Breeds of Changthang
The high plateau of eastern Ladakh, where Changpa herders move yaks, sheep and pashmina goats between pastures above 4,000 metres.
Breeds of this place
Best time: June to September, when the passes are open and the herds are out.
The Changthang is a high plateau stretching from eastern Ladakh into Tibet, a land of wide valleys, salt lakes and long winters. Changpa herders live here with yaks, sheep and the goats whose fine undercoat becomes pashmina. Families move between summer and winter pastures, living in tents woven from yak hair. Nyoma and Hanle are the main settlements on the Indian side.
Yaks on the plateau
Yaks carry loads, give milk for butter and curd, and provide hair for tents, ropes and blankets. Their dung is the main fuel where no trees grow. Male yaks are crossed with local cattle to make dzo, hardy hybrids used lower down. In the coldest months, when temperatures fall far below freezing, the herds depend on stored fodder and sheltered valleys.
A changing life
Many young Changpa have moved to Leh for school and work, and the number of nomadic families has fallen. Roads, an army presence and wildlife protection have changed old grazing routes. The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary covers much of the plateau, home to wild yak, kiang and snow leopard. Visitors need permits for many areas.
A trail idea for Changthang
- Tso Moriri A high lake near Korzok, with summer camps of Changpa herders nearby.
- Hanle A plateau village with an old monastery and an observatory.
- Nyoma A small settlement on the Indus, a base for the plateau.
- Summer camps Yak-hair tents on the open grass, where herders welcome passing visitors.
Written by the EveryCow desk with AI assistance. Background: "Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary" on Wikipedia. Fair dates, markets and visiting rules change; check locally before travelling, and keep a respectful distance from working animals. If something is wrong, tell us.
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