Over 8,000 Horses And Mules Registered For Chardham Yatra 2025
Uttarakhand gears up with robust arrangements for animal welfare and pilgrim comfort
As the sacred Chardham Yatra kicks off this Wednesday with the opening of the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri, preparations are in full swing to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for devotees. This year, more than 4,300 horse-mule operators will offer their services along the Kedarnath and Yamunotri routes, providing essential transport support to pilgrims traversing the steep Himalayan paths.
Over 8,000 Equines Registered
The Animal Husbandry Department has registered over 8,000 horses and mules—more than 5,000 for Kedarnath and 3,700 for Yamunotri. All animals have undergone rigorous health checks, and only those with valid fitness certificates will be allowed on the Yatra routes.
Veterinary Support and Welfare Measures
For Kedarnath, veterinary hospitals have been established at key points including Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Linchauli, and Kedarnath, staffed with five doctors and seven paravets. Hot water has been arranged at 13 locations on the trekking route to aid animal care. For Yamunotri, a temporary veterinary hospital at Jankichatti is operational, supported by four veterinarians and livestock staff. Six geysers have been installed to ensure warm water availability.
Prepaid Booking and Regulations
To streamline services, prepaid booking counters have been set up—five for Kedarnath and one for Yamunotri. Horse-mule operators have been issued numbered jackets and are permitted only one trip per day to prevent overuse and ensure animal welfare.
Chief Minister’s Assurance
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that from road transport to heli services and animal-assisted travel, all arrangements are in place for a safe and comfortable Yatra. “Only completely healthy horses and mules will be allowed, with continuous health checks along the route,” he stated.
The Chardham Yatra continues to be a vital economic activity for Uttarakhand, supporting thousands of locals including hoteliers, transporters, and animal service providers.
