As grand yak fest starts in Thakum, tourists flock to Sandakphu
Times of India | 13 April 2025
Darjeeling: A high-altitude, two-day Yak Tourism Festival will be held at Thakum, a scenic spot about 8 km from Sandakphu, from April 13 to April 14. With all the buzz around it, accommodations in Sandakphu are fully booked, said members of the Singalila Land Rovers' Owners Association (SLROA).
The festival will offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness the rich mountain traditions surrounding yaks. Known as the Chauri Mahotsav, the event will be held at Charrate, near the India-Nepal border. It is being organised by yak herders and farmers of Phalelung Rural Municipality in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and other local bodies to mark the Nepali New Year 2081-82.
"This is the eighth edition of the festival, featuring around 130 yaks. Various dairy products will be up for sale. Visitors can also explore educational exhibits and handouts about yaks. The goal is to promote eco-tourism, support wildlife conservation, boost cross-border tourism, and sustain the yak-keeping livelihood," said Keshari Gurung, an eco-tourism activist.
Chandan Pradhan, president of the SLROA, said, "With the festival being organised during peak season, we are getting a lot of queries. Unfortunately, we have to turn tourists away as the region is fully packed till the end of April. Moreover, most of the accommodations on the Nepal side are also fully booked. Those hoping to attend the festival at Thakum might have to make day trips, as overnight stays are currently not an option," said Pradhan.
Pradhan said about 30 vehicles carrying nearly 200 tourists departed for Sandakphu and Tumling on Saturday.