Key Takeaways:

• First batch of 100 sheep and goats arrived in Pokhara from Dolpa
• Traders expect more than 10,000 animals to reach the city this year
• Thirty animals from the first shipment were sold on the first day
• Goats from Dolpa are selling for Rs 21,000 to Rs 40,000 each

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 5 Sheep and mountain goats have started arriving in Pokhara from Himalayan districts as traders gear up for the Dashain festival, one of Nepal's biggest annual celebrations. With Dashain demand expected to rise in the coming weeks, traders estimate that more than 10,000 sheep and goats will arrive in Pokhara this year. The animals are being transported from Himalayan and hilly districts, including Mustang, Bajhang, Humla, Surkhet and Dolpa, according to traders. Trader Min Prasad Bohara brought the first batch of 100 sheep and goats from Dolpa to Pokhara this year. Bohara, who has been involved in the livestock trade for the past three years, said 30 animals were sold on the first day. Bohara said goats brought from Dolpa are currently being sold for between Rs 21,000 and Rs 40,000 each, depending on size and quality. Sheep are generally priced lower than goats. The annual arrival of sheep and mountain goats in Pokhara is a key part of the Dashain market, when demand for livestock traditionally increases across the country. Traders expect the volume of arrivals to increase further as the festival draws closer and consumers begin purchasing animals for Dashain celebrations.