For anyone who wants to explore the vibrant hues, customs, and culture of Rajasthan, there’s hardly any better place than the Pushkar Camel Fair. This event takes place annually and attracts many camel traders, locals, pilgrims, artists, and visitors from all over the globe.
This year, the Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 will be held between November 17 and 24. It is marked by the presence of beautifully dressed camels, local cuisines, the lively markets all around, and ritualistic activities being held on the banks of Pushkar Lake.
The Pushkar Camel Fair travel blog will be very useful for you. If you are going for photography, sightseeing, a cultural experience or a family trip here is the full guide, about the dates, the things to do, the attractions to visit the places to stay and some tips to help you before you go.
Table of Contents
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 Dates and Timings
The Pushkar Camel Fair, also referred to as the Pushkar Mela, takes place every year in the sacred town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan. The dates for the celebration are different every year since the Pushkar Camel Fair is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar.
This year, the event is expected to take place from November 17 to November 24. The Pushkar Camel Festival comes to its religious climax at the time of Kartik Purnima, when people travel to take a dip in Pushkar Lake.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Important Details
| Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 – Quick Information | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 17 November – 24 November 2026 |
| Location | Pushkar, Ajmer District, Rajasthan, India |
| Closest Airport | Jaipur International Airport |
| Closest Railway Station | Ajmer Junction |
| Main Attractions | Camel trading, traditional dances, cultural events, local markets, and religious festivals |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning and late evening |
| Recommended Trip Duration | 2–3 days |
The specific dates of different contests and cultural events may change. It is advisable to verify the updated schedule with Rajasthan Tourism before visiting.
What is the Pushkar Camel Fair Famous For?
The Pushkar Camel Fair is considered to be one of the most prominent traditional festivities in Rajasthan. It was initially intended to be a livestock trading market or fair of horses, camels, bullocks, etc.
With the passage of time, Pushkar fair has become one of the best tourist destinations. In addition to livestock trading, people are able to join a number of folk songs performances, cultural events, traditional contests, and delicious local food.
This fair is also of sacred value as Pushkar is the place of the famous Brahma Temple and holy Pushkar Lake, where a number of devotees come to wash themselves and perform their prayers on the day of Kartik Purnima.
Top Attractions at Pushkar Camel Fair 2026
Camel Trading and Decorated Camels
The Pushkar Camel Fair is famous for the presence of the camels. During the fair, camel owners come in with their camels that are beautifully adorned in colourful ornaments.
You may observe camel dealers and elephant owners talk about their business.
If you are interested in the photography of livestock, then make sure to visit early in the morning. The light is dim, and the place looks spectacular when the most important thing is the different decorations of camels.
Remember that the livestock trading is more prominent early on at the fair. If seeing camels and traders is your main objective at the fair, you should plan to arrive during the early days of the event.
Camel Beauty Contests and Traditional Competitions
At the annual Pushkar Fair, one can observe various interesting contests. As per the announced plan of the particular year, participants can watch competitions like camel decoration events, turban tying events, longest moustache contests, and matka phod contests.
All of these activities give insight into the local culture of Rajasthan.
Every year, competitions may differ, and thus, it is important to check which activities are scheduled during your trip.
Rajasthani Folk Dance and Music
Rajasthan has a great tradition of folk music and dance, and you can get to see it in all its glory at the Pushkar Camel Fair. Here, one gets to see performances using traditional instruments along with folk musicians and dancers in colourful attires, with the Kalbelia dance being one of the main attractions in the event among the other regional performances.
Evenings should be dedicated to cultural activities where one can enjoy the ambience of the event. Plan in such a way that you reach the fair early to get a good seat.
Pushkar Lake and Kartik Purnima Celebrations
Pushkar Lake is of utmost religious significance in the town. It is surrounded by temples and ghats, which makes it a pilgrimage place in the town, which is always full of people, but is visited by a lot of people during the festival.
Kartik Purnima is one of the days when people flock to the lake for ritual baths and pujas. The ghats remain quiet during the morning hours, but you can see a flux of people during the peak hours.
