Camels at sunrise, a holy lake under the full moon and a desert town in full colour. Here is how to plan the trip from Britain, from your flight to your tent.
Quick answer: how do I get to the Pushkar Camel Fair from the UK?
The 2026 fair is expected to run from about 17 to 24 November, ending on Kartik Purnima, the full moon, around Tuesday 24 November. Official dates are confirmed closer to the time. From the UK, fly to Delhi, then continue to Ajmer or Jaipur by train, road or a short domestic flight. Pushkar is about 15 km from Ajmer. Book your flights and your tented camp soon. Both fill fast.
What happens at the fair, and when
Pushkar is a small holy town in Rajasthan, built around a sacred lake. Once a year, in the Hindu month of Kartik, it hosts one of India’s best-known fairs. Herders bring thousands of camels, horses and cattle to trade in the dunes. Then a cultural programme begins, with races, music, turban-tying and moustache contests, market stalls and crowds of pilgrims.
The fair has three stages. Each one feels different, so it helps to know which you want to see.
Stage | Expected timing in 2026 | What to expect |
Livestock trading | The week before the cultural programme | Herders, camels and early-morning smoke over the dunes. The favourite time for photographers, and calmer than the final days. |
Cultural programme | About 17 to 24 November | Competitions, music, dance and stalls. Busy, colourful and fun. |
Kartik Purnima | Around 24 November | Pilgrims bathe in Pushkar Lake at dawn. The most sacred and the most crowded day. |
These dates are our best guide as of today. Rajasthan’s tourism authorities confirm the official programme closer to the time, so check again before you lock in local travel.
Getting to the Pushkar Camel Fair from the UK
There are no flights from the UK to Pushkar itself. The simplest plan is two steps: fly to Delhi, then travel on into Rajasthan.
Step 1: Fly from the UK to Delhi
Delhi is one of the best-connected cities in India from the UK. There are non-stop flights from London, and travellers from Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow can fly non-stop on some routes or connect on the way. Today our homepage shows London Heathrow to Delhi from £303 per person one way, checked 28 Sep 2026, prices change daily. Conditions apply. Late November is a popular time for weddings and winter visits, so do not leave it too long.
Step 2: Delhi to Pushkar
Option | Roughly how long | Good for |
Train to Ajmer | About 5 to 7 hours on the faster daytime trains | Comfortable, good value and a nice way to see the countryside. Then a short taxi ride to Pushkar. |
Domestic flight to Jaipur | About an hour in the air, then around 3 hours by road | Travellers short on time, or anyone adding a few days in Jaipur. |
Car and driver from Delhi | A full day on the road | Couples and small groups who want door-to-door ease and stops on the way. |
From Ajmer, Pushkar is about 15 km over the hills. It is normally a short drive, but allow extra time during the fair, when the roads are busy.
Where to stay during the fair
This is the part people most often leave too late. Pushkar is a small town, and during the fair demand far outstrips supply. Many visitors stay in tented camps set up on the edge of town, from simple tents to comfortable ones with proper beds and private bathrooms. The best-located camps can sell out months ahead, and prices rise for the fair week.
If Pushkar is full, Ajmer makes a practical base, a short drive away. Many travellers also add two or three nights in Jaipur before or after. You can browse options in Jaipur and elsewhere on our India hotels page.
7 tips for the Pushkar Camel Fair
1. Book your flights and your bed together
There is no point securing a great fare to Delhi if every camp in Pushkar is full. Sort both in the same week.
2. Give yourself a rest day in Delhi
After the UK clocks go back on 25 October, India is 5.5 hours ahead. A night in Delhi before the onward journey makes the first days at the fair far more enjoyable.
3. Pack layers
Late November days in Rajasthan are usually warm and sunny, but desert nights can be cold. Bring a warm layer, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and a scarf for the dust.
4. Respect the holy town
Pushkar is a pilgrimage town. Meat and alcohol are not sold, and you should remove your shoes near the ghats. Dress modestly and follow local customs around the lake.
5. Photographers: go early
The trading days and the first light of morning give you the best pictures. Always ask before photographing people up close. If you plan to fly a drone, check the local rules first.
6. Carry some cash
Small stalls and camel-cart rides are often cash only, and cash machines can be busy during the fair. Keep smaller notes handy.
7. Check travel advice and your visa
Read the latest UK government travel advice for India before you go. UK passport holders need an Indian e-Visa, a regular visa or an OCI card.
Planning for couples, retirees and photographers
Late November falls outside the UK half-term, so the fair suits travellers without school dates to work around. We see a lot of interest from couples, retired travellers, friends travelling together and keen photographers. Some practical points:
Travelling with older parents? The fairground is sandy and uneven, and the full-moon days are very crowded. Consider the quieter early days, and ask us about wheelchair assistance at the airports.
Visiting family too? Many of our travellers combine the fair with time with relatives in Delhi or Punjab. It is an easy add-on from Delhi.
Travelling as a group? We book group and family travel every day. One booking keeps everyone on the same flights.
Students and education staff:MannPass takes £25 off selected return flights between the UK and India. It is valid for 30 days after verification and cannot be combined with other offers.
Heading south to Kerala another time? Read our route guide to flights London to Kochi.
Why book your Pushkar trip with Mann Travel?
Mann Travel is an India flight specialist based at 72 South Road, Southall. Our team speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English, and support is available 24/7. We help travellers from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Glasgow get to India every day, from first-time visitors to families going home. Call us and we will help you find the right flight to Delhi for your fair dates.
Let’s get you to Pushkar this November.
Search live fares to Delhi at manntravel.co.uk/flights or call our team on 0208 099 9900. Questions first? Contact us here.
frequently asked questions
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair in 2026?
It is expected to run from about 17 to 24 November 2026, ending on Kartik Purnima around 24 November. Livestock trading starts the week before. Official dates are confirmed closer to the time.
What is the best airport to fly into from the UK?
Delhi. It has the most flights from the UK. From there, continue to Ajmer by train or road, or fly on to Jaipur.
How do I get from Delhi to Pushkar?
Take a train to Ajmer, then a taxi of about 15 km to Pushkar. You can also drive from Delhi, or fly to Jaipur and drive around 3 hours.
How many days do I need for the fair?
Two to four days in Pushkar is enough for most people. Add a rest day in Delhi and travel days either side.
Do I need a visa for India on a British passport?
Yes. You need an Indian e-Visa, a regular visa or an OCI card. Apply only through the official Indian visa website.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Fair dates are expected dates as of 28 September 2026 and will be confirmed by the organisers. Always check live prices and official dates before booking.
