Himalayan Pole: Not just North Pole & South Pole, Sikkim has an idea for third global pole named after yak; here's what it means

A proposal to establish a third global pole, called the ‘Himalayan Pole’ or ‘Yak Pole’, has brought renewed attention to the conservation of yaks and the traditional communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. The idea was put forward by Thupden Lachungpa, executive member of the Yak Federation of India, at Sikkim’s first-ever Himalayan Yak Festival, which began in Gnathang Valley near the India-China border on October 28.

“Currently, the world is viewed through two poles: the North Pole and the South Pole. Our proposal is to establish a third pole: the ‘Himalayan Pole,’ which we could also call the ‘Yak Pole.’ The goal is to safeguard our unique identity, the Yak, which is native to the Himalayas and not found anywhere else. If we don’t take this step now, it might soon be too late, and someone else could lay claim to what is rightfully ours,” Lachungpa said.

Organised by Sikkim’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, the festival aims to protect the yak population, promote tourism in high-altitude areas and support sustainable livelihoods for herders in border villages.

Himalayan Yak Festival 2026 brings herders together in Sikkim

The first edition of the Himalayan Yak Festival began in Gnathang Valley, bringing together yak herders, government officials and visitors to discuss conservation, breeding and the future of yak rearing.

Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha said preparations had been underway for a week despite the harsh weather conditions in the high-altitude region. Around 400 to 500 yaks were present at the event, alongside stalls showcasing yak products and developments in artificial insemination for yak breeding.

“Since this is a high-altitude border area, the climatic conditions are very harsh. Today, about 400 to 500 yaks are present here, alongside a number of stalls showcasing yak products and artificial insemination (AI) breeding advancements. This event aims to bring the yak pastoral community together, raise public awareness, and ensure government support for herders,” Lepcha said.

He said the response to the inaugural festival had been encouraging and expressed hope that it would become an annual event in Gnathang.

Why Sikkim's yak population needs protection

Lachungpa raised concerns about the declining yak population across the Himalayan region, particularly in Sikkim near the Chinese border. He said conservation efforts needed to address the challenges faced by herders, including the financial viability of the traditional occupation.

According to Lachungpa, many young people have been moving away from yak rearing because it does not provide sufficient returns. He believes initiatives such as the festival could help make the occupation more attractive to younger generations.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “Many of our youngsters were drifting away from the yak-rearing community; they were reluctant to engage in it because it was not profitable. This initiative helps us encourage our youth to return to yak herding.”

Lachungpa also called for greater government support, including the purchase of yak-based products and incentives for herders, to strengthen the sector and encourage communities to continue rearing the animals.

Yak Festival aims to bring young people back to traditional herding

The festival is intended to create opportunities for yak herders to exchange knowledge, showcase their products and discuss the challenges associated with raising the animals in difficult terrain.

Lachungpa said the gathering had brought together people from different states, allowing them to share information about yak rearing, their cultures and their ways of life. He added that improved coordination between states could help authorities respond more effectively to disease outbreaks among yaks.

The event also provides a platform to showcase developments in breeding techniques, including artificial insemination, which could support yak breeding efforts.

How the Himalayan Pole proposal could support yak conservation

Lachungpa's proposed ‘Himalayan Pole’ or ‘Yak Pole’ is intended to draw greater attention to the yak's cultural and economic importance to Himalayan communities. He argued that protecting the animal was closely linked to preserving the region's identity and the livelihoods of its herders.

The festival's focus on conservation, tourism and sustainable livelihoods reflects wider efforts to keep traditional yak rearing viable in high-altitude areas. Organisers and participants hope that greater public awareness, stronger institutional support and opportunities for younger herders will help protect the animal and the communities that depend on it.


Inputs from agencies