Pushkar Camel Fair: dates, the mela grounds and where to stay
Plan the Pushkar Camel Fair in the month of Kartik: livestock trading days, Kartik Purnima at the lake, desert camps, hot-air balloons and combining with Jaipur.
By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
About the fair
Each year in the Hindu month of Kartik, traders bring thousands of camels, horses and cattle to the dunes outside Pushkar in Rajasthan. The livestock fair runs alongside a religious festival that ends on Kartik Purnima, when pilgrims bathe in the holy Pushkar lake.
Dates
The fair usually falls in late October or November and lasts about a week, ending on Kartik Purnima. The trading days come first, so arrive early to see the camels. The final days are for pilgrims and the cultural programme.
What to see
- Camel and horse trading on the mela grounds at dawn
- Competitions and folk performances
- Brahma temple, one of very few in India
- The evening aarti at the ghats of Pushkar lake
- Hot-air balloon flights over the fairground
Where to stay
Desert camps near the fairground offer tents from simple to deluxe. Pushkar hotels fill months ahead. Ajmer, 15 km away, has more choice.
Getting there
Fly to Jaipur, about 145 km, or take a train to Ajmer. Pushkar is a vegetarian town, and alcohol and eggs are not served.
What it costs
Our Jaipur and Pushkar Weekend starts from the price on its package page. Fair dates carry higher camp and hotel rates and are quoted on request.
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