How Yaks Help a Village Stay Warm - The Untold Story of 'Yak Shing'

Every winter the people of Shaday take their Yaks to collect wood from the forests surrounding their village. This wood collected by the Yaks is called Yak Shing. It is an annual event at the village, one that is vital for their survival during the winter months. This practice is disappearing all over Ladakh and the Shaday village in Zanskar is the last place where the Yak-Shing is still being collected.
#Shaday #Zanskar #Ladakh
00:00 Introduction
02:55 Bringing Yaks from the Mountains
06:56 Setting off Yak Shing Collection
09:05 Collecting Wood
11:03 Lunch
12:05 Bringing Wood to the Village
15:35 Conclusion
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Soundtrack : 'A New Story' by SLPSTRM.
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[@AhJodie]

This is the most beautiful mutual agreement ways of living I have ever seen. Everyone, animals and humans are free, but help each other for a little while. It is sad this way of life is changing, because it is truly beautiful, I cried because it is so wonderful. I am glad humans can live like this! Love to all!

[@clairemcheskin]

I think the animals help because they have a ring in their nose!

[@sachanabhinav]

@@clairemcheskin Animals help because human provide them shade, warmth and food for the harsh winters. Although, they can also survive without the human help but they will not get comfortable rest in the winters.

[@ximono]

@@clairemcheskinYes, but they seemed come running when the humans called them when they were roaming free.

[@winheiMR]

Freie Yaks mit Nasenring !? Ich glaube es nicht, Hinterweltlich

[@skyerlog5487]

Thank you Yak for helping sustain lives in the Himalayas. Such beautiful noble animals. Just look at their faces.

[@viveksinghhbti]

No drama.. no shu sha.. you have been documenting all this with so much simplicity that originality is not lost.. we are fortunate to have you.. Keep it up brother..

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Vivek

[@rajeevganotra2823]

Absolutely no shu sha like in our cities with so called modern educated people. DUMB PEOPLE RATHER I WOULD SAY .

[@niveditasarkar2585]

Last winter I had been to Sissu, and as I came across "Padum" written on the direction board, the very first thought that came to my mind was "India in Motion"..........your creations are indeed astounding! Many thanks.

[@indiainmotion]

That's nice Nivedita. Hope to see more people exploring Zanskar in the coming winters.

[@veronicafernandez7211]

How beautiful. People helping eachother and singing. Much solidarity which is so necessary. My deepest admiration for these people.

[@ximono]

I think it is especially evident in places where life is sparse. People (and their animals) seem to become more kind and cooperative, more dependent on each other for survival.

[@dhritimandutta7385]

Such intriguing & peculiar are your vlogs that stands out at the Top. It reminds me of 19th-century Anthropologists who ventured deep into remote places, assimilating with the villagers to gauge their culture and traditions. Just keep doing your best & inspire millions like me!

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you Dhritiman

[@xxss4848]

No chaos, no need to work, race against time, stay fit.

[@rohank9292]

I have said this before as well and will recount it once again - "You're the true mascot of the Ladakh, promoting it like nobody else is doing." I still think that having your shows on KZbin, though very useful, makes it to be still quite underrated, and they deserve space on some TV channel like Discovery or Nat Geo or on Netflix probably.

[@vinaytalluri]

Netflix/hotstar is the space for this,

[@michaeldaruwalla8717]

Excellent documentary. What stands out the most is the simplicity and warmth among the villagers.❤

[@lobsangdekey465]

I like the way you lay out this short story of Ladakh. I was just worry about those yaks. They serve their masters and they live themselves gazing out in mountain. It is very kind of god that Yak has prevail to people of Ladakh otherwise it would be quite difficult. Thank you Yaks and god bless you all. Also thank you for making this video. It was simply beautiful.

[@rebeccagray2443]

What a difficult but beautiful life. This is living history and you with your efforts have brought it to us. Thank You 🙏❤

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Rebecca. I like the term Living History. If someday I change the name of this channel then that term will be on the top of my list.

[@ashoks1807]

@@indiainmotion please don't change the name SIRJI🙏

[@abdm1311]

Zanskar is heaven, I went there last summer , I wish I could live there forever.

[@fredrossman1189]

I admire you and your community. Your hearts are pure and your love is obvious.

[@anands1148]

I will remember two things - a strong sense of community and singing while working. Thanks!

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Anand. The sense of community is indeed very strong in such places. But to be honest they don't sing much while working (except when threshing the Barley). The song you heard for most of the video was recorded during their Losar festivities.

[@themagpieladakh]

This is what Ladakh is famous for till few years back but now all domestic tourists visit ladakh is personal cars and pollute Ladakh as much as they can . You are such an true inspiration for today’s world to bring such things to the Genz world ❤ Love you from Ladakh ❤

[@anthonydoyle7370]

Where are all the young people of the village?

