Pushkar, a tranquil desert town in Rajasthan, is not only a spiritual destination but also a haven for budget travelers. With its sacred lake, colorful bazaars, ancient temples, and golden sand dunes, Pushkar offers an experience that’s both rich and affordable. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a group of friends planning a cost-conscious cultural trip, this step-by-step guide will help you plan a budget trip to Pushkar without compromising on experience.
Here’s how to explore Pushkar like a local—without burning a hole in your wallet.
Step 1: Choose the Right Time to Travel
Timing can make a big difference in your Pushkar budget. The best time to visit Pushkar weather-wise is between October and March, but it’s also the peak season when prices for accommodation and activities rise. If you’re flexible, consider visiting during the shoulder months (March or early September) when the crowds are thinner, and the rates are lower.
Avoid the Pushkar Camel Fair if you’re strictly budgeting, as prices for hotels and safaris spike dramatically. However, if the cultural value outweighs your cost concerns, attending the fair is still worthwhile.
Step 2: Getting to Pushkar Affordably
Pushkar does not have its own railway station or airport. The nearest town, Ajmer, is just 15 km away and well-connected by train and bus.
By Train: Take a train to Ajmer Junction from Jaipur, Delhi, or Jodhpur. From Ajmer, local buses and shared autos to Pushkar cost under ₹30.
By Bus: Rajasthan State Road Transport buses and private Volvo services run frequently from Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur to Ajmer.
By Carpool or Cab Share: Apps like BlaBlaCar and local tour counters may offer budget-friendly shared rides.
Traveling by local or government transport can save you hundreds of rupees and still give you a scenic ride through the Aravalli hills.
Step 3: Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options
Pushkar is filled with hostels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas that cater to all budgets. Prices for dorm beds can start as low as ₹300, and you can get private rooms for under ₹700 per night during off-season. Many family-run guesthouses even offer lake-view terraces or inner courtyards.
If you want to experience traditional desert living without going over budget, consider a short stay at a Pushkar tent resort. Some offer low-cost day experiences or group discounts, allowing you to enjoy luxury touches without a premium price tag.
Booking your stay early and avoiding weekends can further reduce costs. Look for accommodation that includes breakfast to save even more.
Step 4: Eating Well Without Spending Much
Food in Pushkar is both delicious and budget-friendly. Stick to local dhabas and street food vendors for authentic Rajasthani meals that rarely cost more than ₹150 per person. You’ll find thalis, poha, aloo parathas, and samosas at roadside stalls for ₹20–₹50.
For breakfast, opt for sweet shops or cafés that serve hot jalebis, malpua, or masala chai. Lunch can be a hearty vegetarian thali, while dinner can be enjoyed at rooftop cafés where meals range between ₹150 and ₹250.
Many cafés also offer combo meals or set menus tailored for foreign backpackers but loved by locals too. Pushkar is a vegetarian town, which makes eating out not only affordable but also wholesome.
Step 5: Explore for Free or Very Little
One of the best parts of traveling in Pushkar is that most experiences cost very little or are completely free. Entry to temples, ghats, and even the Brahma Temple is free of charge.
Spend your mornings walking around Pushkar Lake, observing daily rituals and offering your own silent prayer. Visit Savitri Temple at sunrise—either by foot or ropeway (ropeway ticket: approx ₹140 round trip)—for a panoramic view of the town and desert.
Don’t miss the evening aarti at the ghats. The spiritual energy, chants, and floating diyas create an unforgettable moment, without any ticket or reservation.
Markets like Sadar Bazaar are perfect for cultural immersion. You can browse colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry, and rose products even if you don’t buy much. The key is to enjoy the storytelling from shopkeepers and savor the atmosphere.
Step 6: Choose Affordable Desert Experiences
You don’t have to break your budget to explore the desert. A short desert safari in Pushkar can cost around ₹300–₹600 if you join a group or opt for a shared camel ride. These safaris typically include a camel or jeep ride to the dunes, photo stops, and a desert sunset.
If you wish to spend a night in the desert, choose a best luxury camp in Pushkar that offers short-stay packages or off-season rates. Many include dinner, folk performances, and stargazing, turning your one-night splurge into a cultural highlight.
Just remember to compare packages carefully and ask if meals, transport, and guide services are included before booking.
Step 7: Stay Connected and Travel Smart
Pushkar is easy to navigate on foot, but renting a bicycle for ₹100–₹150 per day is a great way to explore surrounding temples, viewpoints, and local farms.
Avoid ATM fees by withdrawing enough cash in Ajmer or major towns, as Pushkar has limited ATMs and many local businesses are cash-only.
Stay connected with a local SIM card offering data for maps and local bookings. Apps like Rome2Rio and RedBus help with onward travel planning, while Google Translate can be handy in rural conversations.
For added cultural exposure, ask locals for recommendations instead of relying entirely on online reviews. You may discover hidden chai shops, less crowded temples, or even local events like music gatherings and craft workshops.
Final Thoughts: Pushkar on a Budget Is Rich in Every Way
Planning a budget trip to Pushkar isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about traveling deeper. With its spiritual energy, vibrant bazaars, affordable food, and free-flowing cultural experiences, Pushkar proves that meaningful travel doesn’t need a big budget.