CHAUTARA, Nov 2: Jangbu Sherpa, a resident of Jugal Rural Municipality-3, Tembathan in Sindhupalchowk, annually spends nine months of the year in the high hill area. 

He stays in a high-hill zone for rearing Yaks, a major source of his livelihood. Likewise, he descends to the human settlement for three months. 

Every year, Sherpa has been spending his life in yak grazing land (Chaurikharka) in a high-altitude remote area from mid-January to mid-October. It is not only the diary of Sherpa who has been engaged in yak rearing for generations but also over a dozen yak rearing farmers of Jugal rural municipality-3, Gumba. 

The Sherpas make arduous efforts to rear yaks to manage their annual family expenses. "I am not educated. Nor do I have other skills," he said, adding they are compelled to reside in high altitude regions to manage money for their livelihoods. 

He also narrated that the yak sheds have to be shifted to more than five places. Likewise, Yak rearing farmers are also compelled to shift the residence of their children accordingly. 

The sheds are shifted from Pumbasherpu, the basecamp of Jugal Mountain, to Nepemasal. Pumbasherpu is at an altitude of 4,005 meters from sea level. 

"I have been engaged in the same profession as far as I can remember. It is what my grandfather did. I was also reared in the surrounding yak grazing land. And, I am also continually adopting this," narrated Jangbu who was found at the base of Jugal mountain. 

"I usually spend my days grazing yaks, milking, and producing cheese and ghee. This is my daily life," he said, adding he has no fear of wildlife since he has been living in the forest area since his childhood. 

Yak rearing is the mainstay of the Sherpas here.

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