Nomads of Ladakh

At altitudes above 4,000 metres, nomadic families of Ladakh move seasonally across the high plateau with their herds of pashmina goats, sheep, and yaks, following the fragile rhythm of pasture and water. Livestock is the centre of daily life, providing food, income, fuel, and materials for clothing and shelter.

Families live in tents, often days away from villages, roads, schools, and medical care. Winters plunge to –30°C, while summers are brief and dry. From an early age, children herd animals and learn the skills needed to survive in one of the world’s harshest environments.

This way of life is increasingly fragile—threatened by climate change, shrinking pastures, border restrictions, and modernisation. Yet many families continue to preserve their knowledge, traditions, and ancestral heritage.