6 mountain destinations in India where you can hire a pony or khachhar for the trek

India offers several mountain destinations where you can hire a pony or mule, known locally as khachhar, to assist you on challenging trekking routes. Here are six such places where pony or khachhar hire is available:

1. Vaishno Devi in Jammu & Kashmir: The trek from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine is approximately 13-14 km with steep climbs. Ponies are recommended for hiring to ease the journey.

2. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand: As one of India's most popular high-altitude pilgrimage routes, the Kedarnath trek often uses ponies to help pilgrims navigate the difficult terrain. Pilgrims can hire these animals through authorised contractors.

3. Yamunotri in Uttarakhand: This Char Dham destination features a steep trek that a pony or palanquin can help pilgrims complete. However, once inside the Valley of Flowers National Park, walking is required.

4. Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand: While you can't ride a pony within the valley itself, they are available for hire on the approach to Ghangaria, where a base camp serves as the starting point for the hike.

5. Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand: Situated at an altitude of over 4,600 metres, the climb to Hemkund Sahib can be challenging, but ponies are available to assist visitors. The route uses ponies under Uttarakhand's standard operating procedures.

6. Amarnath in Jammu & Kashmir: Another major pilgrimage route where ponies are used to help pilgrims traverse the mountainous terrain. The Anantnag district administration in 2026 notified rates for riding and pack ponies during the yatra.