Bactrian camels from Ladakh made their first appearance on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade. Named Galwan and Nubra, these double-humped camels brought into light India’s high-altitude logistics capability and the enduring link between Ladakh and the ancient Silk Route. Locally called Mundri camels, they are among the few surviving Bactrian camels in India and are specially adapted to cold desert conditions.
What Makes Bactrian Camels Unique
Bactrian camels are native to Ladakh’s cold deserts and are suited to harsh terrain. They can survive temperatures as low as minus 30°C, thin air, strong ultraviolet radiation and limited vegetation. Their two humps store fat, which helps them survive for two to three weeks when food is scarce. As the fat is used, the humps shrink visibly.
Role in High-Altitude Logistics
These camels can carry loads of up to 150 kilograms and travel 10 to 12 kilometres at altitudes of 14,000 to 15,000 feet. Research by DRDO-DIHAR in Leh showed that they can even carry up to 170 kilograms at 17,000 feet. They are useful in rocky, snowy and inaccessible areas where vehicles often cannot operate.
Military Utility and Standardisation
The Army uses these camels for movement to forward posts along the Line of Actual Control. They are valued because they are silent, non-jammable and do not depend on fuel or batteries. Standard Operating Procedures have been developed for feeding, health care, load carrying and breeding to support their use in operational conditions.
Historical and Strategic Significance
Bactrian camels once transported silk, tea, spices and metals across the 6,400-km Silk Route linking India with Mongolia, China and Central Asia. Their presence in the parade symbolised both cultural continuity and practical adaptation in modern defence logistics.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026