I’m going to post this on both Flyertalk, India Forum, and Tripadvisor, same. I am in Pushkar now, the fair is getting into full swing. Merchants report business is so-so, hotels are not full, but there are hordes of people in town already, and more livestock than, at least, last year. Thankfully, the holy lake has some water in it this year, too. National Geographic Traveler (2001 edition) pans the fair as just an over-commercialized tourist trap. Most of the visitors seem to be Indian, with probably less than 1% camera toting Westerners or other Asians. And they, the Indians, are buying at the market, so what the heck, so did I.
The fair culminates during the full moon, so the dates vary, usually late October/November. Before the pilgrims and religious celebration take over, there is a huge gathering of livestock tribesmen who are hoping to buy and sell. There are, of course, camels, but also cattle and horses. I hear buffalo, and goats, too, but haven’t seen any yet. Briefly, I would use an agent to make arrangements including, especially, transport, as well as accommodation, and use the tented camps rather than hotels in town. It is camping so if high pressure hot water requisite, don’t come. But I’ve slept very well and been quite comfortable. Alcohol is not available in town, not even a cold beer, and food is strictly vegetarian during the festival. I was fortunate enough to take the advice of Pushkar Girl on TA. It’s nerve wracking to take a flyer on someone you don’t know--like, is there a hidden agenda, etc? But she was spot on and I was further fortunate enough to be in the next tent. People she doesn’t even know call out to her, “oh, good to see you back”. It’s amazing really how well thought of she is. After 10 years coming, it doesn’t look like she’s offended a soul. She brought pictures from last year, which are a huge hit. And if you come, it would be nice to bring some little gifts for people you meet. Child begging is rampant, so maybe crayons, coloring books, pens, or as one poster suggested, maybe a donation to a cause that matters. Those kids are hard to resist, but giving money is probably not the way to help.
I have some questions in case there are any camel experts out there. How do you tell a good camel from a not so good camel? I will figure this next out tomorrow, but I’m having trouble telling boys from girls. I have to admit, the question never crossed my mind until I saw what I thought was a male camel peeing backwards instead of straight down. Looks like a sheath, guess could be a vulva. Are camels wormed and immunized in India? (Cattle, horses?). Are the males of the 3 species castrated? There is a free vet clinic on the grounds that I hope to check out. The nose piercing necessary to guide a camel seems so harsh—sharpened stick about ľ inch across is forcibly screwed into and through the skin and cartilage. Seems a simple metal device would be more humane and faster. They really seem to hate this, but then they squall and beller whenever they are asked to do something. Funny, they protest loudly when put in the down position, but as soon as chin hits ground it’s like they are suddenly hypnotized. I notice too, that although many are decoratively clipped, the hair is not collected, and I have not seen anyone claiming to be selling camel hair products. Does commercial grade camel hair come from another part of the world?
I am finishing up a OneWorld round-the-world ticket, and I have to say India is right at the top of the favorite places list. A very pretty camel with the world’s longest eyelashes picked me today, but I haven’t figured out the baggage situation. This beats the hell out of the tribesman who tied my hand to his and he and his friends declared us married. I escaped, but not without a little trepidation.
I hate that I have to leave tomorrow, but I expect I’ll be back.
I ’m not much good at trip reports, but would be delighted to answer any questions.

since you're in Rajasthan , we're going there in Jan. 11 first week and don't want to miss all the fun.any tips ? I booked hotels and flights online. would have to arrange a ride for Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. doing Udaipur,Jodhpur,Jaipur and Jaisalmer .Too bad we missed the camel fair.

nice report skipaway....

Sorry for the delayed response. Home again and back at work
Already planning my next trip.

I am a totally independent traveller, or was until I went to India. If you've been before you might want to try to make arrangements yourselves, but I heartily recommend using a travel agent. I used Rajasthan Tours and was pleased with their service. If you want first class trains, or a car and driver, this would really be the best option. If you want to do it yourself, do get your trains reserved (or flights) ASAP. It was great to arrive and be met, taken to my hotel, hauled around to the various sites, etc. Reps put me on trains, delivered to hotels (which I'd pre-booked), and in general facilitated everything relating to transportation. I do recommend however, you be quite specific about whether or not you want to see "monuments" which are guide-picked shopping traps--the one thing I really did not like. Also be specific about whether you're purchasing transportation only (a driver) or also getting a guide for touring.

I rented a car in Oman, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Don't even think of doing so in India (actually, I doubt you can). Just riding in a vehicle there beats any thrill-factor at an amusement park. Hope you have as great a time as I did.