Culture and history · Thangu
Watching the yak herds of Thangu
Thangu has been a summer pasture for generations, and yaks still graze the valley and slopes. On the way down from Gurudongmar, or on a spare day, stop for an hour to watch the herds and, if invited, learn a little about herding life.
For centuries Lachen's herders moved animals up to Thangu's pastures in summer and down in winter. Yak herding remains part of life here, alongside Dokpa families who keep herds on the higher grounds toward the plateau. Yaks give milk, butter, cheese, wool and transport, and the dried chhurpi cheese you chew in Lachen often comes from these herds.
In the morning the animals are out on the slopes, and you may see herders moving them, checking calves or carrying milk. Watch from the road or a respectful distance. If a herder approaches, a greeting in Nepali or Hindi usually works, and some will chat if your driver translates.
Ask before photographing people, and accept a no. Do not walk among the herds, especially near calves; yaks are calm until they are not. Do not feed animals or leave food scraps. Buying butter or chhurpi when offered is a fair way to say thanks, at a price set by the seller.
Cost: Free · ask before photographs
Questions people ask
Good to know
Who are the Dokpas?
The Dokpas are herding families of North Sikkim's high pastures, keeping yaks and other animals on the grounds toward the Tibetan plateau. Their festival in the Lashar area is known for a yak race. They live a more mobile life than the village-based Lachenpas, though the two are closely connected.
Can I buy yak cheese in Thangu?
Sometimes. Herders and tea houses may sell hard chhurpi or butter, especially in summer and autumn. Prices are informal. If it is not on sale at Thangu, Lachen and Gangtok shops usually have dried chhurpi.
Is it safe to go near yaks?
Keep 20–30 m away. Yaks are usually calm but can charge if crowded, especially mothers with calves. Do not walk between animals, do not feed them and keep children close. Watch from the road or follow a herder's instructions.
