The Himalayan Yaks; A Photo Story


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No day on our Mount Everest Base Camp Adventure would have been complete without having to spend at least 2 or 3 times dodging the infamous Yak trains that ply the trails through the Himalayas. My last photo story, The Sherpas of Mt Everest, looked at the human heroes this week we pay tribute to our woolly friends who carry supplies to all of the small towns that dot the landscape of this great mountain range. Without these guys, those summiting would have no supplies and those people trekking would probably have a hard time eating.

So let’s hear it for the Himalayan Yak! Thanks Guys!!

yak train on ECBC trail in Nepal

Yaks bring supplies up to Tengboche

yaks walk in Himalayan valley in Nepal

Himalayas tower over a yak train

lone yak walking in Himalayas

But sometimes it can be a lonely walk as well.

yaks at high altitude

High altitudes don't affect these guys!

yaks walking to everest base camp

In fact the Himalayan Yak can only survive above 3000m.

The Yak herders walk faithfully along with their team.

The Yak headers walk faithfully along with their team.

himalayan yak in nepal

Guiding them every step of the way.

wooly yaks in mount everest region nepal

So let's hear it for the unsung hero of the Himalayas. The Yak!!

Comments

13 Responses to The Himalayan Yaks; A Photo Story

  1. Maybe I could just hire a Yak instead of a porter?
    .-= Shawn´s last blog ..Healthy Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum) =-.

    Shawn April 9, 2010 at 6:02 am Reply
  2. The Yaks are gorgeous! (and so are your photos as always!) I could really use one of those guys to bring my groceries upstairs for me :)
    .-= Alison´s last blog ..Sardinia – Alghero to Capo Caccia =-.

    Alison April 9, 2010 at 6:22 am Reply
  3. Fantastic animals. Very beautiful. The landscape suits them. Quite amazing that they can’t survive under 3000 meters. I guess there aren’t many animals like that.
    .-= Maria Staal´s last blog ..Putting Radbod on the Map =-.

    Maria Staal April 9, 2010 at 8:39 am Reply
  4. Tough job! & I guess you are just happy that they have the job & not you… :)
    .-= Melvin´s last blog ..Gondar Castle, also known as the Ethipian Camelot =-.

    Melvin April 9, 2010 at 9:25 am Reply
  5. Great photo story!!! My kids will love this set. They remind me of a cartoon animal in one of our favorite anime – Avatar the Last Air Bender. :) Bravo to the Yak!
    .-= Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..Columbia With Kids: The Vista and the Carolina Stadium =-.

    Amy @ The Q Family April 9, 2010 at 9:45 am Reply
  6. There’s just something about large, shaggy animals that makes me want to run up and hug them, even though I doubt they’d appreciate that. The Yaks remind me of the Scottish Highland cows (they call them “coos”), which I have pictures of at home – so cute!
    .-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..How To Capitalize on Opportunities =-.

    Trisha Miller April 9, 2010 at 11:52 am Reply
    • I wanted to hug them too. I kept wanting to give them a pat on the head when they walked by, but I agree, I don’t think they would appreciate it much.

      davendeb April 9, 2010 at 12:21 pm Reply
  7. Effing outstanding! The one with the yak walking all alone makes me a little sad. He looks so lonely.
    .-= Candice´s last blog ..France in My Backyard: Some Words About St. Pierre et Miquelon =-.

    Candice April 12, 2010 at 9:00 am Reply
  8. Amazing shots. I really hope to get to the Himalayas some day.

    Kelsey April 12, 2010 at 9:07 am Reply
  9. This is so cool! On the Annapurna Circuit there were mule trains bringing up food and materials, but to have yak trains – pretty great! Isn’t it amazing how such bulky and big creatures can navigate small and steep paths. Sounds like you’re having a great time!
    .-= Audrey´s last blog ..Travel: When Less is More =-.

    Audrey April 12, 2010 at 10:26 am Reply
  10. Yaks provide every little necessity in the Himalayas. Yak’s milk is an acquired taste, but it is fab!
    .-= Priyank´s last blog ..Toronto Tuesday 02.05: College Street =-.

    Priyank April 13, 2010 at 7:29 am Reply
  11. Pingback: Best Moment in Travel of 2010 | The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple

  12. I’m living in Indonesia. Actualy Indonesia have some high place that the people living, like Timika or Wamena in Papua.
    I thought that this animal will available to breed there and help peoples there to farming or use it as the people in Himalayan.
    But Sorry, my government official are to busy thinking for they own corruption.
    So it will be just imagination.
    But, anybody will make it, I’d like to cooperate.
    Thank you.

    djabal tarik ilyas November 30, 2011 at 7:39 pm Reply

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