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The
largest animal of this cold desert is
the yak (dong), a wild ox. Yaks are
found in the wild in the Ladakh region
of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Yaks have
been domesticated in Ladakh for thousands
of years and are a very valuable animal
in the Himalayan economy. The yak is
used as a beast of burden to carry loads
and to plough fields. The local people
also drink its milk and eat its meat.
The Yak's thick hair is used to weave
blankets and ropes and Yak dung provides
fuel in the treeless areas of Ladakh
and the Tibetan Plateau.
First described only a century ago by
the famous Russian naturalist-- explorer,
N. M. Przewalski, the wild yak is definitely
more imposing than its placid 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. |
| Yak
Safari |
Yak Safari 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 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.
His extreme hospitality should not be
mistook for his weakness or laziness.
Anyone who locks horns with this this
benevolent beast will have to face the
music. |
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