yak



Imagine being pulled at top speed uphill by a pulley rope attached to a hungry yak rushing downhill. This is the sport being referred to as yak skiing by BBC and Time magazine Asia. It happens in Manali, India. It is run by Tibetan Peter Dorje, who stations himself at the top of the mountain while the skier’ wait below. They are ready wearing their skis and holding a bucket of pony nuts.



The Yak at the top of the mountain is tethered to a rope which is wound over a pulley and the other end is tied to the skier at the bottom of the mountain. He tempts the yaks by shaking his bucket of pony nuts and then putting them down. The yak now tempted rushes downhill and the skier is pulled uphill. And may God help them if their paths meet.



Mr. Dorje’s advice is: “Never shake the bucket of nuts before you’re tied to the yak rope. In reality domesticated Yaks are like cows of the higher regions, milk from them is used for cooking (some might find it smelly) and their thick hair is made into ropes, tents and clothing. These gentle, humungous, domesticated beasts of burden rarely turn on humans. To understand yak skiing one needs to experience it.



Via: BBC