The Bactrian camels, also known as two-humped camels, are native to the steppes of Central Asia.
The name Bactrian derives from Bactria, an ancient Iranian civilization in Central Asia.
Journey to Ladakh: A Historical Link
They also have a small population in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, India. The story behind the presence of Bactrian camels in India is quite fascinating.
With its ability to survive in extreme climatic conditions and carry heavy loads, the Bactrian camel facilitated the movement of caravans on the Silk Road, a network of ancient land and sea trade routes that connected the Eastern and Western worlds. Ladakh was an important centre on this route.
Apart from transport and load bearing, the camels were also valued for their wool, milk and meat.
Decline After the Indo-China War
When the trading corridor between India and China through the Himalayas was closed down due to the Indo-China War in 1962, many of the once-important Bactrian camels were left abandoned in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh.
As transport facilities developed in the remote areas and rugged terrain, Bactrian camels lost their indispensability and were no longer looked after any more.
Their population declined to a point where they were on the brink of extinction in Ladakh.
A Symbol of Ladakh’s Heritage
However, after the growth of tourism in Ladakh since the 1990s, locals of Hunder village started using the Bactrian camels for tourist rides.
Since then, their numbers have increased as they were consciously cared for by the locals.
Today, Bactrian camel riding in the Hunder sand dunes of Nubra Valley is a popular tourist activity in Ladakh.
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