Yak Do Teen- ‘The Yak Effect’…

Ever wondered why Yaks are seldom given due importance by visitors in their trips and why do they end up just being a part of your trip album? Well, they could be many reasons for it as they are not found easily in the lower line areas but only in the snow capped mountains, just like camels in the desert. But believe you me, be it Leh, Kufri, Rohtang, Nathula or Tawang, all Yaks are the same. They are misunderstood by many as they look ferocious and dangerous by their appearances.

As we know, Yaks are good for carrying loads and transport tourists for a short distance in a snowy tourist spot and to take a pic or two with it (and trainer of course) for the album. The Yak helps you through slippery snow melting roads provided you have the patience to have your heart in the mouth if you are a first timer.


A Yak ride is better than a horse ride; a safe roller coaster ride, at least it doesn’t throw you off its back. There are many researches one can do on Yaks before getting to know what they are all about. To understand Yaks all you have to do is sleep a couple of nights with them (no ideas plz!!!), they are harmless and full of fun except for the smell…they stink horrible but they do have the “Yak Effect” as I discovered this during one of my visits to Nathula Pass in Sikkim, where I along with my friends had to spend a night in the shed with the Yaks. Couldn’t help as it snowed heavily due an avalanche that night and all rooms were booked except the shed, so we ‘shed’ all inhibitions (no ideas plz…again) and shivered (because of the cold) the whole night as none of us had seen so many Yaks… so close. The way they mooed we felt we were not welcomed sharing space with them, later we were told that it was one of the female Yaks who expressed her excitement seeing the 4 of us.

I’ve travelled on a few Yaks at various snow-hill mountains and got to gather some tips to bear in mind while travelling on a Yak….

1. Make sure you know a bit of horse riding as it would be easy to handle a Yak or recover from a fall.
2. Never use a body-deo or spray before mounting on it, remember Yaks hate good smell. So at least make sure to miss your bath that day, for a safe trip.
3. If still you can bear it, cover your nose with a surgical mask as some Yaks smell ‘Yuck’.
4. Never try to cuddle or pat it as it could be the last thing you did in your life.
5. If you are nervous dare not sing, carry an i-pod instead.
6. Keep your mobile in silent mode, never take or make a call, you may distract it.
7. All questions about it should be directed to its master.
8. Never dismount in a hurry, give an impression as if you enjoyed it.
9. Once you dismount, thank its trainer whole- heartedly instead of the Yak. You’ve reached safely, remember.
10. And, finally, never bargain on the charges; remember, you may have travel on it again.