Nepali workers make a living on Kedarnath’s 22-kilometre trail
Summary
Nepali workers earn a living carrying pilgrims, running shops and serving visitors along Kedarnath’s 22-kilometre trail in Uttarakhand. The seasonal work brings better pay than jobs back home, but landslides and other hazards make the route dangerous.
Key Points
- Nepali workers in Kedarnath carry pilgrims, transport goods and run hotels and grocery shops, making seasonal income from the temple’s opening months.
- Jeevan Bohara and Kamal Bag from Bajhang say the work pays better than alternatives in their home area and can bring substantial savings.
- Workers must secure documents such as citizenship papers, local recommendations and police-issued identity cards to work as pilgrim carriers.
- Landslides and road closures along the route regularly make the journey dangerous for workers and pilgrims.
