Sikkim Showcases Himalayan Heritage With First Yak Festival Near China Border; What You Need To Know About The Event
· Free Press Journal
Sikkim is celebrating and hosting the first Himalayan Yak Festival at Gnathang in East Sikkim, at a high altitude, near the India-China border. The state is celebrating the first of its kind from October 27, 2026, and it will run until Thursday, October 29, at an altitude of 13,500 feet. The event is organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (Government of Sikkim) and Sikkim INSPIRES in collaboration with ATREE, the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, and the Eicher Group. Let's take a look about the event in detail.
The Pride of the Himalayas Takes Centre Stage!
From high-altitude livelihoods to rich cultural traditions, Sikkim’s first-ever Himalayan Yak Festival at Gnathang celebrates the incredible bond between people, yaks and the mountains.
A step towards preserving indigenous… pic.twitter.com/hTqqoI5pOOVisit moryak.biz for more information.
— MyGov Assamese (@MyGovAssamese) October 29, 2026
Sikkim celebrates first Himalayan Yak Festival
The first Sikkim Himalayan Yak Festival is being celebrated in the state from October 27, and it will run until October 29, 2026. The event highlight the animals' role in traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage and the ecosystem of high altitudes. The festival features yak-based products, traditional herder huts, and it aims to promote yak conservation and welfare amid challenges of climate change.
Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, @PSTamangGolay , Yougan Tamang said, Sikkim Art & Literature Festival 2026 at Ridge Park, Gangtok, is an amalgamation of National & International collaboration in art & Literature. @sikkimgovt @PIBGangtok @airnewsalerts… pic.twitter.com/GiszRvXbrR
— AKASHVANI NEWS GANGTOK (@airnews_gangtok) October 28, 2026
Sikkim MLA Pamin Lepcha highlights the event
Talking about the significance of yak and about the significance of the festival, Sikkim MLA Pamin Lepcha says, "Since this is a high altitude area and a border area and even the climatic conditions are very harsh, the working hours is only from I think 8 to 2 and within that frame I think they put up a great show. This is to bring the yak community together and also to bring awareness amongst the public, the general public and to support the yak community even by the government." She said while speaking to the media during the event.
Manipur Observes Mera Hou Chongba With Traditional Fervour Despite Security Concerns; What Is The Festival About?#WATCH | Sikkim: Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha says, "Most of the preparations have been done by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department. Everyone has been working on it for a week. Since this is a high-altitude border area, the climatic conditions are very… https://t.co/PyBLB3qPCZ pic.twitter.com/RT0qaF2MRY
— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2026
Tourism promotion and dignitaries' participation
The event also aims to promote tourism in remote highland areas. The festival was attended by Sikkim Assembly Speaker MN Sherpa, along with state ministers and local representatives.