Photo: Manu Mumbai / UnsplashPushkar
Rajasthan, India
A small holy town wrapped around a lake, with 52 bathing ghats, hilltop temples and desert sunsets. Easy-going, vegetarian and an hour from Ajmer.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,200–2,200
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,500–9,100
- Best time
- October to March; the camel fair is around the Kartik full moon (October or November)
- Ideal length
- 2–3 days
- Gateway
- Ajmer Junction station, about 15 km away; Jaipur airport is about 3 hours by road
Pushkar grew up around a lake that Hindus consider one of India's most sacred. White-washed ghats step down to the water, temple bells ring at dawn and dusk, and the lanes around the lake are lined with cafés, bangle sellers and rooftop guesthouses.
It's one of the easiest places in Rajasthan to slow down for a couple of days. The town is vegetarian and officially alcohol-free, and the desert begins right at its edge. Once a year the Pushkar Camel Fair fills the dunes with traders, livestock and visitors.
Day by day
2-day itinerary
₹2,400–4,400per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Lake, ghats and temples
Walk the ghats at sunrise, visit the Brahma Temple, browse the bazaar, and watch the evening aarti from a rooftop or ghat.
- 2
Day 2: Hilltop and desert
Climb or take the ropeway to Savitri Temple for the view, then spend the late afternoon on the dunes for sunset.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Mar: BestWarm days and cool nights. The camel fair dates follow the Hindu calendar, so check them each year; rooms fill and prices jump that week.
- Apr–Jun: AvoidDesert heat often passes 40°C; sightseeing is only practical early and late.
- Jul–Sep: MixedSome monsoon rain cools things down and the lake fills; it's quiet and humid.
Getting there
- By train
- Ajmer Junction has fast trains from Delhi and Jaipur, including Vande Bharat and Shatabdi services. Buses and taxis cover the 15 km over the hills to Pushkar.
- By road
- About 3 hours from Jaipur and 4–5 hours from Jodhpur or Udaipur. Government and private buses run from Ajmer every few minutes.
- By air
- Jaipur has the most flights. Kishangarh airport, about an hour away, has a few domestic flights.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (hostel or guesthouse) | ₹500–1,000 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food (rooftop cafés, thalis) | ₹350–600 | ₹800–1,400 |
| Local transport | ₹100–300 | ₹600–1,200 |
| Ropeway, camel rides and extras | ₹200–400 | ₹600–1,500 |
| Typical day | ₹1,200–2,200 | ₹4,500–9,100 |
Pushkar is compact enough to walk everywhere. Camel-fair week can double room prices, so book early or stay in Ajmer.
Highlights
Pushkar Lake and ghats
52 ghats around the sacred lake; dawn and dusk are calmest and most atmospheric.
Brahma Temple
One of very few temples in India dedicated to Brahma.
Savitri Temple
A hilltop temple with the best view over the lake and desert, by steps or ropeway.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Livestock trading, competitions and a huge pilgrim gathering around the Kartik full moon.
Practical tips
- Ghat etiquette
- Take shoes off on the ghats, dress modestly, and don't photograph people bathing. Ask before photographing ceremonies.
- Flower offerings
- Some people at the ghats offer a 'free' blessing, then ask for a large donation. Politely decline if you don't want a puja.
- Town rules
- Pushkar is vegetarian and officially alcohol-free; respect it, especially near the lake.
Pushkar FAQs
How many days do you need in Pushkar?
Two days covers the lake, temples and a desert sunset. Add a day if you want to slow down or visit during the camel fair.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair?
Around the Kartik full moon, usually in October or November. The dates change each year, so check the Rajasthan Tourism calendar.
How do I get from Ajmer to Pushkar?
It's about 15 km over the hills. Buses run frequently from Ajmer bus stand, and taxis take about 30 minutes.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.