Pushkar—ancient, soulful, and serenely eccentric—is a backpacker’s dream. Tucked between the Aravalli hills and the edge of the Thar Desert, this small Rajasthan town offers big experiences. You can wander centuries-old ghats, hike to hilltop temples, sip chai by the holy lake, and even experience the desert—all without blowing your budget.
The magic of Pushkar lies in its simplicity. For travelers on a shoestring, ₹1000 a day isn’t a limitation—it’s a challenge that Pushkar makes possible with surprising ease.
Here’s how you can live the essence of Pushkar, eat well, sleep peacefully, and explore thoroughly—all under a humble ₹1000 daily budget.
Day Begins: Budget Bed & Sacred Sunrises
Finding budget stays in Pushkar is remarkably easy. The town is filled with guesthouses and hostels offering clean rooms, Wi-Fi, and rooftop views for as low as ₹300–₹400 per night. Most are nestled within walking distance from Pushkar Lake, making early morning lake strolls or ghatside yoga sessions incredibly convenient.
Start your day at sunrise with a walk to the Pushkar Lake. Watching the first light shimmer across its sacred waters while morning prayers fill the air is a moving experience—and entirely free. Join pilgrims at the ghats, observe rituals, or just sit in silence.
After the lake, visit the Brahma Temple, one of the few temples in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Entry is free, and the spiritual calm it offers sets a gentle tone for the day.
If you time your trip right, some hostels also offer morning rooftop yoga classes by donation. Spend ₹50–₹100 for an hour of guided breathing and stretching under the desert sky—well worth it.
Breakfast to Bazaar: Flavorful & Frugal
For breakfast, follow the locals. Street vendors near the lake offer freshly made poha, kachoris, or parathas for as little as ₹30–₹60. Wash it down with a masala chai in a clay cup for ₹10, and you’re full and fueled for the morning.
Now, it’s time to explore Pushkar’s colorful bazaars. The Sadar Bazaar is a paradise for window-shoppers and budget buyers. Even if you’re not spending, you’ll enjoy seeing embroidered fabrics, silver jewelry, leather-bound diaries, and rose products. Bargaining is common, and many shopkeepers are open to casual conversation over a cup of chai.
Entry into the town’s temples, ghats, and local gardens is free or donation-based. Spend your morning wandering, observing, and absorbing the rhythm of Pushkar.
Midday Eats & Hilltop Views
Lunchtime doesn’t have to break your budget. Many cafés in Pushkar offer full thalis—plate meals with rice, lentils, vegetables, and roti—for ₹100–₹150. If you're craving something different, you can find Israeli, Italian, and Tibetan options priced reasonably in backpacker cafés.
Post-lunch, if the sun isn’t too harsh, consider a trek up to the Savitri Temple, located on a hill west of the lake. The 200-step climb is free and offers the best panoramic view of Pushkar. If you're not up for the hike, you can use the ropeway for around ₹140 round trip.
Up top, you'll find not just a temple, but a breeze, peace, and a view that stretches from the lake to the desert.
Desert Dreams on a Backpack Budget
You might think a desert experience is out of reach for ₹1000—but Pushkar makes it possible. Join a short group desert safari in Pushkar for as low as ₹300 if you join a shared ride. These budget safaris usually include a camel ride, a quick sunset stop in the dunes, and sometimes even tea with locals.
If you’d rather stay in town, end your day with a visit to the ghats during sunset. Aarti (evening prayer) happens daily and is open to all. Sit beside the lake, listen to chants, watch diyas float on the water—and feel the town wind down with you.
Accommodation costs remain low even if you upgrade for one night. You can check in to a Pushkar tent resort for a single-night experience if your budget allows flexibility or you’re traveling with a friend to split the cost.
Evening Eats, Free Music & Rooftop Vibes
As night falls, Pushkar’s cafés light up with lanterns, fairy lights, and soft music. Many host nightly performances—sitar, tabla, or folk singing—at no cover charge if you order food.
Dinner can be as cheap or as fancy as you choose. A plate of steaming momos or a bowl of noodles may cost ₹80–₹100. If you have room in your budget, consider treating yourself to a wood-fired pizza (₹200–₹250 split between two) at one of the lake-facing cafés.
Sit back with a lassi or herbal tea, watch the moon rise over the ghats, and let the music guide you into the night.
If you're willing to stretch your budget one day, treat yourself to the ambiance and hospitality at the best luxury resorts in Pushkar—many of them offer day access or desert-view meals you can enjoy without an overnight stay.
Budget Breakdown: ₹1000 Sample Itinerary
While prices can vary, here's a general idea of how your ₹1000 can be well spent:
Guesthouse stay: ₹300
Breakfast + chai: ₹50
Local lunch (Indian thali): ₹120
Savitri Temple ropeway or hike: ₹0–₹140
Shared camel safari: ₹300
Budget dinner: ₹100–₹150
Evening music café drink/snack: ₹50–₹80
You might even come in under ₹1000 if you skip the safari one day or find a great food combo deal at your hostel café.
Final Thoughts: Budget Doesn’t Mean Missing Out
Pushkar isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s budget-beautiful. This is a place where ₹1000 can buy you experiences that are rich in culture, connection, and calm. From sacred lakes and hilltop sunrises to camel rides and temple bells, Pushkar rewards every rupee with something unforgettable.