𝐘𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

…𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎, 𝒚𝒂𝒌 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔.

By Kezang Choden

In the high mountains of Bhutan, yak pastoralism remains one of the most enduring and sustainable ways of life, rooted in the harmony between people, animals, and nature. According to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), pastoralist communities have depended on yaks for centuries, not only as a source of livelihood but also as custodians of fragile ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and water sources.

Through traditional management of natural resources and pastures, yak herders play a vital role in maintaining the balance of rangeland ecosystems, ensuring that grazing areas regenerate naturally, water sources remain clean, and soil fertility is preserved. In return, these landscapes provide nutritious forage for yaks, which produce milk, meat, fibre, and other essential products that support household economies and nutrition security.

The value of yak products extends far beyond food. Wool and hides are used for clothing and shelter, while dung serves as fuel in high-altitude regions where firewood is scarce. These resources are vital for sustaining human and environmental health in some of the world’s most challenging terrains. Moreover, yak pastoralism embodies cultural identity and community resilience, connecting generations through shared traditions and a deep respect for nature.
“Yaks are finding it harder to access nutritious grass, and the quantity of milk has significantly decreased over the years,” said Gup Kaka. “This affects families who rely on milk and other yak products for their daily needs.”

Grazing systems, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), contribute nearly 30 percent of the world’s sheep and goat meat production, highlighting the global significance of pastoralism in ensuring food security. The yak-based systems of the Himalayan region form an integral part of this network, underpinning both nutrition and ecological balance.

The traditions of yak herding also offer valuable lessons for addressing today’s climate challenges. Herders’ understanding of local ecosystems, weather patterns, and rangeland management provides models for climate adaptation that modern science increasingly recognizes. In an era of changing climates and fragile food systems, these communities demonstrate how sustainability can be achieved through coexistence rather than exploitation.
As the world observes the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), the role of yak pastoralists goes beyond preserving ancient customs. They are shaping the future of sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship.

In Bhutan, the highlands of Lunana Gewog under Gasa Dzongkhag provide a vivid example. Here, 160 households depend on yak herding as their main source of livelihood. However, rising temperatures and unpredictable weather have led to a shortage of quality pasture and clean water.

To cope, herders have begun transporting Karma Feed from Punakha, a journey that takes about seven days on horseback, to maintain the health of their yaks. Yak products, including butter, cheese, and meat, remain central to Lunana’s highland economy and food security. Yak dung continues to serve as a crucial fuel source during harsh winters.

“If we have electricity and proper transport facilities, it will help us continue this traditional way of life and keep yak herding strong for generations to come,” said Gup Kaka, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure.
Sustainable yak herding requires careful management of grazing areas to prevent overgrazing, allowing pastures to regenerate naturally, and protecting water sources from contamination. Maintaining soil fertility with natural manure, safeguarding forests and shrubs, providing veterinary care, and ensuring good livestock nutrition are essential steps. Preserving traditional knowledge by teaching younger generations herding practices and maintaining cultural rituals strengthens community identity.

Despite climate change threatening age-old livelihoods, Lunana’s herders remain resilient in protecting a tradition that defines their culture and identity.
Similar challenges are being felt in Lingzhi Gewog under Thimphu Dzongkhag, where the number of households raising yaks has dropped from 68 to 42 in recent years. Gup Wangdi attributed the decline primarily to the lack of a proper marketplace for yak products, which has reduced herders’ income.
“Year by year, we face growing challenges in selling our products. Earlier, herders used to earn a good income, but now many are losing interest in yak rearing,” said Gup Wangdi.

Increasing reliance on cordyceps collection has also contributed to fewer households maintaining yaks as their main livelihood. Unpredictable rainfall and snowfall further disrupt grazing patterns, making it harder for yaks to survive in harsh conditions. The combination of environmental and economic pressures is putting traditional yak herding at risk.
Yet herders in Lingzhi and Lunana remain committed to preserving this centuries-old way of life. Livestock continue to provide nutrient-rich food that enhances food security, combats malnutrition, and supports community well-being. Through their resilience and careful stewardship, these communities demonstrate that yak pastoralism is not just a cultural practice but a vital path toward a more sustainable and nourished future.