THE YAK
The yak is the main bovine on the Tibetan plateau. A heavily built horned animal with a bulky frame, sturdy legs, and rounded cloven hooves, the yak is characterised by long shaggy hair that hangs down below its belly and a dense down-like undercoat.
The domestic yak or Bos Grunniens (grunting ox) is a direct descendant of the much larger wild yak, Bos Mutus, (mute ox), now an endangered species found mainly in the Northern plains of Central Tibet. The yak has adapted to high altitudes and thrives at 3000 meters and above. There are presently 13 million yaks on the Tibetan Plateau and beyond, into Mongolia, Eastern Russian, the Himalayan regions and parts of Central Asia.
For centuries, the yak has stood at the heart of Tibetan life, shaping its culture, economy, and survival on the plateau. Every aspect of daily existence has revolved around this resilient animal, from food and clothing to transport and shelter. Traditionally, Tibetans valued the yak’s coarse outer hair more than its soft inner wool.







