Snowfall Crisis Hits Yak Herders in Nepal’s Himalayas

Unseasonal heavy snowfall across Nepal’s high Himalayan districts has dealt a severe blow to yak and chauri (mountain cattle) herders, threatening both livelihoods and a centuries-old way of life.

From Manang to Mustang, Dolpa, and Mugu, grazing pastures have disappeared beneath thick snow, leaving herds without access to grass or water.

Farmers say the snow came earlier than expected, cutting off mountain trails and fodder supplies.

“This year the snow came too soon,” said Tenzing Lama, a herder from Manang. “The yaks have no grass to eat, and the routes to bring feed are blocked.”

Yak and chauri rearing form the economic backbone of Himalayan life, providing milk, meat, and trade income.

But climate experts warn that erratic weather patterns, driven by climate change, are disrupting these fragile ecosystems.

“This pattern of early snow and prolonged dryness is becoming more common,” said an official with the Department of Livestock Services. “Immediate feed and relief are crucial to prevent large-scale livestock losses.”

Authorities say they are preparing assistance, but farmers in remote valleys report that aid and feed supplies have yet to reach them.

Many rely on their remaining fodder reserves, fearing that more snowfall could worsen the crisis.

For now, the silence of snow-covered pastures signals more than just a harsh winter – it reflects the growing uncertainty facing Himalayan communities whose culture, economy, and survival remain tied to their mountain herds.