Agriculture

Khamp -- the Tibetan farmer. Credit: Matjaz Vrecko

Harvesting in the Tibetan river valleys Credit: Matjaz Vrecko

White yaks at work in the fields Credit: Matjaz Vrecko

Black yak. Yaks are the most useful animals in Tibet. Without them the famous Trans Himalayan trade between Nepal and Tibet would have been impossible. They can carry up to 220 lb (100 kg) each, and walk over the dangerous trails and snow-covered high Himalayan passes. In addition to being beasts of burden, they plough fields, provide meat, milk, butter, wool for clothing, and dung for fuel. Their bones are used to make various kinds of artifacts. The hair of the yak is used to make ropes, sacks, blankets, and tents. Nothing is wasted, even the horns are used to adorn doorways and rooftops. Credit: Matjaz Vrecko