A herder skillfully milking a yak in Loden Kharka of Mikwakhola Rural Municipality-5, Taplejung district on Sunday. Nestled at an impressive altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, this region thrives on the age-old tradition of yak herding as a significant income source.

Inhabitants of this Himalayan expanse depend extensively on yaks, reaping rewards through milk, wool, butter, and meat production. A local insight reveals that the local yak market ranges between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.3 lakh.

The rhythm of life for these locals revolves around a tapestry of animals including mountain goats, sheep, and yaks. Their annual migration adapts to shifting weather patterns, descending to lower elevations during winters to evade freezing temperatures, and ascending to highlands as the mercury rises.

Photo: Dilkumar Limbu/RSS