Last updated on November 9th, 2026 at 02:25 pm
Reading Time: 8 minutesFor the last few years, I had been planning to visit the Pushkar Camel Fair, but somehow the trip never worked out.
In 2024, I finally decided that I was going to make it happen. I packed my camera and headed to Pushkar to experience the fair for the first time.
I asked a friend I had met during a photowalk in Chandni Chowk if he wanted to join me.
He replied with a quick “Yes“, and we started planning the trip.
We booked our train tickets and sorted out our stay in Pushkar.
Table of Contents
Delhi to Pushkar by Train
We travelled from Delhi to Ajmer on the Vande Bharat Express. From Ajmer, we continued to Pushkar by road. You can also compare buses or drive from Delhi, depending on your budget and schedule. I would still recommend taking the train to Ajmer if the timings work for you. Check the latest train schedule and availability on IRCTC before booking.
On our travel date in November 2024, the train left Delhi Cantt at 6:35 p.m. Timings may have changed since then, so please check before you plan your journey.
The journey, however, turned out to be quite an unusual and funny experience!
There seemed to be some confusion among the serving staff in our coach. Nobody quite knew what was happening with the meals.
People soon started losing their patience. There were no snacks or water, and it looked like dinner was going to take a while.
By the time it was almost dinner, nothing had been served. A crowd gathered near the pantry, where just one staff member was packing the meals. Eventually, everyone started picking up a tray and serving themselves. It was complete chaos!
I joined the crowd, picked up a tray and served myself dinner too.
Phew!
We reached Ajmer railway station at around 11:45 p.m. Pushkar is roughly a 30-minute drive from Ajmer, so if you are arriving late at night, it is better to sort out your onward transport in advance.
We had informed Zostel Homes in advance that we would need a pick-up from the station, so someone was already waiting for us.
Our late-night arrival in Pushkar
It took us around 25 minutes to reach Zostel Homes Pushkar from Ajmer railway station.
It was around 12:15 a.m. by the time we reached. The roads were almost empty, and the drive was pretty smooth.
It was my first time at the Pushkar Camel Fair, and over the next two days I picked up a few things that I wish I had known before the trip. Here are some tips that might help you plan yours.
My Pushkar Camel Fair Film
I also put together a film from the trip. It captures a little of what the fair felt like when we were there. Have a look!
10 things I learned on my first visit to Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair
1. Stay close to the mela ground
I booked our stay at Zostel Homes Pushkar. The property was nice, but I did not realise while booking that it was a little away from the main town.
It was around 5 km from the mela ground, which turned out to be quite a distance when we had to travel back and forth.
The road towards the property also had very few street lights. If you are visiting Pushkar just to relax, a stay a little outside town may be fine. But if the fair is your main reason for visiting, I would suggest staying closer.
For the mela, being close to the action makes a big difference.
If your budget allows, look for a place from where you can walk to the mela ground. It will make those early mornings and late evenings much easier.
2. Rent a two-wheeler
During my November 2024 visit, I was quoted around ₹450–₹500 for a two-wheeler during the fair, compared with roughly ₹300–₹400 in the quieter season. These are historical prices from my trip, not confirmed current rates. Ask a few rental shops, clarify fuel and return conditions, and inspect the brakes, tyres, lights and documents before paying.
Most of the two-wheeler rental shops we came across were near the Gurudwara. You can ask someone locally for directions; it is easy to find while exploring the lanes of Pushkar.
Since our stay was away from the main town, renting a scooty made it easier for us to move around without depending on taxis every time.
We first got a Jupiter, but it would not start. After a few attempts, the owner replaced it with an Activa. That one was not in the best condition either, but somehow it got us around!
So, do check the scooter properly and take a short test ride before paying. We clearly did not have the best luck with ours. Ha-ha!
3. Dine at local dhabas
We mostly ate at the small local shops and dhabas around the mela ground during our two days in Pushkar. The food was simple, tasty and easy on the pocket.
4. Check the schedule at the mela ground
There is usually something happening at the mela ground at different times of the day.
I would suggest checking the activity schedule displayed near the entrance when you arrive. It helps you plan the day instead of missing an event or competition you wanted to see.
