Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Complete Travel Guide by Car with Dates, Stay & Tips

The Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) is one of the world's largest camel fairs and India's most vibrant cultural events. Held annually in the small holy town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, this unique festival combines a livestock trading fair with religious rituals, cultural performances, and carnival-like entertainment. This complete travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Pushkar Fair 2026 by car. Book your cab from Jaipur or Delhi with Triveni Cabs.

Pushkar Fair 2026 Dates

The Pushkar Camel Fair is held during the Hindu month of Kartik, culminating on Kartik Purnima (full moon night). For 2026, the approximate dates are:

• Camel Trading Days: Approximately 5 days before Kartik Purnima (November 2026)
• Cultural Events: Throughout the 7-day festival period
• Kartik Purnima (Main Day): November 2026 (exact date follows Hindu calendar)
• Best Days to Visit: 2-3 days before Kartik Purnima for the best combination of camel trading and cultural events

Note: Exact dates are announced by the Rajasthan Tourism Department 3-4 months before the event. The fair typically spans 7-10 days in November.

How to Reach Pushkar by Car

From Jaipur (Recommended)

Distance: 145 km | Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Route: NH48 to Ajmer, then Ajmer-Pushkar Road (14 km)

The drive from Jaipur is smooth on the national highway. You pass through Ajmer where you can stop at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The last 14 km from Ajmer to Pushkar winds through the Nag Pahar (Snake Mountain) with beautiful views. Cab Cost: ₹2,500-3,500 one-way.

From Delhi

Distance: 400 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Route: NH48 via Jaipur bypass to Ajmer

A longer drive but very doable. You can break the journey at Jaipur for sightseeing. Cab Cost: ₹5,500-7,500 one-way. Consider a round trip package for the best value. Book outstation cab.

What to See at Pushkar Fair

Camel Trading Grounds

Over 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle are brought to the fairground on the outskirts of town. Rajasthani herders in colorful turbans negotiate prices while grooming and decorating their animals. The camel beauty contests are a highlight - camels decorated with beads, bells, and embroidery compete for prizes. Visit early morning (6-9 AM) when trading is most active.

Cultural Performances

• Rajasthani folk music and dance performances every evening
• Camel races and camel beauty contests
• Mustache competition (longest mustache wins!)
• Turban tying competitions
• Matka Phod (pot breaking) contests
• Hot air balloon rides over the fair (₹8,000-12,000, book in advance)

Religious Significance

Pushkar has one of the few Brahma temples in the world. On Kartik Purnima, tens of thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake, which is believed to cleanse all sins. The ghats are illuminated with thousands of diyas (oil lamps) creating a magical scene. The evening aarti at Pushkar Lake during the fair is unforgettable.

The Mela (Fair) Grounds

• Giant Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds
• Magic shows and acrobats
• Rajasthani handicraft stalls (leatherwork, textiles, jewelry)
• Food stalls with Rajasthani street food - dal baati churma, mirchi bada, malpua
• Henna (mehndi) artists

---

Where to Stay During Pushkar Fair

Accommodation during the fair is limited and expensive. Book 2-3 months in advance.

Option	Cost/Night	Experience
Swiss Tents (RTDC)	₹8,000-15,000	Best experience - tented camp near fairground
Pushkar Hotels	₹3,000-8,000	In-town stay with lake views
Ajmer Hotels	₹2,000-5,000	Better availability, 14 km away
Stay in Jaipur	₹1,500-4,000	Best hotel options, 145 km drive each way

Our Recommendation: Stay in Ajmer or Jaipur and drive to Pushkar daily. Hotels are better and cheaper, and your cab can navigate the fair traffic for you. A round-trip cab from Ajmer to Pushkar is only ₹800-1,000.

Related Reading

Planning a Rajasthan trip? Check out these guides:

• Road Trips from Jaipur - more Rajasthan destinations near Pushkar
• Diwali Trip Ideas - combine Pushkar Fair with Diwali in Jaipur
• Family Trip to Jaipur - add Jaipur sightseeing to your Pushkar trip
• Solo Female Travel Safety - tips for women visiting Pushkar alone
• Road Trip Packing Checklist - what to carry for the desert fair
• Outstation Cab Booking Tips - first-time cab booking guide
• Toll Charges Guide - toll costs on the Delhi-Jaipur route to Pushkar

Essential Tips for Pushkar Fair

• Parking: Cars are parked outside the town. Your driver will drop you at the entry point and wait at the designated parking area
• Walking shoes: The fairground is sandy and dusty. Wear closed, comfortable shoes
• Pushkar is vegetarian: No meat or alcohol is sold in Pushkar town (being a holy city)
• Beware of the Brahmin blessing scam: Self-proclaimed priests at ghats will offer a blessing, then aggressively demand ₹500-2,000. Politely decline
• Cash: ATMs run out of cash during the fair. Carry sufficient cash from Jaipur or Ajmer
• Photography: The fair is a photographer's paradise. Early morning and sunset are golden hours
• Dress modestly: Pushkar is a holy town. Cover shoulders and knees, especially at the lake and temple

Combining Pushkar with Other Rajasthan Destinations

Since you are already in Rajasthan for the Pushkar Fair, it makes sense to extend your trip. Here are three popular itinerary combinations:

• Pushkar + Jaipur (3-4 days): The most practical combination. Spend 2 days at the fair, then 1-2 days exploring Jaipur's forts and palaces. Our road trips from Jaipur guide has detailed Jaipur sightseeing tips
• Pushkar + Ajmer + Jaipur (4-5 days): Add Ajmer's famous Dargah Sharif (one of India's most revered Sufi shrines) to the itinerary. The Dargah is just 14 km from Pushkar
• Golden Triangle + Pushkar (6-7 days): The full circuit: Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Pushkar-Delhi. Perfect for international visitors who want to combine India's top monuments with a unique cultural festival. See our Golden Triangle tour

Complete Pushkar Fair Budget (from Jaipur, per couple)

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range
Cab (Jaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur, 2 days)	₹3,500	₹5,500 (Innova)
Hotel (1 night, Ajmer)	₹2,000	₹4,000
Food (2 days)	₹800	₹2,000
Hot Air Balloon (optional)	-	₹8,000-12,000
Shopping & Activities	₹500	₹2,000
Total Per Couple	₹6,800	₹25,500

Why Book with Triveni Cabs for Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar Fair creates extreme traffic congestion in a town with narrow streets designed for foot traffic and camels. Having a driver who has navigated fair crowds before is essential. Since 2015, we have completed over 500+ Rajasthan trips including multiple Pushkar Fair visits. Our drivers know the designated parking areas, the best approach roads during fair days, and can shuttle you between Ajmer accommodation and the Pushkar fairgrounds efficiently.

All vehicles carry comprehensive insurance, active FASTag, and GPS tracking. Our transparent pricing means no festival-season surge charges. Reach us at 366 Dandupura, Agra or call 7668570551. Check our customer reviews from past Rajasthan travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days should I allocate for Pushkar Fair?

Two full days is ideal. Day 1: camel trading grounds in the early morning, cultural performances in the evening. Day 2: hot air balloon ride at dawn, mela grounds and shopping, evening aarti at Pushkar Lake. If you only have one day, focus on the camel grounds at sunrise and the lake aarti at sunset.

Is the Pushkar Fair suitable for international tourists?

Absolutely - in fact, the Pushkar Fair is one of Rajasthan Tourism's flagship international events. You will find English-speaking guides, well-organized Swiss tent camps for comfortable stays, and many fellow international visitors. Our English-speaking private drivers are available for international tourists.

---