Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Six Indian mountain destinations where trekkers can hire ponies
Mountains are beautiful, but walking up them can be very tiring.
Some paths are very long and steep, especially for pilgrims going to holy places.
Older people may find these walks too hard.
In India, there is a helpful option: you can hire a pony or a mule.
People there call a mule a 'khachhar'.
The animal carries you over the hardest parts of the trail.
It costs a bit more money than walking.
But it makes the trip much easier and more fun.
The article tells us about six mountain places in India where you can do this.
One of them is Amarnath, a famous holy cave shrine.
The article highlights six mountain destinations in India where trekkers can hire a pony or mule for the trek.
Ponies and mules are locally called 'khachhar' in these regions.
Hiring a khachhar helps cover demanding stretches of the journey with less physical strain, though it is slightly heavier on the pocket.
The service is especially helpful for elderly people who find long, steep pilgrimage routes discouraging.
Amarnath, a holy cave shrine, is one of the pilgrimage destinations where such animals are used.
- Who
- Trekkers and pilgrims in India, especially elderly people who find steep mountain routes difficult.
- What
- Hiring a pony or mule (locally called a 'khachhar') to cover demanding stretches of mountain treks.
- When
- Not specified in the article.
- Where
- Six mountain destinations in India, including the holy cave shrine of Amarnath.
- Why
- To make long, steep climbs easier and less exhausting, particularly on pilgrimage routes.
- Service
- Pony or mule (khachhar) hire for treks
- Local name for mule
- Khachhar
- Number of destinations
- 6
- Example destination
- Amarnath holy cave shrine
- Cost
- Slightly heavier on the pocket
- Main benefit
- Covers demanding stretches with less physical effort
- Target audience
- Elderly trekkers and pilgrims