities
Enjoy the day-long activities of the camel decorating competition, folk dances and the turban or mustache tying contests. Stay for the cultural activities in the evening.
Day 4: Ajmer Day Trip
Half a day at Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ana Sagar Lake, both a short drive away. Back in Pushkar by evening for dinner and a walk through Sadar Bazaar.
Day 5: Desert Safari
Head out to the dunes outside town for a camel safari and some quiet desert time. If hot air balloon rides are running that season, this is a good day to try one.
Day 6: Kartik Purnima
If your dates line up with the full moon, spend the day at the ghats watching the ritual bathing and evening aarti, the fair’s spiritual peak. If not, use the day for the Varaha Temple and a slower walk around the lake.
Day 7: Sunset and Shopping
Morning at Savitri Temple hill for the view, then a couple of hours in Sadar Bazaar for silver jewelry, textiles and souvenirs before heading back to Jodhpur.
Where to Stay in Pushkar During the Fair
Budget: Affordable accommodations close to the major marketplace in both the lake and the fairground are available.
Mid-range: Good lodging accommodation facilities with a little bit of comfort without any extra cost.
Luxury: There is a lesser number of luxury hotels in Pushkar as compared to other cities of Rajasthan.
Desert camps: Traditional style of camping at the fair. Accommodation in tents put up for this particular purpose ranges from the basic Swiss tent to tent city which includes beds and bathrooms.
TIP: Make your reservations at least 2 to 3 months prior to the days of the fair, as top tented camps are always booked well in advance and others become double expensive in the last few weeks.
Pushkar Camel Fair Travel Tips
Wearing Clothes: Weather in Rajasthan in November fluctuates from hot to cold, so it is better to wear layered clothing. Modest clothing would be a choice while visiting temples and ghats as shoulders and knees have to be covered.
Mode of Payment: Small sellers at the Pushkar Fair accept only cash payment. UPI is available for payment in town shops but is not available in the fairground itself.
Mobile Signal: The mobile signal is good in town but gets bad in the huge area of the fairgrounds at times when there is a huge crowd.
Taking Photographs: Permission should always be taken before taking photos of people. It’s fine as long as you take permission before taking photographs.
Local Practices: Pushkar is a sacred city and meat and alcohol are forbidden in Pushkar even during the Pushkar Fair. Remove your shoes before going into temples or ghats.
FAQs
When is Pushkar Camel Fair 2026?
The Pushkar Fair 2026 will take place from November 17 to November 24, 2026, in Pushkar, Rajasthan. For more information, please check the official website “https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in” so that there is no misunderstanding.
How many days are enough?
Three days covers the main events and temples comfortably. If you want the fuller experience with a desert safari and the Kartik Purnima rituals, plan for five to seven days.
Is Pushkar safe for solo travelers?
Yes, including for women travelling alone. But if you are in a crowded place, solo travelers must be very careful with their belongings and avoid visiting places with fewer crowds late at night.
Are hotels expensive during the Pushkar fair?
Prices rise noticeably compared to the rest of the year, especially for desert camps near the fairground. Booking a couple of months ahead helps you avoid the worst of the surge.
Is photography allowed at Pushkar Fair?
Yes, generally, though it is polite to ask before photographing people directly during religious rituals at the ghats.
Is there an entry fee for the fair?
No, the fair itself is free. Specific activities like hot air balloon rides or reserved cultural shows may carry separate charges.
Conclusion
Between the camel trading, the temple rituals and the color of the cultural program, it is easy to see why the Pushkar Camel Fair pulls in travellers from around the world every year. Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 looks set to follow the same pattern, a mid-to-late November window building up to the Kartik Purnima full moon.
Plan early. Confirm the official dates closer to your travel window, book your stay in advance, and give yourself at least three days to actually take it all in. If you are travelling with a group from Jodhpur, sorting your transport ahead of time makes the whole trip smoother. A Force Urbania rental in Jodhpur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer keeps everyone together for the drive out and back, and you can spend the trip enjoying the desert instead of worrying about logistics.
Khamma Ghani Sa