Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Dates, How to Reach and Travel Tips

Every November, Pushkar starts getting busy. Camels arrive with their owners from different parts of Rajasthan. Temporary shops come up around the fairground, and the town fills with visitors, traders and pilgrims.

The Pushkar Camel Fair is also called Pushkar Mela. It is one of Rajasthan’s best-known yearly events. But there’s more to it than camel trading. You can watch folk performances, see local competitions, shop for Rajasthani handicrafts and visit the temples around Pushkar Lake.

Planning a visit in 2026? Here’s what you should know before you go..

Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Dates and Venue

The Pushkar Camel Fair will take place from 17 November to 24 November 2026. The fair is held in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan's Ajmer district.

Dates are available on the Incredible India tourism portal and Rajasthan Tourism fair calendar. The timings for each event or competition can be provided separately. Read the current programme before making your plans.

What Can You See at Pushkar Camel Fair?

The first thing you notice is the camels. Some are decorated with bright cloth, beads and traditional patterns. Others arrive with traders who have come to buy or sell animals.

But don’t spend your whole visit around the camel market. There are a few other things you shouldn’t miss.

1. Camel Trading and Decoration

Camel trading is one of the main reasons this fair is famous. Owners bring their animals to the fairground. Buyers and sellers talk over prices and make deals.

Take a walk around and you’ll see camels dressed in bright colours, with jewellery and decorative patterns. It’s a good place for photography too. Try going in the morning. The light is softer, and the crowd is usually easier to manage.

2. Rajasthani Folk Music and Dance

Music and dance add another side to the fair. Local performers take the stage with traditional Rajasthani songs and dances.

You may get to see Ghoomar, Kalbelia and puppet shows. The programme can change each year, so check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit.

Even if you don’t know much about Rajasthani folk music, it’s worth stopping for a performance.

3. Local Competitions and Rural Games

Some of the competitions at Pushkar Mela are quite unusual. You may come across a longest moustache contest, turban-tying competitions, Matka Phod, and other village games.

Not every activity runs every year. If there’s something you really want to see, check the official event schedule before you pick your visit date.

4. Shopping and Local Food

The temporary shops are worth a look too. You’ll find Rajasthani clothes, silver jewellery, handicrafts, leather goods and small souvenirs.

Keep some time for the lanes around the main fairground. You may find interesting things in the smaller shops. And don’t leave without trying a few local snacks and sweets.

Places to Visit During Pushkar Camel Fair

The fair itself can keep you busy, but Pushkar has a few places that deserve some time. If you're staying for two days or more, try to fit these into your plan.

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake is one of the most important religious places in town. Several ghats surround the water. Visitors come here to pray and perform rituals.

The lake gets especially busy during Kartik Purnima, when devotees gather for a holy dip. If you’d rather spend some quiet time by the water, go early in the morning or avoid the busiest hours.

Brahma Temple

The Brahma Temple is one of Pushkar’s best-known attractions. It is dedicated to Lord Brahma and draws pilgrims all year.

The temple is close to Pushkar Lake. You can visit both on foot, so you don’t need a separate vehicle for this short stretch.

Savitri Temple

Savitri Temple sits on Ratnagiri Hill. You can reach it by ropeway or take the uphill walking route.

The view from the top is worth the climb. You’ll get a clear look at Pushkar and the land around it. Go early in the morning if you can. The afternoon sun can make the climb tiring.

Pushkar Local Market

The local market is also worth exploring. It’s a good place to pick up Rajasthani clothes, silver jewellery, handicrafts, and souvenirs. There are small food shops too, where you can try local snacks.

Carry some cash. Smaller shops may not take digital payments, and cash makes small purchases easier.

How to Plan Two Days in Pushkar

If you're visiting Pushkar for the first time, you can plan a long trip. A two-day trip should give you enough time to see the main attractions along with the fair without rushing.

Day 1: Start your trip with the fairground in the morning. Walk around the camel market and see what’s happening. After lunch, explore the local market. Keep the evening for Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple.

Day 2: Visit Savitri Temple early in the morning. Come back to town and spend some time in the lanes you missed on the first day. You can also catch a folk performance or competition if one is scheduled.

Have an extra day? Don’t try to fill every hour. In Pushkar, a slow walk and some time by the lake can be just as good as visiting another attraction.

How to Reach Pushkar for the Camel Fair

Pushkar is connected by road to Ajmer, Jaipur, and other cities in Rajasthan. You can reach the town by road, train, or flight. Your best option will depend on where you're travelling from.

