Republic Day 2026: Bactrian camels are found only at this location in India and have a 6,000-year link to Mongolia and China

For the first time in history, double-humped Bactrian camels from Ladakh, named Galwan and Nubra, strutted down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade. Their presence drew curious glances, not just for their exotic look, but for what they represent: a living link between India and the ancient Silk Route, connecting regions like Mongolia and China for over 6,000 years.

Bactrian camels, also called Mundri camels locally, are native to Ladakh’s high-altitude cold deserts. Only about 365 of these rare camels remain in India, mostly in Nubra Valley. They are uniquely adapted to survive extreme temperatures that drop as low as minus 30°C, thin air, strong UV radiation, and scarce vegetation, conditions where most machines fail.

These double-humped camels are specialised camels meant for high-altitude, arid environments. They can easily carry loads up to 150 kilograms and travel 10 to 12 kilometres at altitudes between 14,000 and 15,000 feet.

Bactrian camels: The secret of the two humps

The camel’s two humps are more than just a distinctive feature, they are energy reservoirs. In extreme conditions with scarce food, camels can rely on these fat stores for up to two to three weeks. As the fat is used, the humps visibly shrink, allowing the animals to sustain long journeys without grazing.

DIHAR research shows these camels can endure harsh terrain, minus 40°C temperatures, low oxygen, and rocky or snowy paths. They even eat snow in winter to meet their hydration needs.

Tested and approved by the Army

Before being inducted into service, Bactrian camels were studied extensively by DRDO-DIHAR in Leh. Trials at 17,000 feet confirmed that they could carry up to 170 kilograms, outperforming mules or ponies in extreme conditions. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed for feeding, health management, load carrying, and breeding to ensure their safe use in high-altitude operations.

Why animals still matter in modern warfare
In an era of drones, satellites, and robotic vehicles, one might ask why the Army relies on camels. The answer lies in reliability. Machines fail in extreme cold, drones can be jammed, and batteries run out. Animals, by contrast, are silent, non-jammable, and able to reach posts inaccessible to vehicles, making them ideal for forward posts along the Line of Actual Control.

From the Silk Route to Republic Day

Historically, Bactrian camels carried goods such as silk, tea, spices, and precious metals across the 6,400-km Silk Route, linking Mongolia, China, and Central Asia with India. Their appearance at the Republic Day Parade is symbolic of this enduring connection, as well as India’s practical approach to high-altitude logistics: combining ancient animal strength with modern strategy.