The Pushkar Camel Fair is colourful, crowded and unforgettable, and a little overwhelming the first time. These practical tips will help you enjoy Pushkar Fair 2026 (17–24 November) without the common mistakes first-time visitors make.
1. Choose your days carefully
The fair has two halves. 17–20 November is best for camels, herders and trading on the dunes, with fewer tourists. 21–24 November brings competitions, hot air balloons, the Deepdaan and the Kartik Purnima holy dip, along with the biggest crowds. See the full day-by-day schedule before you book.
2. Book your stay and travel early
Tent camps, guesthouses and trains to Ajmer fill up weeks in advance, especially for the last four days. If Pushkar is full or too expensive, stay in Ajmer, just 30 minutes away. Read how to reach Pushkar from Delhi, Jaipur and Ajmer.
3. What to wear and pack
- Modest clothing: Pushkar is a holy town. Cover your shoulders and knees, especially near the ghats and temples.
- Layers: days are warm, but early mornings and nights in late November are cold. Bring a jacket or shawl.
- Comfortable closed shoes for walking on sand, plus slip-on sandals that are easy to remove at the ghats and temples.
- A scarf or buff to protect against dust on the dunes.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a refillable water bottle and hand sanitiser.
- A power bank, since you will use your phone camera a lot.
4. Money, cash and payments
- Carry enough cash in small notes. Many small vendors, autos and food stalls prefer cash or UPI, and ATMs can run out of cash during the busiest days.
- UPI is widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but mobile networks can be slow in large crowds.
- Keep your money in more than one place, and only carry what you need for the day.
5. Common scams to avoid
- Ghat “blessings”: someone offers you flowers or a puja at the lake, ties a red thread on your wrist, and then asks for a large donation. Politely say no if you do not want a puja, or agree on an amount before it starts.
- Photo charges: some people dress up for photos and ask for money afterwards. That is fair, but agree on it before you take the picture.
- Inflated prices: agree on taxi, auto and camel ride prices before you start, and compare prices in the market before buying jewellery or textiles.
- “Official” guides: be cautious of anyone who approaches you claiming to be an official guide or ticket seller. Entry to the fair grounds and stadium events is free.
6. Safety tips for women and solo travellers
- Dress modestly and carry a scarf, which also helps in temples.
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, ideally close to the main market and ghats.
- Avoid isolated parts of the dunes after dark, and walk back with others late at night.
- Keep your phone charged and share your live location with someone you trust.
- If anyone bothers you, move towards a crowded area, a shop or a police point. There is a strong police presence during the fair. In an emergency, call 112.
7. Respect Pushkar’s rules
- Pushkar is a vegetarian town. Meat and eggs are not served, and alcohol is not allowed in the town.
- Remove your shoes on the ghats and in temples.
- Never photograph people bathing in the lake.
- Photography is often not allowed inside temples. Follow the signs.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially near religious sites.
8. Health and comfort
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and eat freshly cooked hot food from busy stalls.
- Rest during the midday heat and save your energy for sunrise and sunset, the best times at the fair.
- Carry basic medicines, a few plasters and anti-allergy tablets if dust bothers you.
- Wash your hands after touching animals.
9. Make the most of the experience
- Go to the dunes at sunrise, when herders light fires and make chai.
- Accept a cup of chai if offered. Conversations with herders are often the highlight of the trip.
- Climb to Savitri Mata Temple for the view over the town and the fair.
- Try Pushkar malpua and a glass of lassi in the market.
- Bring a camera and read our Pushkar Fair photography guide.
Quick checklist
- Stay and trains booked
- Modest clothes, warm layers, comfortable shoes
- Cash in small notes, plus UPI
- Scarf, sunscreen, water bottle, power bank
- Fair days chosen from the schedule
- Kartik Purnima plans checked in our Kartik Purnima 2026 guide