Pushkar sees a steady stream of international travellers year-round, and while it's an easy town to find your feet in, a handful of local specifics are worth knowing before you land.
Most of what trips up first-time foreign visitors isn't language or logistics, it's a handful of small local customs that simply don't come up anywhere else on a typical India itinerary. None of it is complicated once you know it, which is really the whole point of this list.
Documents: carry your passport (plus a photocopy) along with your visa details, most accommodations, desert camps included, will ask for this at check-in as standard practice across India.
Currency: the Indian Rupee (INR) is the only currency used locally. Exchange is available in Pushkar town, and many camps, ours included, can help arrange it or point you toward a reliable option.
The town's vegetarian, alcohol-free rule: because Pushkar is a sacred pilgrimage town built around its lake, the sale of alcohol, meat, and eggs is prohibited within town limits, a detail that catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard.
Temple etiquette and dress: modest clothing is expected around temples, shoulders and knees covered is a safe default everywhere. Footwear comes off before entering most temples, and modesty expectations often extend even to the areas around the main ghats, not just inside.
Getting around: Pushkar town itself is small and entirely walkable. For Ajmer or the desert camp, arrange a taxi or let your accommodation organise transport, public options exist, but aren't always easy to navigate as a foreign visitor without local language or scheduling knowledge.
Health basics: stick to bottled or filtered water, carry something basic for stomach upsets, and check what medical support your accommodation offers.
Staying connected: mobile network and Wi-Fi are generally reliable in and around Pushkar, including at most desert camps in Pushkar, so being reachable isn't usually a concern.
For a lot of first-time visitors, Pushkar turns out to be one of the more approachable introductions to Rajasthan, small, walkable, and thoroughly used to international guests.
Best Hotel Resort for Foreigners to Stay in Pushkar
Looking for the best hotel resort for foreigners in Pushkar or where to stay near Pushkar Temple? Pushkar Adventure Desert Camp offers a budget-friendly hotel resort and desert camp in Pushkar with a real desert experience. Stay in comfortable desert tents, enjoy a luxury desert camp in Pushkar, and experience exciting adventure activities in Pushkar like camel safari, jeep safari, horse riding, bonfire, folk dance, and stargazing. Perfect for weekend trips, our camp is a unique guest house in Pushkar, homestay for foreigners, and the best place to enjoy an authentic desert safari in Pushkar surrounded by nature and local culture.
Reach out before you arrive with any specific questions, Call or WhatsApp us at +91 9462750383, and we're glad to help you plan around all of this.