When a yak herder from India made a big impact internationally
Thenlay Nurboo, a yak herder from Ladakh, won a gold medal at an international cheese competition in Brazil for his traditional chhurpe. Despite the global recognition, Nurboo remains focused on his traditional lifestyle and the sustainability of his herd.
Why it matters
It highlights the global potential of indigenous agricultural products and the resilience of traditional farming practices in high-altitude regions.
It is 1°C in the highland pastures of Ladakh’s Changthang region, and first light is just breaking as Thenlay Nurboo bundles up in a thick yak wool sweater and steps out of his tent. At 5.30 every morning, the 36-year-old begins milking his family’s shaggy-haired yak herd grazing at 16,600 feet. The task is slow — taking around four to five hours — and entirely manual.
Thenlay Nurboo milking his family’s yak herd
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