In Uttarakhand, some places can only be reached by foot or by mule-back riding. The animals can be fidgety and downright restless. The handlers, no less hardy, walk or run beside the animals, keeping up a continuous monologue with the animals. As the unaccustomed riders hang on in grim determination, the handlers scold, cajole and harangue the animals up the steep inclines. They love their beasts as they would their own children & a good rub-down & food awaits the beasts at journey end.