Himachal Pradesh: The main attraction at the horse exhibition at the International Lavi Fair held in Rampur was the Chamurthi horse, often called the “ship of the cold desert”. Known for their exceptional stamina and adaptability to harsh weather, these horses belong to a rare and endangered breed, with numbers limited to around 2,000 mainly in the Pin Valley of Lahaul-Spiti. One of the six recognised breeds of India, the Lavi Mela plays a vital role in promoting the conservation and development of this unique horse breed. Chamurthi horses are renowned for their strength and agility in mountainous terrain, along with their ability to carry riders safely across rugged terrain and in extreme cold. Their sure feet on snow and narrow mountain trails make them highly prized in the region. Additionally, these horses can survive on little food for long periods of time and thrive even in low-oxygen environments.
The Chamurthi breed, believed to have originated from the Tibetan region of Chummur, is developed by crossbreeding wild Tibetan horses with domestic horses. These horses were initially brought to Spiti Valley from Tibet during the Indo-Tibetan trade and since then, they have become an integral part of the Pin Valley lifestyle. To support their conservation, the Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department has set up a breeding centre at Lari, Spiti, which is focusing on increasing the Chamurthi population. Veterinary experts from the 22 Mobile Field Veterinary Hospital provided information on the care and maintenance of Chamurthi during the fair. Col Yogesh Dogra emphasised that Chamurthi horses are highly suitable for the rugged conditions of the region, making them essential for transportation in the region.
Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Department Neeraj Mohan further informed that these horses are perfectly adapted to the high altitude, low oxygen environment, playing a vital role in the lives of people in the hilly areas. Sub-divisional veterinary officer Anil Chauhan said Chamurthi is Himachal Pradesh’s only registered horse breed, ideal for traversing challenging mountain terrain. The unique structure of the Chamurthi’s face and its ability to carry both rider and load on icy paths has earned it the nickname “ship of the cold desert”. Ami Chand Negi, a resident of Khab village near the Tibet border, said Chamurthi horses were originally imported from Tibet during the Indo-Tibetan trade. Today, they are bred in the Pin Valley, where they have become an indispensable part of local life, even thriving on minimal fodder. In short, Chamurthi horses not only embody the spirit of the Himalayas but also serve as trusted companions in some of the world’s toughest terrains. Their role in supporting local livelihoods and preserving traditional ways of life makes them a precious part of the state’s heritage.
