States' News

First Himalayan Yak Festival - Sikkim

November 1 , 2026 1 hrs 0 min 10 0

Sikkim hosted its first Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang Valley to promote yak conservation, herders’ livelihoods and tourism.
Gnathang Valley is located near the India-China border, and around 400–500 yaks participated in the festival.
The domestic yak belongs to the Bovidae family and provides milk, meat, fibre and transport to high-altitude communities.
The Sikkimese yak is recognised as a distinct breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), based in Karnal, Haryana; Sikkim has an estimated 5,312 yaks.
Yak herding faces declining animal numbers, shrinking grazing grounds, unpredictable weather and reduced interest among younger generations.