In a rare high-altitude event, Sikkim’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department organised a yak calf rally at nearly 15,000 feet above sea level in the remote Gochung and Lashar valleys of Lachen, Mangan district. The department held the event on August 29 under the Rural Growth Mission (RGM) 2026-27.
The Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB) provided funding for the programme. Eleven local yak herders, known as Drokpas, participated in the rally and showcased their calves. The event also combined traditional yak-herding recognition with veterinary support for the remote community.
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Key Facts
- Location: Gochung and Lashar valleys, Lachen, Mangan, Sikkim
- Altitude: Around 15,000 feet
- Date: August 29, 2026
- Programme: Rural Growth Mission (RGM) 2026-27
- Funding: Sikkim Livestock Development Board
- Participants: 11 yak herders
- Yak population in the group: Around 1,831
- First prize: ₹15,000
- Second prize: ₹12,000
- Third prize: ₹10,000
Veterinary Team Treks 18 Km to Reach Yak Herders
A team of veterinary officers and departmental staff trekked nearly 18 km through difficult high-altitude terrain to reach the Dongkong group of yak herders.
The herders migrate to the high-altitude pastures every summer. Together, they look after around 1,831 yaks in the remote region.
Additional Director Dr Dechen O Kaleon led the departmental team along with veterinary officers and field staff.
Yak Herders Showcase Their Calves
Eleven Drokpas took part in the yak calf rally. The event gave the herders an opportunity to showcase their young yaks and celebrate their traditional livelihood.
Tshering Choenden’s calf won the first prize and received ₹15,000. Tshering Norbu’s calf secured second place and won ₹12,000.
Pema Thinley’s calf finished third and received ₹10,000. Meanwhile, the department gave the remaining eight participants consolation prizes of ₹5,000 each.
Veterinary Support Reaches Remote Community
The programme went beyond the calf competition. Department officials also provided practical assistance to the yak-herding community.
The team distributed cooking oil and washing powder to the herders. In addition, officials supplied veterinary medicines and health products, including ectoparasiticides, dewormers and calcium supplements.
This outreach helped connect veterinary services with herders living in one of Sikkim’s most difficult-to-reach regions.
Recognition of Sikkimese Yak Adds Significance
The event gained additional importance after the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Government of India, recognised the Sikkimese Yak as a distinct breed.
The recognition highlights the importance of conserving Sikkim’s unique yak population and supporting the communities that depend on yak herding.
By combining a traditional livestock event with veterinary outreach, the department aimed to support both animal health and the livelihoods of the herding community.
What Was the Yak Calf Rally?
The Sikkim government’s veterinary department organised a competition where local yak herders showcased their calves.
Where Was the Rally Held?
The rally took place in the Gochung and Lashar valleys of Lachen, in Mangan district, at around 15,000 feet above sea level.
How Many Herders Participated?
Eleven yak herders, locally known as Drokpas, participated in the event.
What Was the First Prize?
Tshering Choenden’s calf won first place and received a cash prize of ₹15,000.
Why Was the Event Important?
The programme supported Sikkim’s traditional yak-herding community while also providing veterinary supplies and practical assistance in a remote high-altitude region.
Location Context
Sikkim’s high-altitude valleys are home to traditional yak-herding communities that play an important role in the state’s mountain economy. Events such as this help promote livestock welfare while recognising the cultural and economic contribution of yak herders in Northeast India.