Local youths from four villages in Mustang provide horse rides and stretcher services to pilgrims visiting Muktinath, as the path to the temple can be challenging for elderly and physically challenged individuals. Only youths from these villages are allowed to provide horse rides, with a committee regulating the transportation and a fee of Rs 400 for Nepalese and INR 400 for Indian pilgrims. The horse-riding business has become an alternative source of income for young people in the area, helping to retain the local workforce and provide livelihood opportunities.
The horse-riding service in Mustang has helped around 120 households in the four villages of Ward 1, with the committee managing the business on a rotational basis to ensure fair participation among villagers. Despite the decline in horse usage due to improved road connectivity, horses remain an important cultural symbol in the region, especially during festivals where they are prominently featured. Local youth also provide stretcher services for pilgrims who cannot ride horses, offering crucial aid to elderly, disabled, and physically challenged devotees.
The stretcher service costs Rs 4,000 for Nepalese and INR 4,000 for Indian pilgrims, with four people required to carry each devotee from the bus park to the Muktinath temple. This paid service has been essential for many pilgrims who struggle to reach the temple on foot, providing them with a means to visit Muktinath despite physical limitations. The horse-riding and stretcher services have not only benefited pilgrims but have also become an important source of income and cultural heritage for the local communities in Mustang.
