Tehrathum, November 8
High-altitude pastures in the Himalayan region are gradually becoming deserted as yak and chauri herds are moved to lower elevations with the onset of colder weather. Meanwhile, activity is picking up in the lower-altitude areas bordering Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung, where herders are arriving with their livestock.
To escape the cold, farmers have moved their yak and chauri sheds from Nun Dhaki and the upper areas of Madi in Sankhuwasabha, as well as the upper regions of Shrijung and Morahang in Tehrathum, to lower elevations.
The high-altitude pastures around Milke, Jaljale and Tokpegola, which until a few months ago echoed with the bells of yaks and chauris and the calls of herders, are now gradually emptying.
As snowfall begins in the high Himalayan region, grazing becomes difficult for the animals. Water sources freeze, cold winds blow and nighttime temperatures drop to around zero degrees Celsius, making it difficult for both livestock and herders to remain there. For this reason, yak and chauri farmers have traditionally moved their sheds according to the seasons.
Labang Bhote, who brought his herd down from Tokpegola in Taplejung, said it took him a month of walking to reach the lower pastures.
“Once it snows, it becomes difficult not only for the chauris but also for people to stay there. We brought our yaks and chauris down after a month-long journey on foot. This is the season of Udhauli,” he said. “We will keep them here for around four months before taking them back to the upper pastures.”
Returning to high-altitude pastures when the weather becomes favourable is part of the herders’ traditional way of life. This practice, passed down through generations, has sustained livestock farming and the local economy in the Himalayan region, said Yokpu Bhote.
Farmers who have moved down from the upper pastures are setting up temporary sheds and grazing their animals. They have also started producing dairy products. Hima Khanal of Gufa Bazar said these areas, which remained quiet until recently, are now witnessing increased movement of herders and livestock.
Yak and chauri farming is not just a traditional occupation for farmers in this region but also an important source of income. Ghee, buttermilk and churpi are produced from chauri milk and sold in local and external markets. Farmers also earn from selling yaks and chauris and breeding them.
However, the yak and chauri farming business has increasingly been facing market-related challenges. Farmers say difficulties in cross-border trade with China have affected markets for the animals and their products. Tenzing Sherpa said farmers who previously earned income through cross-border trade are now struggling because of limited market access.
The availability of grazing land, veterinary services and market access remain major challenges for yak and chauri farming. Although the animals require suitable grazing areas from high-altitude pastures to lower elevations, such land is not adequately available everywhere. Farmers also face additional risks due to limited access to veterinary treatment for sick animals.
