Laya, Gasa, 23-24 2026
The Himalayan Yak Herders Network (HYHN) was launched by His Majesty the King during the 9th Royal Highland Festival in Laya, Gasa, on 23 October 2026, bringing together yak herders’ organisations and representatives from Bhutan, India and Nepal to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable yak-based livelihoods across the Himalayan region. On the same occasion, His Majesty also declared 23 October as National Yak Day in Bhutan, recognising the importance of yaks and yak herding to the country’s highland communities, cultural heritage and livelihoods.
The Network was jointly established through the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, National Land Commission, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and supporting partners from India and Nepal.
The launch was held under the theme of the 9th Royal Highland Festival, “Rangelands for Life: Empowering Herders,” in recognition of the United Nations-declared International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.
The HYHN aims to strengthen connections among yak herders and their organisations, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences, amplify herders’ voices in policy and development processes, and promote partnerships and investment in sustainable yak-based livelihoods, rangeland management and climate resilience.
Bringing together national yak herders’ organisations from Bhutan, India and Nepal, the Network is envisioned as a herder-owned, herder-led and non-political platform, with the potential to expand to other yak-rearing countries in the future. The Royal Government of Bhutan will host the Network Secretariat.
The launch was followed by the first HYHN Regional Steering Committee meeting on 24 October 2026 in Laya. The meeting brought together representatives of the founding countries and supporting partners to discuss the Network’s governance, identify priority areas and establish an initial roadmap and work plan for 2027.
The establishment of the Network marks an important step towards strengthening the collective voice of Himalayan yak herders and fostering cooperation among herder organisations, governments and development partners. It is expected to provide a platform for greater representation of pastoral communities and support the long-term sustainability and resilience of high-altitude rangelands and mountain livelihoods.
Through this regional initiative, Bhutan and its partners reaffirm their commitment to empowering yak herders and promoting sustainable pastoralism across the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