[@dontbeafraidimhere5421]

@@anthonydoyle7370 Delhi

[@prophecyrat2965]

@@anthonydoyle7370probs went to the city

[@HarisAndBahadur]

@@anthonydoyle7370 wow nice question, brother where is this place, is this India..? ❤️❤️

[@tsewangdeafail2666]

yes this is ladakh@@HarisAndBahadur

[@anuragsiddhu465]

this is absolutely beautiful Saravana , Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this journey through your lens

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Anurag. This was one of the most beautiful things that I've witnessed. Glad to bring it on screen for everyone to see it as well.

[@ashishsharma-ox6fn]

The Melody sung by the villagers is just blissful. 🥰

[@suehowery1286]

Sounds Navajo

[@cariciaangela3052]

great respect to the inhabitants for respecting the yaks and let them roam free after they've helped them with carrying wood. It's intelligent and honorable. You can see how these animals understand and trust the people. So nice

[@indiainmotion]

It is also smart.. the villagers don't have to collect grass to feed them everyday as it is a lot of work. They just let the yakk roam free in the mountains and collect them whenever there is work

[@karimlousrani140]

Their looks, singing, lifestyle, and the way they work together is the same as what we have in some Moroccan Amazigh regions. The similarity is unbelievable.

[@navgoraya3198]

Some people belong to mountains but are born somewhere in plains. U r definitely one of them and u r the one who still goes back to where he belongs 👍👌👏. Very nice content as always. Thanks from canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦. Keep posting more frequently

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you.. Hope to make the mountains my home someday.

[@techrexabhi6761]

विश्वास जी ने कहा था सारी कहानी प्राप्त और पर्याप्त की है, अगर जो प्राप्त है उसे पर्याप्त समझ के ईश्वर का दिल से धन्यवाद दिया जाये तो शायद Zanskar के लोगो की तरह हम भी खुश रह सकते है और एक ऐसे समाज को बना सकते हैं जो हमेशा एक दूसरे के साथ खड़े रहे🙏 The kind of harmony that exists among the people here is rarely seen in today's time...we must learn to create a better surroung and environment.

[@aristonvequizo2671]

Absolutely Beautiful!! THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS PART OF THE WORLD TO THE PHILIPPINES!!

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Ariston

[@travellingkeepsmealive3944]

One of the best KZbin channels but the irony is that it's the most underrated. I wish people understood the efforts, risks and dedication for making such meaningful videos. I really wish I could join you in one of your adventurous journeys.

[@ximono]

The best things are always underrated

[@pd5307]

It’s always a delight to watch your videos. They remind me of BBC’s documentary.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you

[@monicaleguizamon7055]

Ellos representan la fortaleza y la esperanza en la creación animales y ser humano Simplemente viven lo que le ha tocado vivir Dios los bendice Gracias por el video soy de Argentina ❤

[@veersinghsanyasi1304]

❤Tank's for this video, Namascarum satsriAkal, ladakhi sisters and brothers friends from Africa ilands of Mauritius 👏🇲🇺🇮🇳🙋

[@reelikagottstein5192]

Beautiful tradition but very hard work too! 😮 so lovely to see how everybody takes care about the others. In big city’s people easily can survive without caring and helping each other, but in smaller villages it only works as a community. Reminds me at my childhood in Estonia, as we collected gras for the animals from the fields and harvested potatoes in autumn. Working hard during the day and sitting together and celebrating in the evening. The best memories ever ♥️ Thank you for showing us, what is important in life 🙏

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Reeli and interesting to hear about your childhood. Thanks for sharing.

[@tenzingagya]

What a wholesome and exemplary way of life to survive and sustain in such a harsh yet beautiful environment. There is comradery with fellow human, there is respect for nature, there is compassion for the animal and above all there is spirituality and festivity. Here I see the pinnacle of Tibetan civilization. Great job India in motion!

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you for the kind words

[@santanakrish48]

A fast running Monday mornings in a city dwellers life....made the mood right ... actually this is what we are ...but don't know where one is heading too..... Thanks for this video saravana kumar, slow life style is beautiful....

[@GurpreetSingh-mp4vp]

This teaches us a lot about community living where the survival depends upon each other’s well-being whereas the people in cities are more governed by self-interests.

[@gurbakhashsingh]

Beautifully documented and narrated. I am serving in the area of Leh Ladakh for eight months and practically know how harsh are winter's here. Filming a documentary in such conditions needs great courage. Salute to you team.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much.. there is no team here, just 1 person.

[@mukeshrohila6732]

Yes, one man Army. Whenever I feel low or unsatisfied, you become my saviour for motivation. Tks and stay healthy.

