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

In India, several destinations in the mountains offer the opportunity to hire a pony or mule, known as a khachhar, to make trekking more manageable. Pilgrims and trekkers can benefit from using these animals to cover difficult stretches of the journey. Here are six popular mountain destinations in India where visitors can hire a pony for their trek:

1. Vaishno Devi in Jammu & Kashmir - The trek from Katra to the Vaishno Devi shrine spans around 13-14 km with a steep ascent. Pilgrims can opt to ride a registered pony for the journey, with approved rates displayed along the route.

2. Kedarnath in Uttarakhand - This high-altitude pilgrimage route is a well-known challenging trek, where ponies are commonly used to assist pilgrims. However, operating conditions may change based on weather and local regulations, so it's essential to verify the current arrangements before traveling.

3. Yamunotri in Uttarakhand - Alongside other major pilgrimage routes, Uttarakhand's tourism department allows the use of ponies and palanquins for the steep trek from Janki Chatti to the Yamunotri temple. These options are helpful for those struggling with the climb.

4. Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand - Although you cannot ride a pony within the Valley of Flowers National Park itself, they can be hired for the trek to Ghangaria, the base for the Valley. Once inside the park, visitors must walk the entire trail.

5. Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand - At an altitude of over 4,600 meters, the climb to Hemkund Sahib is a difficult one. The trek begins from Ghangaria, and pilgrims can hire ponies to aid them on this challenging ascent, subject to local operating conditions and regulations.

6. Amarnath in Jammu & Kashmir - The Amarnath Yatra is a major Himalayan pilgrimage where ponies are used to help pilgrims navigate the challenging mountain route. In 2026, the Anantnag district administration officially notified rates for riding and pack ponies, along with other services, and advised visitors to report overcharging by service providers.