The Chamurthi horse, a resilient and iconic breed native to Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude deserts, is set to gain wider recognition at the upcoming International Lavi Fair in Rampur. This event, organized by the district administration, will bring together horse breeders from across North India to celebrate the breed’s unique heritage and remarkable endurance in harsh mountain conditions. Known as the ‘Ship of the Cold Desert,’ the Chamurthi horse has survived near extinction thanks to conservation efforts at the Lari Horse Breeding Centre, which has helped revive its population from a few to several hundred.

The fair, scheduled for November 1-3, 2025, will feature horse exhibitions, races, seminars, and cultural activities, highlighting the breed’s strength and sure-footedness in snow. Despite its celebrated status, the breed faces challenges due to local customs in the Pin Valley that restrict the sale of non-sterilized horses, complicating breeding expansion. Nonetheless, traditional community practices continue to ensure the selection and preservation of the finest Chamurthi horses, securing the legacy of this living legend for future generations.