[@subratapal641]

The way you are documenting their lives...It's really commendable.Hats off to your hardwork.

[@wandawarthog5724]

I never realised how beautiful Yaks are before. I also love the Mr Bean curtains. 🙂

[@sbdiaries]

Such lovely mountains ⛰️ and beautiful views ❤. It sure is good you have the yaks to help carry the wood 🪵. Greetings from England 🇬🇧 Simon and Beth ❤️🙋♥️

[@geenaee4772]

May the yaks and villagers travel safely and reach home safely too. Sadhu

[@anthonymorales842]

so touching in its purity. Singing all the time. I imagine their signing I happy to carry this wood for your home and mine. My animal a beauty is here to help for I love them as my own. Thank you for posting this

[@nagarajprasadh]

Thank you Saravana. As always a gem and masterpiece.

[@knottytoob]

You have a seeming knack for this, demonstrated throughout your content. Thank you and ascendance, always.

[@j.khepri.8682]

The community spirit is epic. Everyone works on behalf of evryone else. Faith in humanity restored. 🙏

[@pinkbutterfly1248]

Brilliant as always. Loved the framing and absolutely amazed by how comfortable the yaks seemed in front of the camera and the drone. Story is aesthetically captured as always by your patient camera movement. Sometimes I pause at certain frames just to take in the immense beauty of the remote landscape in your videos. :) utterly blissful.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you. Yes, it was one of the most beautiful things that i've witnessed in my life. Right up there with the images of the Changpa migration in the snow.

[@shanenewton8560]

One of the truest forms of " working for a living " GREAT viewing & an understanding to A PEOPLE of the WORLD...

[@jaweedahmadmir1047]

very simple and honest people i have seen in all Ladakh regions. I have had an opportunity to visit at least 50 villages in both districts during NFHS-4 monitoring.

[@t-dog8528]

It's amazing how fast the world grows around the old world

[@tomasr64]

I collect my own firewood for my Mongolian Yurt in my local forest. no yak support, only my own back. Then I chop it up and put it in my kitchen throughout the winter. All by myself. Here in the US. Wish we had more of a culture of helping each other out.

[@wazeerijlal1262]

Very amazing journey..to brought fire woods by backpack of yaks(heyaq shing)......love from skardu pak.

[@EOTHills]

The folk Song in background is full of emotions. The solidarity mountaineers.

[@Isa_1328]

Живут себе тихонько, ухаживают за своими яками, любят природу и никакая цивилизация им не нужна. Счастливые люди.

[@balwantrai2386]

Thank you for digitally preserving the culture in its own way 🤩

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome.

[@yashh0909]

Your videos bring a sense of stillness and longing to be in the lap of mountains. Thankyou ❤️🤝

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Yash

[@ricardogimenez5152]

Muchas gracias, por conocer esta cultura

[@OMFreeSoul]

Amazing presentation of local belief and culture with simplicity as always……..Keep it up brother……

[@riverunner9978]

It’s Truly a treasure these videos of time untouched. Thank you.

[@jahnapanui6532]

Thankyou so much for sharing your life with us all, I’m sending you lots of love and blessings from Christchurch New Zealand ❤

[@wordmatterz]

What an incredible story and so beautifully told. Your filming and editing is so serene and full of feeling. Love

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much!

[@ankushjaswal9426]

I love the way these people are connected with each other

[@indiainmotion]

Absolutely. That is the best part about the small and remote villages. The sense of community and togetherness.

[@judyklein3221]

Wonderful community cooperation to benefit everyone! This is a terrific video! Beautiful people!

[@marielamurillo892]

Con esos gritos hasta asustan los pobres animales hasta el cerro tiembla canten bien saludos acá de México

[@ajaydutt2537]

Bro love from karnataka Its really very good to see people of that reagion and you also working hard to bring their stories making few youths inspiring

[@TheMountainEchoed]

I’ve watched the entire video five times. Nobody comes close to you in terms of quality and informative content. Your efforts can be seen in your video 👏

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks for the kind words Bharath.

[@ashistamang8029]

Beautiful as always.. thank you so much for bringing this part of the world to us 🙏🏻.. ❤️

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Ashis

[@AdityaAdv]

Thanks for the effort in showing and explaining these rituals of the Laddhaki people!

[@ericchristoffersen9355]

I visited this village in 1992. It is quite remote even today. Beautiful footage youve done a great job. With regard to the wood gathering - id like to hear more about any local conservation ideas. Ladakh was massively deforested by the local people since the partition, today you can find huge slopes with large old cut stumps buried just underground. Theres almost no actual forest left the best trees were used for incense and today it is barren.

[@suneelgaur5246]

Sir, your channel is fantastic! Wonderful showcase of rarely seen ancient customs and practices. Your videos need to be preserved in the Indian National archives!

