Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Sikkim India
DROKPA
Grazing on the Border: The Yak Herders of North Sikkim
72 minutes 2017
The Lhon Drokpas consist of 12 families of Tibetan yak herders settled in the upper reaches of the Lachen Valley where they have grazed their herds of yak and sheep along and across the Sikkim-Tibet border for generations.
Settled between the altitudes of 4,000 and 5,300 metres, they endure some of the harshest climatic and living conditions known to mankind. The film explores their present and past way of life on the Cold Desert of North Sikkim, and discusses their dilemmas and how they view their children’s future.
Cinematography: Phurba T. Bhutia and Dawa T. Lepcha
Editing: Phurba T. Bhutia, Dawa T. Lepcha and Dr Anna Balikci Denjongpa
Anthropologist and Project Coordinator: Dr Anna Balikci Denjongpa
Produced by: Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.