Dehradun: This year, Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra 2025 kicks off with over 4300 horses and mules’ operators registered to serve pilgrims on Kedarnath and Yamunotri walking routes.
This vital arrangement ensures safe, comfortable, and accessible travel for thousands of devotees undertaking the sacred Himalayan pilgrimage.
Enhanced facilities for Kedarnath and Yamunotri routes as Char Dham Yatra commences
The much-awaited Char Dham Yatra 2025 has officially begun, bringing spiritual fervor and economic vitality to Uttarakhand. With the doors of Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams opened on April 30, extensive arrangements have been made to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. This year, the spotlight is on over 4300 horse-mule operators, who will provide essential services on the Kedarnath and Yamunotri walking routes, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey for devotees.
Key contribution to economy and livelihoods
The Char Dham Yatra holds immense significance not just for the pilgrims but also for the local economy. For many Uttarakhand residents, it serves as a vital source of livelihood, supporting hotel operators, transport businesses, and horse-mule operators. The animal transport services, in particular, cater to thousands of devotees traversing the rugged routes of Kedarnath and Yamunotri, playing an indispensable role in the yatra’s logistics.
Kedarnath: Over 5000 horses and mules registered
The trek to Kedarnath Dham spans a challenging 18 km from Gaurikund, prompting many pilgrims to utilize horse and mule services. This year, 2493 operators have registered over five thousand horses and mules for the Kedarnath route. Ensuring their health and readiness has been a priority for the Animal Husbandry Department, which has issued fitness certificates after thorough medical assessments.
To provide consistent support, the department has established veterinary hospitals in Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Lynchauli, and Kedarnath, staffed by five doctors and seven paravets. Additionally, pilgrims and operators will find hot water facilities at 13 designated locations along the route, adding comfort to the journey.
Yamunotri: Over 3700 horses and mules have been registered
For the Yamunotri Dham, over 3700 horses and mules have been registered. At Janaki Chatti, a temporary veterinary hospital has been set up to provide vaccination, medical aid, and health assessments for the animals. The facility is staffed by four veterinary doctors, four livestock extension officers, and two assistants, ensuring round-the-clock care for the animals. The route has also been equipped with six geysers, aiding in animal health and comfort.
Prepaid booking and streamlined operations
To ensure orderly operations, prepaid booking counters have been established along the routes. For Kedarnath, counters are located at Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Bhimbali, Lynchauli, and Rudra Point. Similarly, a prepaid counter has been set up at Jankichatti for Yamunotri travelers. Horse-mule operators have been provided with numbered jackets, and travel for each operator is restricted to once daily to maintain consistency and safety.
Emphasis on health and safety
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the importance of ensuring the health of the animals, mandating that only thoroughly examined and healthy horses and mules be allowed to operate. He stated, “Clear instructions have been given to the Animal Husbandry Department to monitor the health of horses and mules throughout the travel route. Our priority is to provide a comfortable and safe journey for all devotees.”