By Road

Road travel is a convenient option, especially if you're coming from a nearby city.

• From Jaipur: Pushkar is around 145 km away from Jaipur. Your drive usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
• From Ajmer: The road distance is about 15 km. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes by road.
• From Jodhpur: Pushkar is roughly 190 km away from Jodhpur.  Your travel time depends on the route and traffic.

A private cab is useful if you don’t want to change vehicles on the way. You can also stop for tea or food whenever you need to.

By Train

Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station, around 15 km from Pushkar.

You can take a train to Ajmer and continue by taxi, local bus or another road transport option. Trains and local transport can get busy during the fair, so book your tickets early.

By Air

There are two major airports near Pushkar: Kishangarh Airport or Jaipur International Airport. Kishangarh Airport is one of the nearest airports, about 30 km from Pushkar. Jaipur is known for its better flight connections.

After landing, you can hire a cab or arrange a road transfer to Pushkar. Compare flight options before deciding which airport works better for your trip.

Is Booking a Cab a Good Idea During Pushkar Fair?

Pushkar gets a lot of visitors during the fair. People travel from various cities like Jaipur, Ajmer, and other nearby cities. You can travel by public transport, but it may not always fit your timing, particularly if you're travelling with family.

A private cab can make a few things easier:

• Travel directly from your pickup point to Pushkar.
• Choose a time that works for your group.
• Everyone can travel together, with luggage in one vehicle.
• You can include Ajmer or another stop if your schedule allows.

If you’re booking a cab, share your pickup location, number of passengers, and luggage details in advance. Also ask if tolls and driver charges are included in the fare.

One more thing: confirm the drop-off point before you leave. On busy fair days, vehicles may not be allowed close to the fairground entrance. You might have to walk the last stretch.

Coming from Jaipur? You can check the Jaipur to Pushkar Cab route for one-way, round-trip, and sightseeing options.

Travel Tips for Pushkar Camel Fair 2026

A little planning can save you time once you reach Pushkar. Keep these points in mind:

Book your stay early: Hotels and camps can fill up fast during the fair. Don’t wait until the last few days.

Visit the fairground in the morning: It’s easier to walk around before the afternoon heat and bigger crowds.

Carry some cash: Small food stalls and local shops may not take digital payments.

Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking around the fairground, the market and the temple areas.

Take water and sunscreen: November is cooler than summer, but the afternoon sun can still be strong.

Respect local customs: Follow the rules at temples and ghats. Ask people before you take close-up photos.

Check the event schedule: Competitions and performances have their own timings. They may not run all day.

Keep extra time for travel: Traffic and parking can take longer than expected on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Pushkar Camel Fair 2026?

The fair is scheduled from 17 November to 24 November 2026.

2. Where is the Pushkar Camel Fair held?

It takes place at the Pushkar Fair Ground in Pushkar, Rajasthan.

3. Is there an entry fee for Pushkar Camel Fair?

Entry to the general fairground is listed as free. Some separate activities or services may have their own charges.

4. Which railway station is nearest to Pushkar?

Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station. It is around 15 km from Pushkar.

5. Which airport is nearest to Pushkar?

Kishangarh Airport is one of the nearest airports. Jaipur International Airport is another option, and it is farther away.

6. How far is Pushkar from Jaipur?

Pushkar is around 145 km from Jaipur by road. The drive usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

7. How many days are enough for Pushkar Camel Fair?

Two days are a good starting point. You can explore the fairground, Pushkar Lake, Brahma Temple and the local market. Stay longer if you want to visit nearby places at a relaxed pace.

8. Can I visit Pushkar Camel Fair with family?

Yes. You can visit the fair with family and enjoy the camel market, the cultural performances and the nearby attractions. Keep children close in crowded areas and plan breaks when needed.

9. Should I book a cab in advance for Pushkar Fair?

Booking in advance is a good idea, especially on busy dates. Confirm the pickup point, the fare inclusions and the drop-off location before you start your journey.

Plan Your Pushkar Trip with CabBazar

There’s plenty to see at the Pushkar Camel Fair. You can spend the morning around the camels, stop for a folk performance, walk through the market and visit the temples later in the day.

If you’re travelling from Jaipur or Ajmer, it’s worth sorting out your transport before the fair begins. Check your route, confirm your pickup and leave some extra time for traffic.

Book your ride with CabBazar and plan your journey to Pushkar without leaving the arrangements to the last minute.