Yaks, chauris brought down from high pastures for winter

Hari Krishna Sharma / Mustang, Nov. 8: With the onset of winter, herders in Mustang have started moving their yak and chauri herds from high-altitude pastures to lower, warmer areas in search of better shelter and grazing grounds.

Snowfall in the high pastures has led to a shortage of water sources and grass, forcing herders to bring their livestock down to lower pastures and settlements.

Sojan Hirachan, a chauri farmer, said that seasonal herding sheds in Marche at the foot of Mt Nilgiri, Mulikharka at the foot of Mt Dhaulagiri and Batase Kharka in the Thak Satsaya area of Thasang Rural Municipality had now been vacated.

Hirachan, who is also the central secretary of the Yak and Chauri Farmers’ Federation, said that during the summer months, the animals were taken to pastures above 4,000 metres above sea level at the foothills of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche mountains. With the onset of winter, they were moved to grazing areas closer to settlements.

“The chauris brought down to the lower areas will be taken back to the high-altitude pastures only after the Nepali month of Baisakh (mid-April). There is a shortage of grass in the grazing areas near the settlements,” he said.

Apart from bringing the animals down for seasonal livestock fairs, herders generally keep them in high-altitude pastures for eight months and in lower-altitude pastures for four months.

Temperatures in Mustang remain below freezing from mid-November to February, making life difficult for locals as well. Thasang Rural Municipality has the largest number of yak and chauri herds in the district, with more than 1,500 animals kept in 27 sheds.

According to the Agriculture and Livestock Development Office, Mustang has around 4,200 yaks and chauris grazing in high-altitude areas across its five local units.

There are 39 herding sheds in Thasang, Gharapjhong and Baragung Muktikshetra rural municipalities, while Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda and Lo Manthang rural municipalities in Upper Mustang have 23 sheds.

Dr. Lal Mani Aryal, chief of the office, said the animals were brought to warmer sheds near settlements as winter was equally challenging for livestock. “Although yaks and chauris are adapted to cold climates, snowfall reduces the availability of grazing grounds in high-altitude areas. There is also a risk from wild animals, so herders bring them closer to settlements,” he said.

Along with yaks and chauris, chyangras (mountain goats) are also brought from high-altitude pastures to sheds near settlements during winter, as they too face harsh conditions and sub-zero temperatures.

The Himalayan Yak and Chauri Farmers and Conservation Committee, Mustang, said herders from Upper and Lower Mustang take their animals to grazing areas at elevations of around 5,500 metres and above. However, the risk of altitude sickness among herders due to extreme cold has also led them to build temporary sheds in areas with more favourable climatic conditions.

During the rainy season, snow melts and grass grows in the high pastures, making it easier for herders to manage their yak and chauri herds.

Local governments in the district have also prioritised ensuring sufficient grazing areas in lower regions and providing veterinary treatment services.

A single live yak can cost up to Rs. 200,000. Yaks and chauris feed on various medicinal plants, including yarsagumba, panchaule, nirmasi, jatamasi, satuwa, jimbu and wild garlic. Their blood is traditionally believed to help treat ailments such as joint and stomach problems, asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as sexual health problems. Livestock fairs are organised twice a year.

The Himalayan Yak and Chauri Rearing and Conservation Management Committee was established in 2019 to protect the interests and promote the livelihoods of yak and chauri farmers across all five local units of Mustang.