Backpacker hostel near the holy lake offering affordable dorms and private rooms. Features a cafe, common areas, and organizes camel safaris and cultural activities.
Zostel Pushkar is situated in Choti Basti, a residential neighbourhood on the periphery of Pushkar town in Rajasthan, India, within short walking distance of the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple—one of the very few temples in the world dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. The hostel is approximately 300 metres from the main lake ghats and around 400 metres from Bazar Street, Pushkar's compact commercial centre lined with shops selling tie-dye clothing, rudraksha beads, silver jewellery, and local crafts.
Pushkar is a small pilgrimage town of approximately 20,000 residents that transforms into one of Rajasthan's most atmospheric destinations during the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, held in November each year. The town sits in a desert basin surrounded by the Aravalli hills at an elevation that keeps temperatures slightly cooler than the surrounding Thar Desert plain. Ajmer, the nearest major transport hub with railway connections to Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai, is around 14 kilometres away.
Zostel Pushkar follows the network's consistent model of social budget accommodation, offering a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms within a property that emphasises communal gathering. The café is a central feature, serving Indian and traveller-oriented food throughout the day, with chai, cold beverages, and simple meals popular among hostel guests. Communal indoor and outdoor seating areas foster interaction between guests, and the hostel regularly posts information about cultural events, market trips, and local activities.
The property organises camel safaris into the desert landscape surrounding Pushkar, including sunrise and sunset rides that allow guests to observe the Aravalli hills and desert scrub from camelback. The Pushkar Camel Fair excursion packages are available for guests visiting in November, when the fair transforms the plains outside town into a vast encampment of livestock traders, performers, and international travellers. Local cooking classes, puja ceremonies at the lake, and yoga sessions are activities the hostel can connect guests with through local operators.
Pushkar enforces vegetarianism and bans the sale of alcohol and non-vegetarian food within its boundaries, reflecting the sacred status of the town among Hindu pilgrims. Guests should factor this into meal planning; alcohol and meat dishes are available in Ajmer, roughly 14 kilometres away, but not in central Pushkar.
Amenities
- cafe
- wifi
- common area
- events
- tours
Location
Choti Basti, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022
26.4910, 74.5520 View on map
Highlights
- Located steps from the sacred Pushkar Lake and the rare Brahma Temple in Rajasthan
- Camel safaris and desert sunrise rides organised directly from the hostel
- Social café and communal areas in a town known for one of India's most vibrant festival atmospheres
- Ideal base for experiencing the Pushkar Camel Fair in November
- Affordable dorms and private rooms in a town where budget accommodation quality varies significantly
Tips for visiting
- Book 3–6 months in advance for November when the Pushkar Camel Fair draws visitors from around the world and accommodation sells out city-wide
- Pushkar is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free; plan accordingly and carry any personal supplies from Ajmer before arrival
- Remove shoes before entering the lake ghats and carry a small bag to keep footwear safe during visits
- Camel safari prices are negotiable; hostel-organised rides tend to be more fairly priced than approaches from street touts near the lake
- Sunrise at Pushkar Lake from the ghats is particularly peaceful before the pilgrimage crowds arrive, usually between 5:30 and 7:00 AM
Accessibility
Zostel Pushkar has limited accessibility provisions; the property's multi-level layout with steps and the sandy, uneven terrain of the Pushkar ghat area present significant challenges for wheelchair users and guests with mobility impairments. Travellers with specific accessibility needs should contact the property directly before making a reservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is alcohol available in Pushkar?
No. Pushkar is a dry town and a vegetarian-only zone due to its sacred status as a Hindu pilgrimage site. The sale of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited throughout the town. Guests wishing to consume alcohol should do so before arrival or in Ajmer, approximately 14 kilometres away.
When is the Pushkar Camel Fair and should visitors plan around it?
The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place annually in October–November, timed to the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. It typically lasts 5–7 days around the full moon. The fair brings vast colour, livestock trading, folk performances, and international visitors. Accommodation across Pushkar is fully booked months in advance during this period.
How does one get from Jaipur to Pushkar?
The most common route is by bus or taxi from Jaipur to Ajmer (approximately 2.5 hours), then a short 30–40 minute bus or auto-rickshaw ride from Ajmer to Pushkar. Some travellers hire private taxis for the full 150-kilometre journey from Jaipur directly.
Are Zostel's camel safaris suitable for beginners?
Yes, Zostel Pushkar's camel safaris cater to guests with no prior experience. Rides are typically 1–3 hours and conducted at a gentle pace through the desert landscape around Pushkar. Longer overnight safari options can be arranged through local operators.