Last updated: 5 October 2026 · By Mohit Bhat, Elefriendride
The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 runs from 17 to 24 November 2026, ending on the full moon of Kartik Purnima.
Pushkar is about 145 km from Jaipur, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road, so you can visit on a long day trip or stay a night or two.
The fair is one of the most photographed events in India: camels, traders in bright turbans, folk music and pilgrims at the holy lake. Here is what to expect and how to plan it from Jaipur.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026 Dates
According to Incredible India, the official tourism site of the Government of India, the 2026 fair runs from 17 to 24 November.
The fair follows the Hindu lunar calendar and ends on Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the month of Kartik. That is why the dates change every year.
What Happens at the Fair
- Camel and livestock trading: traders from across Rajasthan bring camels, horses and cattle to buy and sell.
- Camel parades and decoration: camels dressed in colourful saddles, tassels and jewellery.
- Competitions: events such as the moustache competition and the "Matka Tod" pot-breaking game.
- Folk music and dance: performances around the fair ground in the evenings.
- The holy dip: pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake and visit the Brahma Temple, especially around the full moon.
Which Days Are Best to Visit?
The fair has two moods, and the day you choose changes your experience.
The first days: usually the best time to see camel trading, as herders and traders arrive and set up. Mornings on the fair ground are the most photogenic.
The last days, around the full moon: the religious side takes over. Pilgrims fill the ghats of Pushkar Lake, and the town is at its busiest.
If you can only go once, aim for the middle of the fair, when trading is still on and the cultural events have started.
What Each Part of the Day Feels Like
Sunrise: the fair ground wakes up with camels, smoke from cooking fires and soft light. The best time for photos.
Midday: sunny and dusty. A good time for the town, the Brahma Temple and a long lunch.
Sunset: head to the dunes or the lake ghats. The light is golden, and it is a lovely time for a camel ride.
Night: November nights in Rajasthan are cool, so carry a warm layer if you stay.
How to Go from Jaipur to Pushkar
Pushkar is about 145 km from Jaipur. Most of the route is a good highway to Ajmer, followed by a short, hilly drive of about 15 km to Pushkar.
- By car: the easiest option, about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, longer during fair week traffic.
- By train: take a train from Jaipur to Ajmer, then a taxi or bus for the last stretch to Pushkar.
- By bus: regular buses run from Jaipur to Ajmer and Pushkar, but they are crowded during the fair.
For a relaxed trip, our team plans day tours from Jaipur. See our Jaipur day tours page for the options.
Day Trip or Stay a Night or Two?
Day trip: possible if you leave Jaipur early. You will see the fair ground, the town and the lake, but you will miss sunrise and the evenings.
One or two nights: better if you want sunrise on the fair ground, sunset in the dunes and a calmer look at the town. Rooms and desert camps fill up early for fair week, so book ahead.
Things to Do Around the Fair
- Ride a camel at sunset; we arrange camel rides in Pushkar.
- Visit the Brahma Temple, one of very few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma.
- Walk the ghats of Pushkar Lake, respectfully and without shoes.
- Watch the sunrise from the hills or the fair ground.
- Browse the markets for textiles, silver and leather goods.
Practical Tips for the Pushkar Fair
- Respect the holy town: Pushkar is a pilgrimage town, so dress modestly and remove shoes near the ghats and temples.
- Ask before photos: most people are happy to be photographed, but always ask first.
- Agree prices first: for camel rides and guides, agree the price before you start.
- Dust and sun: carry sunglasses, a scarf, sunscreen and water.
- Cash: keep small notes for stalls and snacks.
Mid-November is pleasant in Rajasthan, with warm days and cool nights. Our guide to Jaipur weather in October and November explains what to pack.
Combine Pushkar With the Elephants in Jaipur
Many travellers spend a morning with the elephants before or after their Pushkar trip. Our sanctuary is 10 to 15 km from Jaipur city centre and open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
In November there is no bathing, as it runs from March to October, but feeding, painting, walking and safari are all included. The full experience costs between ₹2,500 and ₹5,500 per person; see our elephant sanctuary in Jaipur page for details.
Coming earlier in November? Read our guide to Diwali in Jaipur 2026, as the two events fit well into one trip.
About the Author
Mohit Bhat is a tourist guide with 8 years of experience and a member of the Elefriendride team in Jaipur. He lives alongside the sanctuary's elephants, who are like family to him, and specialises in local experiences: Jaipur's culture, sightseeing, wildlife and hands-on activities.
Go early, carry a scarf for the dust, and save one morning for our elephants in Jaipur. Enjoy the fair!
Mohit, Elefriendride, Jaipur