Char Dham yatra: Mule fares on Kedarnath route increased by 10%

DEHRADUN: The rates of mule service for the Kedarnath yatra, commencing on April 25, have been increased by 10%. From Kedarnath base camp to Sonprayag - a total of 18 km - the price has now been raised to Rs 3,000 from Rs 2,740 per pilgrim last year. The fares from other locations for the yatra have also been revised, accordingly. Likewise, the rates for palanquins have been changed too.
Of the 15.6 lakh pilgrims to the shrine last year, 5.3 lakh used mules to cover the 18-km-long trek, resulting in owners of the animals earning Rs 101.3 crore compared to Rs 75-80 crore amassed by chopper firms. Data also revealed that palki/ palanquin owners earned Rs 86 lakh last season.
Now mule ride from Sonprayag to Lincholi will cost Rs 2,100 (against Rs 1,940 last year), Sonprayag to Bheembali at Rs 1,500 (Rs 1,390 last year), Gaurikund to Kedarnath at Rs 2,750 (Rs 2,540 last year), Gaurikund to Lincholi Rs 2,000 (Rs1,840 last year), Gaurikund to Bheembali Rs 1,000 (Rs 940 last year), Bheembali to Kedarnath at Rs 1,550 (Rs 1440 last year) and Lincholi to Kedarnath at Rs 850 (Rs 790 last year). Similarly, the rates of palanquin will range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 for the various routes.
Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj said, "We have directed the authorities to look into the arrangements and ensure hot water for the mules on both trek routes."