With the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri set to open on Wednesday, the sacred Char Dham Yatra is beginning once again. This pilgrimage plays a vital role in boosting Uttarakhand’s economy, supporting livelihoods ranging from hoteliers and transporters to horse and mule operators.
This year, more than 4,300 horse-mule operators will provide services along the Kedarnath and Yamunotri trekking routes. For Kedarnath, around 2,493 operators have registered over 5,000 horses and mules. These animals have been issued fitness certificates by the Animal Husbandry Department after health checks. Veterinary hospitals have been established at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Lincholi, and Kedarnath, with five doctors and seven para-vets deployed. Additionally, 13 hot water stations have been set up along the trekking path to aid animal care.
For Yamunotri, over 3,700 horses and mules have been registered. An on-site veterinary hospital has been set up at Jankichatti, staffed with four veterinarians, four livestock extension officers, and two assistants. Six geysers have been installed on the route for warm water supply.
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Prepaid booking counters have been established for both routes. For Kedarnath, counters are located at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Bhimbali, Lincholi, and Rudra Point. For Yamunotri, the district panchayat has set up a prepaid counter at Jankichatti. Operators there will wear numbered jackets, and each operator is permitted to make only one round trip to the shrine per day.
To ensure a comfortable pilgrimage, transportation options including road, helicopter, and mule services are being provided. The state government has strictly instructed that only healthy animals be allowed for the journey, and their health will be monitored throughout the routes.