5. Be prepared to walk in the desert if you don’t want to pay
One of my favourite parts of the trip was walking out into the sandy stretch where the camel traders and herders were gathered. The location can change from year to year, so ask someone locally where the livestock activity is happening that morning.
You can ride your scooter up to the point where the road ends, but you will have to continue on foot once you reach the sand.
In 2024, it took us around 20 minutes to walk from where we parked the scooter. Wear comfortable shoes, carry some water and give yourself extra time, especially if you are going before sunrise.
You may also find local baggis offering rides for part of the route. If you choose one, confirm the fare, where it will drop you and whether the return journey is included before getting in.
Once you reach the gathering, take your time and enjoy the experience. Just be mindful of the people working there and do not get in the way of the animals or traders.
6. Waking up before the sunrise
If you enjoy photography, try visiting the desert early in the morning at least once. The light is beautiful, and the whole place has a different feel before the crowds build up.
Set your alarm early; you will thank yourself once you get there!
And if your stay is far from the mela ground, remember to account for the travel time as well.
We were staying at Zostel Homes, so we woke up around 4:30–4:45 a.m. and reached the desert at roughly 6:00–6:15 a.m. That was our routine in 2024; your timing will depend on where you are staying and where the camels gather that year.
7. Must visit Pushkar mela ground at night
Most visitors head to the mela ground during the day, but I would not skip an evening visit.
The lights, the ferris wheel, the music and the overall atmosphere make the fairground feel completely different after dark.
We spent quite some time trying different frames of the ferris wheel. It was a lot of fun photographing the fair at night!
8. Photograph Pushkar’s ghats respectfully
Pushkar’s ghats are places of worship and personal devotion, not just photographic locations. Never photograph people bathing, changing, praying in private, or taking part in an intimate ritual without clear permission. When in doubt, keep your camera down, respect signs and instructions, and photograph the atmosphere, architecture and public scenes instead.
Follow directions from temple staff, local authorities and security personnel, and be especially mindful around the lake and temple precincts. A photograph is never worth making someone feel watched or uncomfortable.
9. The camels gather before the start of the Pushkar camel fair
One thing I noticed during my visit was that the camel traders and herders had started arriving before the main fair dates. So, if the livestock side of the fair interests you, it may be worth keeping your travel dates a little flexible. This was my experience in 2024, and the timing can be different every year.
I would suggest checking local updates closer to your trip instead of planning everything around the main festival programme.
10. Ask before making portraits—and agree on a fee
Pushkar is a lovely place to make portraits, but always ask before photographing someone. Some people may be happy to pose, while others may not want their picture taken. Either way, respect their choice.
If someone asks for money for a portrait, decide whether you are comfortable with the amount before taking the picture. It is always better to agree beforehand.
If it does not work for you, politely move on. Not everyone is there for photographs, and that is completely fine.
Also, avoid crowding around a person just because you see other photographers taking pictures. Give people some space and be patient.
Also read, How to spend 72 hours in Jaisalmer?
Reels on Pushkar camel fair
I also made a couple of short reels from the fair. Sharing them here in case you want to see more moments from the trip.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: Dates and what to expect
If you are planning a visit this year, the Rajasthan Tourism calendar lists the Pushkar Fair 2026 from 17 to 24 November 2026. The dates and programme can change every year, so do check the latest updates before booking. The fair brings together livestock trading, competitions, cultural performances and festivities around Kartik Purnima.
If you are more interested in the camels and livestock trading, keep in mind that this activity may not follow the same schedule as the cultural events. Ask locally where things are happening once you reach Pushkar. For competitions and stage programmes, check the schedule at the mela ground.
What should you budget for Pushkar Camel Fair?
Your budget will mainly depend on your travel, stay and local transport. Prices can go up during the fair, so compare accommodation and travel costs for your dates before booking. The scooter prices I have mentioned above are from my 2024 visit, just to give you an idea; check the current rates locally. Keep a little extra aside for local transport and unexpected expenses.
Summing-Up
The Pushkar Camel Fair is an experience I would recommend at least once. I went there for the first time in 2024, and between the early mornings in the desert and the fairground lights at night, there was something to photograph at every turn. I hope these little things I learnt on the trip help you plan your visit.
If you have any questions about the trip, leave them in the comments. I will try my best to help.
