Pushkar Camel Fair 2026-27: Dates, Programme and How to Plan

The Pushkar Camel Fair 2026-27 is listed by Rajasthan Tourism for 17 to 24 November 2026. It is the year's busiest week in Pushkar, a small lake town in the Aravalli hills. Herders bring camels, horses and cattle to a sand-filled fairground, pilgrims arrive for the Kartik Purnima bath, and the town fills with stalls, music and cameras.

Dates and programmes can change, so treat this guide as a plan, not a promise. We checked the official dates and a reported programme in October 2026. The fair is under five weeks away, so rooms are already tight. This post tells you what happens when, how crowds behave, and how to plan the visit. For the town itself, read our Pushkar travel guide.

Pushkar Camel Fair 2026-27: the answer in one view

One report says the animal fair formally closes on 26 November, which does not match the 24 November end date. Confirm the closing day with the district office or your hotel.

The ghats of Pushkar Lake.

Pushkar Camel Fair programme 2026

The programme below was reported after the Ajmer district administration released a day-by-day schedule on 7 October 2026. It may still change, and some evening acts had not been announced at the time. Treat it as a guide.

Folk music runs most evenings. The reports also mention new horse endurance rides of 30 km and 60 km without dates.

Kartik Purnima and the holy dip

The fair is tied to Kartik Purnima, the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik. Pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake, and many then visit the Brahma Temple. The bathing period is reported as 20 to 24 November, with the main dip on 24 November. The lake has around 52 ghats.

This is a religious occasion first. Be respectful. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes at the ghats, and ask before photographing people bathing or praying. Do not treat the ghats as a photo stage. Our Pushkar guide explains ghat etiquette in more detail.

An evening aarti at Pushkar Lake.

When to go: which days suit which traveller

Before the main week (10 to 16 November)

The fairground is calmer and animal arrivals are underway. This suits photographers and travellers who want space. Programmes have not started, so there is less to watch.

The first half (17 to 20 November)

The opening, the camel shows and the first contests happen now. Crowds are growing but manageable. This is a good balance of atmosphere and space.

The peak (21 to 23 November)

Contests, races and crowds are at their height. The fairground is dusty and hot at midday. Book your viewing times early and expect slow roads.

Kartik Purnima (24 November)

The busiest day. Pilgrims arrive overnight, and the ghats fill from early morning. Go at first light, stay briefly, and avoid it if you dislike crowds.

How to reach Pushkar

Ajmer Junction is the nearest major station, with buses to Pushkar roughly every hour. Jaipur's airport is the usual gateway, followed by a road trip. Our Jaipur to Pushkar guide lists the best stops. Reports say that in 2025 a one-way traffic system ran on the Ajmer to Pushkar road for the last days of the fair. The 2026 plan had not been published at the time of checking, so ask your hotel about road closures.

Where to stay during the fair

Rooms in Pushkar rise in price and sell out during fair week. Tent camps near the fairground fill first. A rule of thumb is to book as early as you can, and an October booking for November dates is already late.

Options

• A tent camp. Atmospheric, close to the fairground, and basic. Check the washroom setup and the nights' cold.

• A resort outside the town centre. Quieter, with more comfort. The Westin Pushkar and Ananta Spa and Resorts sit below the Aravalli hills, away from the ghats and the fairground.

• A stay in Ajmer or Jaipur. Easier to book, but you will spend time on the road.

Pushkar is a vegetarian-only town with no alcohol. Plan meals and drinks accordingly. Ajmer, about 30 minutes away, has non-vegetarian restaurants.

Practical tips for the fair

1. Dress in layers. Midday is hot and dusty, but November nights average around 16°C and mornings are cool.

2. Carry water and a hat. The fairground has little shade.

3. Cover your shoulders and knees near the lake and temple.

4. Ask before you photograph people and animals.

5. Avoid unfiltered water and eat cooked food.

6. Keep valuables close in crowds.

7. Arrive early for the ghats and the camel parade.

Ethical notes on the animals

The fair is a working trading ground as well as a festival. Treat animals with care. Do not pay for rides that look harmful, do not feed animals unfamiliar food, and respect the herders' space. Camel safaris should be arranged through operators who show care for the animals.

A suggested 2-night plan

Two nights is the minimum. A day trip from Jaipur is a long, rushed day. Combine Pushkar with a wider route using our Rajasthan Golden Cities itinerary.

Our advice

Decide first whether you want the festival or the town. If you want the festival, come between 17 and 22 November, book a stay now and accept the dust. If you want the ghats and the lake, come outside fair week, when Pushkar is quiet. Avoid 24 November unless you are there for the holy dip. Whatever you choose, treat the lake as sacred, ask before you photograph, and keep your plans flexible. We plan Pushkar around the crowds and the road, not the other way round.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Pushkar Camel Fair 2026-27?

Rajasthan Tourism lists 17 to 24 November 2026. Animals begin arriving about a week earlier. Confirm the programme close to your dates.

What is Kartik Purnima at Pushkar?

It is the full moon of the month of Kartik, a major day for a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. In 2026 it falls on 24 November.

Is there an entry fee for the Pushkar fair?

The Incredible India page lists entry as free. Some experiences, such as balloon rides or camel safaris, cost extra.

Which day is best to visit the fair?

17 to 22 November for the festival atmosphere. Avoid 24 November unless you want the holy dip, as it is the busiest day.

How far is Pushkar from Jaipur?

About 140 to 146 km, around three hours by road.

Can I visit Pushkar as a day trip during the fair?

It is possible but rushed. Roads are slow and the fair is best enjoyed over at least two nights.

Where do I stay during the Pushkar Camel Fair?

Book a tent camp or resort as early as possible. Stays in Ajmer or Jaipur are easier to find but add road time.

Plan your Pushkar visit with us

We plan Pushkar around the crowds, the road and the light, and arrange stays and drivers well in advance. Explore our Rajasthan destination guide, the Rajasthan Golden Cities itinerary, or talk to a trip designer.