Mustang goats transported to Kathmandu in anticipation of Dashain festival (photos inside)

KATHMANDU: Chyangra (Himalayan goat) have been transported from Mustang to Kathmandu in preparation for the Dashain festival.

These goats are being brought to various markets in the capital city for sale.

The journey of these goats began in the picturesque highlands of Mustang, where they are raised in the rugged terrain.

After being herded for several days, they have finally arrived in the capital city, where they are set to be sold in various markets.

Upon arrival, the goats and some sheep have been placed in the goat market located in Balkhu.

This market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the variety of livestock available for purchase.

Vendors have begun preparing the animals for sale, ensuring they are healthy and suitable for the festive meals that families will prepare during Dashain.

The livestock is being readied for sale as meat during the Dashain celebrations.

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Price of Chyangra goat drop this year

The price of Himalayan goats (Chyangra) brought from Mustang for the Dashain festival has decreased this year. Farmers have reduced the selling price after an increase in the number of goats and due to the fact that last year, high prices led to low sales in the market.

Tashi Chewang Gurung, a trader who bought goats last year for more than NPR 40,000 per head, said that this year, he purchased them from farmers at prices ranging from Rs 30,000 to 33,000.

“We bought the goats at Rs 5,000 to 10,000 less, so we have lowered the selling price,” he said. “Last year, the price of a goat in Kathmandu and Pokhara went up to Rs 55,000, but this year, it will be below Rs 45,000.” Traders had complained of losses last year due to the high prices, which led to unsold stock.

Gurung and three other traders from Dolpa arrived in Ghodepani, Myagdi, on Wednesday, after a five-day trek with 250 goats they are planning to sell in Pokhara. Chyangra goats from Mustang, Dolpa, and Mugu are being transported to various cities across the country through Myagdi to meet the high demand during the Dashain festival.

Traders from Myagdi, Kaski, Parbat, Baglung, and Kathmandu have been traveling to Mustang to purchase goats. The meat of Chyangra, which grazes on medicinal herbs like ‘Buki,’ is known for being nutritious, energizing, and healthy.

The consumption of Himalayan goat meat rises significantly during Dashain and Tihar festivals. According to Lalmani Aryal, head of the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Expert Center in Mustang, around 7,000 goats had already descended from Jomsom to Myagdi by Wednesday.

It is estimated that 10,000 Chyangra goats will be sold from Mustang for this year’s Dashain. After a two- to three-day trek to Beni, Myagdi, the goats are loaded onto trucks and transported to various locations across the country.

Only goats that are three years old are sold for meat. In the villages of Baragung Muktichhetra, Gharpajhong, Lho Ghekar Damodarkunda, and Lomanthang in Mustang, 50,000 goats are currently being raised.

Chyangra farming is the main source of income for farmers in Upper Mustang, according to Dindup Gurung, a farmer from Yar in Lho Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-4.

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Expert Center reports that 7,000 goats were exported in 2080 BS (2023 AD), 6,800 in 2079 BS (2022 AD), 12,000 in 2078 BS (2021 AD), and between 20,000 and 25,000 annually before 2076 BS (2019 AD).