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Yak Safari in Ladakh
Real travellers are always in search of real life experiences. While in Ladakh,
enjoying a safari on a yak brings you closer to local culture and lifestyle that
locals lead in Ladakh. Yak, or dong as Ladakhis call it, happens to be the largest
animal in the cold deserts of trans-Himalayan Ladakh. First described only a century
ago by the famous Russian naturalist-cum-explorer, N. M. Przewalski, the wild
yak is definitely more impressive in appearance than its domestic counterpart.
Immensely shaggy and weighing about a ton it has curved horns whose tips can be
as wide apart as 90 cm. and measure 76 cm. over the curves. It can easily be distinguished
by its long black hair, which is tinged with gray at the muzzle. Spending its
summers at a height above 6,000 meters, in winter it moves in herds to the lakes,
marshes and lower valleys. It is this highly insulated shaggy coat which helps
Yak to survive in such extreme cold.
The Joy of Yak Safari in Ladakh
Yak Safari in Ladakh is a safari with a difference. It is an experience unique
to Ladakh. Exploring lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiselled
snow peaks, meadows, forests on a yak can be a lifetime experience. It offers
breathtaking views of high peaks of this rugged land. A Yak Safari is organised
on prior booking. All those who wish to experience Yak Safari in Ladakh should
respect the humble attitude of this majestic animal. Travellers are also requested
not to take the extreme hospitality of the yak for his weakness or laziness.
The Yak – Born to be Tough
Around 6 feet in height and 1000 kg in weight, the yak has a coat of thick black
hair which prevents him against the extremities of the Himalayan climate. A yak
is capable of surviving a temperature of – 40 degrees centigrade. They have
also adapted themselves quite well to snowstorms and blizzards. During winters,
they live on moss and dried grass. Yaks are generally found at an altitude of
around 3,200 m. They are also good climbers as well.
IUCN Status of the Yak
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,
Morges, Switzerland declares the wild yak species as vulnerable. Currently, the
wild yak can be found in China and India. The main reason behind the decline in
the population of wild yaks is uncontrolled hunting by natives and military personnel.
Habitat disturbance, hybridization and disease transmitted by domestic yaks are
the other reasons. More Adventure
in Ladakh
