Taplejung/jumla, July 1 -- Once a symbol of prestige and prosperity in the eastern Himalayas, yaks and chauri (Yak crossbreeds with local cows) are now becoming a growing burden for farmers. In districts like Taplejung, what used to be a thriving pastoral economy is teetering under the weight of closed borders, stalled trade, and overstocked herds.

For herders like Nupu Sherpa, who keeps 95 animals in the high pastures of Mikwakhola Rural Municipality, the challenges are escalating. "We used to raise yaks and chauri with pride - they were in high demand in Tibet and Sikkim," he said. "Now, we don't know how to feed them, let alone sell them."

Sherpa, who inherited the profession from his ancestors, says he hasn't earned a rupee from liv...