Sikkim Officials Host High-Altitude Yak Calf Rally

Gangtok: Sikkim officials trekked 18 kilometers into the remote Gochung and Lashar valleys of Lachen to host a rare yak calf rally. The event took place at 15,000 feet above sea level on August 29. It operated under the Rural Growth Mission 2026-27 and drew funding from the Sikkim Livestock Development Board.

Additional Director Dr. Dechen O Kaleon led a team of veterinary officers and field staff to meet the Dongkong group. Eleven Drokpas, the local yak herders, displayed their calves to the department. These herders move to these pastures every summer and look after 1,831 yaks. The event follows the official recognition of the Sikkimese Yak as a distinct breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.

Tshering Choenden took home the first prize of Rs 15,000. Tshering Norbu earned second place and Rs 12,000, while Pema Thinley secured third place and Rs 10,000. Eight other participants received consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each. The department combined the contest with vital health outreach.

Officials distributed cooking oil, washing powder, and veterinary essentials. The supplies included calcium supplements, dewormers, and ectoparasiticides. The mission highlighted the need to support traditional mountain livelihoods. As Dr. Kaleon noted, the initiative successfully "combined recognition of Sikkim's traditional yak-herding community with veterinary outreach in one of the state's most remote high-altitude regions."