Pushkar Camel Fair 2026

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 takes place from 17 to 24 November 2026 in Pushkar, a small holy town near Ajmer in Rajasthan. Listed by India's official tourism portal, the fair combines camel and livestock trading, folk music, competitions and a major pilgrimage to Pushkar Lake. It suits travellers interested in rural culture, photography and Rajasthan's traditions.

About the Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar is one of the most sacred towns in Hinduism, built around a lake and home to one of the very few temples in India dedicated to Lord Brahma. Each year in the Hindu month of Kartik, traders and herders from across Rajasthan gather with their camels, horses and cattle, while pilgrims come to bathe in the lake. The fair has grown into one of India's best-known cultural events.

According to the official Incredible India page, camels are decorated with colourful clothes, bells and painted patterns, and highlights include camel parades and competitions such as the longest moustache contest. Visitors can also expect folk music and dance, craft stalls and a busy fairground. The most important religious day falls on Kartik Purnima, the full moon, when many pilgrims take a holy dip. Please dress modestly near the ghats and temples, and follow local customs.

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 dates and venue

Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 dates are Tuesday 17 November to Tuesday 24 November 2026. Livestock trading tends to be busiest in the early days, while cultural programmes and the pilgrimage build towards the end of the fair.

The fairground lies on the edge of the town, a short walk from Pushkar Lake and the main bazaar. Pushkar is a pedestrian-friendly town, and vehicles are restricted near the lake. Programme details are usually released by Rajasthan Tourism nearer the time.

How to get to Pushkar for the Pushkar Camel Fair

The nearest major airport is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about three hours away by road. Kishangarh Airport (KQH) is closer but has fewer flights. Many travellers arrive by train at Ajmer Junction, around 15 km from Pushkar, and take a taxi or bus over the hill road into town.

From the Gulf or North Africa, the usual route is to fly to Delhi or Jaipur and continue by road or rail. Check the official entry requirements for India before booking international travel.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Pushkar ranges from guesthouses near the lake to heritage-style hotels and resorts on the edge of town. During the fair, seasonal tented camps also open close to the fairground. Ajmer, 15 km away, offers more hotels at lower demand and is a practical option for larger groups.

Rooms in Pushkar fill quickly in November, so book early and confirm whether rates include transfers and meals.

Planning a group trip to the Pushkar Camel Fair

A group tour to the Pushkar Camel Fair fits well into a wider Rajasthan itinerary. Agencies often combine two or three nights in Pushkar with Jaipur, Jodhpur or Udaipur. Ajmer is also home to the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a major Sufi pilgrimage site, which may interest travellers from Muslim-majority markets.

• Book tented camps or hotels early, as November is peak season.
• Arrange transfers from Jaipur airport or Ajmer station in advance.
• Brief groups on respectful behaviour at the ghats and temples.
• Plan sunrise and sunset visits to the fairground for the best atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Pushkar Camel Fair 2026?

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 runs from 17 to 24 November 2026 in Pushkar, Rajasthan, according to India's official tourism portal. The fair ends around Kartik Purnima, the full moon, which is the main day for pilgrims bathing in the holy lake.

How do I get to Pushkar?

Fly to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) and travel about three hours by road, or take a train to Ajmer Junction and a short taxi ride over the hill to Pushkar. Kishangarh Airport (KQH) is closer but has limited flights.

Do I need tickets for the Pushkar Camel Fair?

The official Incredible India page lists the fair as not ticketed. Some cultural programmes or camps may have their own arrangements, so check with your ground handler and the official tourism listings before travel.

Where should I stay for the Pushkar Camel Fair?

Stay in Pushkar town, in a seasonal tented camp near the fairground, or in nearby Ajmer. Pushkar fills quickly in November, so agencies planning group tours should book well ahead and confirm transfers.

Is the Pushkar Camel Fair a religious event?

It is both a livestock fair and an important Hindu pilgrimage. Many visitors come to bathe in Pushkar Lake around Kartik Purnima. Travellers should dress modestly, remove shoes where required and follow local customs near the ghats and temples.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Pushkar Camel Fair in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.