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Pushkar Mela · 17 – 24 Nov 2026

Pushkar Camel Fair 2026

The Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela) is one of the largest camel and livestock fairs in the world. Traders bring camels, horses and cattle to the dunes outside Pushkar, and the town fills with pilgrims, visitors, music and competitions.

The 2026 fair is listed for 17 to 24 November, ending on Kartik Purnima, when pilgrims take a holy dip in Pushkar Sarovar. This guide covers the key dates, how to reach Pushkar, where to stay and practical tips. Please confirm the final programme with Rajasthan Tourism before you travel.

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Dates
17 – 24 Nov 2026
Place
Pushkar, Ajmer district, Rajasthan
Main day
Kartik Purnima, 24 Nov 2026
Highlights
Camel and livestock trading, competitions, holy dip
Nearest railway station
Ajmer Junction
Nearest airports
Kishangarh (Ajmer) and Jaipur

Pushkar Camel Fair: key dates

  1. Fair begins
  2. Kartik Purnima: holy dip in Pushkar SarovarMain day

Livestock trading usually starts a few days before the official programme, and the biggest crowds come on the last days, around Kartik Purnima. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Source: dates as announced by the Rajasthan government, reported by Zostel: Guide to Pushkar Mela 2026 (quotes the Rajasthan Tourism calendar), Golden India Travels: Pushkar Fair 2026 dates, Hindutone: Kartik Purnima 2026 (24 November). Always confirm with the official mela website before travelling.

How to reach Pushkar

By train

Ajmer Junction is the nearest major railway station, with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and many other cities. From Ajmer, take a bus or taxi to Pushkar: to be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Pushkar also has a small station of its own with only a few trains. Check IRCTC for current services.

By air

The nearest airport is Kishangarh Airport near Ajmer, with a small number of flights. Jaipur International Airport has many more flights; from Jaipur, travel on by road or by train to Ajmer. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

By road

Pushkar is reached by road through Ajmer. Rajasthan State Road Transport (RSRTC) and private buses run from Jaipur, Delhi and other cities.

During the fair, traffic around Pushkar is controlled and private vehicles may be stopped at parking areas outside town. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Inside the fair

The town and fair ground are best explored on foot. Expect sand, uneven ground and narrow, crowded lanes near the lake. To be announced, please check the official source closer to the date.

Where to stay for Pushkar Camel Fair

  • Desert tent camps

    Tent camps are set up near the fair ground for the mela, from simple tents to cottages with attached bathrooms and meals.

    Good for: Experiencing the fair up close

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

  • Hotels and guest houses

    Pushkar has hotels, heritage havelis and guest houses for every budget. They fill up early for the fair and prices rise near Kartik Purnima, so book well ahead.

    Good for: Families and travellers who want comfort

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

  • Dharamshalas

    Dharamshalas near the ghats and temples offer simple rooms at low cost. Many have house rules such as fixed gate timings.

    Good for: Budget and pilgrim stays

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

  • Stay in Ajmer

    If Pushkar is full, Ajmer is a short drive away and has many more rooms. Allow extra travel time on the last days of the fair.

    Good for: Last-minute bookings

    Price guide: Ask us for current prices

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Tips & safety

Weather and health

  • Days are warm and sunny, but nights and early mornings in the desert can be cold. Carry a light jacket or shawl.
  • Wear a cap and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. Carry a scarf or mask against dust and sand.
  • Elderly travellers should avoid the busiest hours on Kartik Purnima, and rest during the hottest part of the day.
  • Carry regular medicines for a few extra days, plus a copy of prescriptions.

Respect and etiquette

  • Remove footwear at the ghats and in temples, including the Brahma temple. Follow local rules on photography inside temples.
  • Pushkar is a holy town: alcohol, meat and eggs are not allowed in the town area.
  • Ask before photographing people, and respect the answer. Some may ask for a small payment.
  • Keep a safe distance from camels and horses, and do not feed or touch animals without the owner’s permission.

Safety

  • Carry a photo ID for every traveller, and keep cash in small notes.
  • Fix one easy-to-find meeting point in case anyone gets separated in the crowd.
  • Be careful of people offering puja or "blessings" at the ghats and then asking for money. Agree any offering before a ritual starts.
  • All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): 112

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Frequently asked questions

When is the Pushkar Camel Fair in 2026?

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 is listed for 17 to 24 November 2026, ending on Kartik Purnima (24 November). Please confirm the final programme with Rajasthan Tourism before you travel.

What is the best day to visit the Pushkar Fair?

For the camels and livestock trading, come early in the fair or even a few days before it. For the holy dip and the festival atmosphere, come for Kartik Purnima, but expect the biggest crowds then.

What happens at the Pushkar Fair?

Camel, horse and cattle trading, competitions such as matka phod, the longest moustache contest and a bridal competition, cultural performances, and the Kartik Purnima holy dip in Pushkar Sarovar.

How do I reach Pushkar?

Take a train to Ajmer Junction, then a bus or taxi to Pushkar. The nearest airports are Kishangarh (Ajmer) and Jaipur. RSRTC and private buses also run to Pushkar via Ajmer.

Is the Pushkar Fair good for families and elderly travellers?

Yes, with planning. Stay close to the fair ground or the lake to limit walking, avoid the busiest hours on Kartik Purnima, and plan for warm days and cold nights.

Official information