Dress conservatively and be respectful while witnessing people performing the religious rituals.
Brahma Temple
The Brahma Temple is one of Pushkar’s famous places of interest. Being dedicated to God Brahma, its doors welcome thousands of pilgrims and visitors every month.
Learning about Pushkar’s religious significance entails visiting this temple. It is a busy spot during the Camel Fair, especially near Kartik Purnima.
Ensure that you know the opening hours of the temple, along with rules of entry. Be sure to comply with regulations related to footwear, photography and dress code.
Pushkar Local Markets
No visit to the Pushkar Camel Fair is complete without visiting the local bazaars which are filled with small shops selling various handicrafts, jewellery, fabrics and souvenirs.
You can look for colourful fabrics from Rajasthan as well as silver jewellery, embroidery and artisan products.
Bargaining is a common practice at many local shops, but it is important to do it nicely. Do keep in mind the need to have cash at hand in case some vendors don’t accept digital payments.
Camel Rides and Desert Experiences
One of the activities that tourists are interested to do in Pushkar is camel ride. Some businesspeople also offer short journeys to the sand dunes nearby.
Seeking the duration of the crusade, the route and the price is a must before purchasing the trip. Make sure you clarify the price at the beginning of the journey and do not engage in any activities that involve animals that have been injured or worn out.
The providers can even offer hot air balloon rides if the weather and the authorizations allow.
Things to do at Pushkar Camel Festival 2026
There are many opportunities to engage in activities during the fair, regardless of whether it is your first visit to Pushkar.
Include these experiences in your travel plans:
- Discover the livestock visitors: View the camel trading activities and discover the rural living.
- Enjoy the cultural programs: Delve into Indian culture through its folk music and dances and the various competitions.
- Capture the beautiful sunrise pictures: The fair is best visited in early mornings as you will be able to capture great photographs.
- Go to Pushkar Lake: Take some time to check out the ghats and visit the significance of the place.
- Discover the city: Visit one of the famous tourist places in Pushkar.
- Buy handicrafts from the local craftsmen: Check out the variety of products made by local artisans such as clothing, ornaments, and other crafts.
- Taste Rajasthani food: Relish the traditional delicacies and drinks during the festivals.
- Watch the sunset: Choose an interesting location to see the sunsets of Pushkar.
- Try camel ride: Pick an ethical safari provider and negotiate the rates beforehand.
You do not need to take part in every activity. A relaxed schedule gives you more time to explore the town and enjoy the fair at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit Pushkar Camel Fair
The timing of your visit depends on your interests and activities.
- For camel trading and rural culture: For visiting during times when livestock trading activities are more likely to take place.
- For observing cultural events: Consult the schedule and plan a visit at the same time as competitions and performances which you want to see.
- For religious festivals: The time just before Kartik Purnima is the most important for pilgrims but also the most crowded in Pushkar.
- For photography: Early mornings or late afternoons provide better lighting than noon.
November is a delightful month for seeing sights in Rajasthan. Days can be bright, while mornings or nights may be cold.
How to Reach Pushkar for the Camel Fair?
Pushkar is a city of Rajasthan, which is geographically close to the city of Ajmer. You can easily reach the town by train, air and road.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Jaipur International Airport. From Jaipur, you can reach Pushkar by taxi or bus, depending on available services. You can hire a car on rent for your further journey to the fair.
It will take a few hours for the road journey. Please check current traffic conditions before you start your journey, especially during the festival period.
By Train
Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station to Pushkar. Ajmer has rail connections with several major Indian cities.
From Ajmer, you can travel to Pushkar by taxi, local bus or other available road transport. The journey is roughly 15 km, depending on your starting point and destination. Book train tickets early because demand can rise around the fair dates.
By Road
Pushkar is connected to Ajmer and other Rajasthan destinations by road. You can travel by private taxi, bus or your own vehicle.
If you are driving, plan your arrival early and check for traffic restrictions or designated parking areas. Roads near the fairground and the main market may become congested during peak hours.
Where to Stay During Pushkar Camel Fair 2026?
