Gangtok, Oct. 29 -- Sikkim's first-ever Himalayan Yak Festival began in Gnathang Valley near the India-China border, bringing together yak herders, officials and visitors to promote yak conservation and support the communities that depend on the animal for their livelihood.

Organised by the state's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, the festival, which began on October 28, aims to protect the yak population, promote tourism in high-altitude areas and encourage sustainable livelihoods for herders living in border villages.

Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha said the preparations for the festival had been underway for a week, despite the difficult weather conditions in the high-altitude region. Around 400 to 500 yaks were...