Army Deploys Double-Humped Camels for High-Altitude Logistics in Ladakh
Double Humped Camels- image by vajiramandravi.comAfter nearly a decade of evaluation, the Indian Army has officially inducted Bactrian (double‑humped) camels into its logistics and patrol operations across Eastern Ladakh. 14 trained camels, accompanied by standard operating procedures and health documentation, have been handed over to the Army’s 14 Corps by the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), a DRDO laboratory based in Leh.
The initiative aims to improve last‑mile logistics and mounted patrols in terrain where roads and mechanical transport remain unreliable. Drones and ATV‑style mechanical mules have been trialed, but are vulnerable to poor visibility and extreme weather conditions, where camels remain dependable.
𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐘𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐇
— NORTHERN COMMAND - INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) December 4, 2023
Bactrian 🐫 (Double Humped) Camels are deployed in Eastern Ladakh as an innovative means for last mile delivery of critical load and… pic.twitter.com/sZsXP2cIvu
DIHAR, in collaboration with the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps, tested the camels’ endurance, adaptability to hypoxia and cold, noise acclimatisation, and ability to carry heavy loads. The results showed that Bactrian camels can carry 150–200 kg loads at altitudes up to 14,000 ft, at least double the capacity of local ponies and mules, and require lower nutritional upkeep.
The Indo‑Tibetan Border Police are reportedly assessing the potential for similar camel deployment in terrain along their operational sectors