The yak in Nepal is one of the most important animals of the high Himalaya. Yaks are an important part of Himalayan or cold-climate animal husbandry. Yaks are large cattle with a hefty physique, short but stout legs, and rounded cloven hooves that splay to assist them in moving in the snow. Dri or nak refers to a female yak. Yak milk, meat, wool, bones, and wool all contribute considerably to yak herders’ livelihoods. Yak products are used for food and nutrition, energy, clothing, money, and employment.
Yak, The Vehicle for sustainable livelihood and tourism in Upper-Himalayas of Nepal
The robust yak is utilized for traction and transport through terrain in the upper Himalayas and serves as a vehicle. Yak and its hybrids remain an indispensable part of the trekking industry to carry heavy loads to supply both local and tourism demands as there is no suitable substitute animal. Without yak as a vehicle and source for protein, there is a remote chance to meet the growing demand for food and transportation needed in tourism that seeks adventure of trekking and mountain-climbing.
Overall, many yak herders in Nepal see yak as a family member, and yak ownership is also tied to a family’s social status. Yaks, in fact, are a part of their heritage and culture. In terms of culture, a prominent event is held in western Nepal. The Mustang district celebrates a yak blood-drinking festival in which people drink raw yak blood drawn fresh from a living yak’s body. Yaks graze on herbs, and ingesting raw yak blood is said to be a natural therapy for gastritis, jaundice, and skin illnesses, as well as relieving bodily pain and edema.
Yak in Nepal: 5 Ways the Yak Supports Mountain Life
For families living above the tree line, the yak in Nepal is far more than livestock. It is transport, food, clothing and income in a single animal, adapted to thin air, deep snow and freezing nights where few other animals can survive.
- Transport: yaks and yak hybrids carry food, fuel and trekking gear along high trails that are too steep or remote for vehicles.
- Milk and dairy: the rich milk of the female yak, or nak, is turned into butter, yoghurt, cheese and the hard dried cheese called chhurpi.
- Wool and hair: soft underwool and coarse outer hair are spun into warm clothing, blankets, ropes and tents.
- Fuel: dried yak dung is an important source of cooking and heating fuel in places where firewood is scarce.
- Culture and status: herds are a measure of wealth, and yaks appear in songs, festivals and family traditions across the Himalaya.
Yaks and Their Hybrids
In the mountains of Nepal you will also meet the dzo or chauri, a cross between a yak and lowland cattle. These hybrids cope better with lower altitudes and warmer weather, so they are common on trekking routes in the middle hills, while pure yaks are usually found higher up, in places such as the upper Khumbu, Dolpa and Mustang.
Tips for Photographing Yaks
Yaks are calm but powerful animals, so give them plenty of space, especially when they are carrying loads on narrow trails. Always stand on the uphill side of the path when a yak caravan passes. Early morning light on frosty pastures, prayer flags in the background and a snow peak on the horizon make classic Himalayan compositions. A telephoto lens lets you capture close portraits without disturbing the animals, and asking herders before photographing them often leads to warmer, more personal pictures.
To learn more about the species, read about the domestic yak on Wikipedia, and find more wildlife and animal images of Nepal on ImagePasal.
Where to put pictures of yak in the home?
If you wish to reflect on the tranquil and carefree sentiments, you can purchase and hang photographs or paintings of yaks grazing on grass. A large-scaled picture in your living room will undoubtedly enhance its beauty and make a statement. If you want to introduce yak to your children, you may create a simple, cute, and fuzzy painting or purchase such digital artwork. These adorable yak designs are ideal for your baby’s nursery or playroom.
Why ImagePasal?
At ImagePasal, photographer like Naresh Kusi is dedicated to showing the real picture of raw, authentic Nepal and Nepali-ness. Our photographers assign to capture the rarest and the most-stunning moments in the Himalayas ensure to portray the whole story of the area. It can include people, their culture, and animals like a yak. In fact, we have clear pictures and soulful clicks of yaks and their tranquil grazing.
We, as a leading image stock company in Nepal, are devoted on making providing photos of yaks and other rare animals in Nepal at an affordable price within one click. Supporting image stock companies in Nepal will eventually help the world and the locals know about true Nepaliness.
