For centuries, the Changpa nomads of Changthang, Ladakh, have led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, herding pashmina goats, sheep, yaks, and other livestock across the region’s rugged terrain. However, climate change is now threatening their age-old way of life, making survival in the harsh Himalayan landscape increasingly difficult.
Dwindling Pastures and Water Scarcity
The finest pashmina wool in the world comes from the Changpa’s goats, whose soft undercoat is a prized luxury. But rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are drastically altering the high-altitude ecosystem. Water sources are drying up, grasslands are shrinking, and extreme cold spells are becoming harsher, leaving the nomads and their livestock struggling for sustenance.
In the past, Changpa herders followed seasonal migration routes that allowed their animals to graze on fresh pastures. But increasing desertification and unpredictable snowfall have made these traditional grazing cycles unreliable. Many herders report that formerly green valleys are now barren, forcing them to travel farther in search of food and water for their animals.
Livestock Under Threat
The Changpa livelihood depends entirely on their animals, but climate change is pushing their herds to the brink. Harsh winters and unexpected snowstorms often result in mass livestock deaths, while the lack of adequate grazing areas leads to malnutrition and disease.
With weaker and fewer animals, the pashmina industry which provides income to thousands of families is also at risk. Changpa herders, who once relied on their wool trade for sustenance, now face growing economic uncertainty.
Beyond economic hardships, the basic living conditions of the Changpa people have become more precarious. Stronger winds, erratic snowfall, and longer dry spells have made their traditional yak wool tents (rebos) less protective, exposing them to extreme weather.
Many young Changpas are now abandoning pastoral life altogether, seeking jobs in Leh and other urban centers. If current climate trends persist, the centuries-old nomadic lifestyle of the Changpa could vanish altogether.
Environmental experts emphasize the need for urgent intervention, including sustainable grazing policies, water conservation efforts, and alternative livelihood programs to support the Changpa. Without immediate action, one of the world’s oldest pastoral traditions could fade into history, another victim of a warming planet.