Selecting the right type of accommodation will make your trip much easier in this town. In Pushkar, you will discover numerous choices such as guesthouses, budget hotels, boutique hotels, heritage hotels, and luxury tented camps.
Budget Hotels
Budget hotels are suitable for those travelling in groups and those willing to spend most of their time discovering the city of Pushkar. Before making a booking, be sure to verify the booking terms, customer reviews, and transportation.
Boutique Hotels and Heritage Hotels
In case you want to spend your time overwhelmed by luxury, look for boutique hotels and heritage hotels, where couples would find good cuisine and closeness to various restaurants, shops, or temples.
Also, do not forget to check how far away the accommodation is from the festival ground, because it may take longer to reach the destination due to heavy traffic.
Boutique Hotels and Heritage Properties
Such forms of lodging are suitable for couples and individuals who prefer comfort and closeness to restaurants, shops, and temples.
While making the reservation, make sure to verify the distance to the venue, as heavy traffic might make what seems to be a short trip turn out to be a longer journey than expected.
Luxury Tented Accommodations
Luxury tented accommodations allow people to experience the fair differently. Depending on the kind of accommodation, it might have a bed, toilet, food, planned activities, and so on.
Make sure to read the fine print carefully before paying. Make sure that the quoted price includes transportation, cost of food, taxes, and activities.
Travel tip: It is a good idea to book your hotel in advance. The price is likely to go up, and the best-rated hotels are bound to get fully booked during the Pushkar Camel Fair.
What to Eat at Pushkar Camel Fair?
Pushkar has plenty of options for travellers who want to try local Rajasthani food.
Some dishes and snacks to look for include:
- Dal baati churma
- Gatte ki sabzi
- Pyaaz kachori
- Mirchi vada
- Malpua
- Freshly prepared Indian sweets
- Masala chai and lassi
Pushkar is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes offering both Indian and international cuisine. Opt for those busy food stalls where the food is freshly cooked and served piping hot. Drink pre-packaged bottled water or get water from a trusted source, and wash your hands before eating.
Pushkar is a holy town, which means a lot of vegetarian are served in local eateries. So it is important to obey local customs and confirm restaurant rules before making orders.
Pushkar Camel Fair Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book your hotel and travel tickets in advance, especially if you are coming to the fair on Kartik Purnima.
- Carry cash for the fair since there might be network issues and keep your valuables like your phone, wallet and documents safely in crowded places.
- Wear comfortable shoes while roaming the sandy grounds, busy market and uneven paths.
- Carry light clothes, a warm layer, sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
- Carry drinking water and take breaks while exploring.
- Stay away from camels and livestock, ask for the permission from their owner before approaching them.
- Check the final prices for camel rides, safari, local transport and guided tours before booking.
Places to Visit Near Pushkar
If you find yourself with more leisure time to spare, then consider visiting one of the fantastic sites in close proximity to Pushkar.
Ajmer
Ajmer is an important historical city home to the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah or the shrine, its traditional markets, and its rich heritage. Ajmer also serves as the main rail entry point for traveling to Pushkar.
Kishangarh
Kishangarh is famous for its unique artwork, art, and the marble-making industry. Make sure to check for the origin of local art forms before you visit this destination.
Jaipur
Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, is an exciting destination you should consider if you find yourself adding places to see in a longer trip. Some of the famous places worth visiting while in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and various markets of handicraft items.
Jaipur is situated far away from Pushkar; therefore, it requires a long journey by the road so do consider that while planning your itinerary.
Plan Your Visit to Pushkar Camel Fair 2026
The Pushkar Camel Fair is not just a festival, but rather a chance to see the customs of rural Rajasthan, its religious heritage, local cuisine, and vivid street life all at one place.
The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026, which will take place from 17 to 24 November is approaching and this is the right time to look into travel and lodging arrangements. Plan on arriving early to maximize the experience of livestock trading, find out about cultural programs, and leave yourself plenty of time to explore Pushkar away from the fairgrounds.
Making your journey comfortable, booking your hotels in advance, and staying flexible on your schedule will make your trip a great experience.