[@mushroom9951]

That sneeze in the beginning was a relief 🎉

[@suhaskhade6744]

Majestic documentary. The way it should be presented.Well done.

[@meldyfastenersllp1931]

My first visit to Ladakh was in 2008 and the last one was in 2021, the effects of excessive tourism are clearly visible.

[@antonytv3919]

Their only aim is to live and existence🙏❤️

[@jatinder900]

I have no words to explain how beautiful is your videography and narration. Then equally good is your background music and overall presentation. It's like at par with National Geographic, Discovery, and BBC Earth documentaries. Your videos are full of emotions. Good luck and God bless !!😇

[@donnadees1971]

So grateful to see how you live , I had grandparents who worked like you do. Me, not so much, taught school, not good.

[@indranilocean]

No wonder , you are an inspiration in many ways...your deep research into those wonderful places..your peace of mind..your story telling and Soo on...I wish someday I could meet you learn from you these very essence of lives...thank you

[@Sagafilms2024]

Thank you for bringing out such beautiful anecdotes from remote and rural parts of the country. It is a true example of community living in the most regenerative and sustainable way possible. It is wonderful how the human-wildlife- rest of nature's harmony has been depicted through this video :)

[@indiainmotion]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suz__5273]

Absolutely stunning!!! Wonderful video and village people of the Himalayas

[@diponmondal46]

Best Documentary, I have ever seen. Hats' off to you !

[@shekharchatterjee1776]

Spectacular video, I had been to Ladakh twice, but this part offers stunning views.👍❤

[@kollurisatyasai3702]

Excellent vlog. Excellent photography. You have captured the essence of their hard life. Their lives are harsh but they have a satisfied look on their face. The love for their animals is also captured nicely. Your blogs will be remembered for long. God bless u for taking so much pain and recording their lifestyle. 👍

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you for the kind words Satya

[@unlimitedj06]

👍👍👍👍 Wow so beautiful to see a community where everyone looks out for each other. I wish their care for one another was cottages, and we could bring that to the world. 👏👏👏👏

[@swapnillondhe8517]

I like this Rural life & this place was very good snowfalls 👌👌

[@nandaprakash2941]

It's happy to see their cooperation in every walk of difficult life& how share in life .Tq for this beautiful video 💐

[@headly777]

Last year i travelled to Ladakh, kargil and Zanskar. it was an amazing experience. Thinking of travelling to Padum again. Love your Vlog 👍👍👍

[@kahanrbhattkahanrbhatt3903]

back ground song is amazing It's your simplicity and down to earth approach to show us things we might not be able to visit or experience Thanks a lot dear

[@jacquelinejohnson7541]

Strong animals hard work for u all and for the animals bless 👍🤗🙏💖🇬🇧

[@sumantamukherjee3070]

What a life, simple, emi free, no tension for future. Just enjoying livelihood.

[@ashok_]

This doc shows your passion towards videography and backpacking.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you

[@parnamukherjee26]

Thank you sir. It was as always a gem and masterpiece video.

[@user-cn2me4ci1d]

Кыргызстан🇰🇬🍊Баткенден салам👍👍👍👍👍

[@rextro4799]

Definitely very hard working people. We dwellers of the plains complain about our hardships and here these people with ten times tougher lives choose to sing and dance.

[@thomasspainhour1112]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. NC USA 🇺🇸

[@yusufaly06]

Thank you for highlighting... Love from Ladakh valley

[@allankimani7829]

A rich,heart warming video of the cultural relevance of human existence with nature and beast in a hugely symbiotic level not based on destructive capitalist tendencies witnessed worldwide to our personal and environmental degradation, distress!

[@VINODKUMAR-rd6en]

Those drone views are classic.. Immortalized Shaday

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Vinod. Actually it was so difficult to fly the drone on this trip. Since there was no internet there the drone locked me out of many function.. I could fly only 50m in any distance, so it was very limiting in the type of shorts I could get.

[@ursunilsahni2679]

this is how human were meant to live, love to see there are some of them exist till today

[@user-dv3rp6ic4x]

Счастливые , спокойные люди.

[@aluri1997]

Superb, fantastic. Real hard work and highly professional

[@vajira44]

Another beautiful documentary!!

[@jeffyoung60]

You notice the tribesmen do not abuse the yaks. No one is seen holding a stick or whip to beat the animals. The men just whistle or call out loudly to the yaks. Sometimes they use their hands to wave on the yaks or push them along. But no one hurts a yak. In return the yaks seem to know what the humans want and they quietly comply without complaining. This is a form of symbiotic existence between humans and beasts of burden. In return during the depths of winter the yaks hang out in the village. They get some partial shelter from the cold and wind, herding together. The humans provide them with food and water during the harsh winter. When spring comes, the people let the yaks back out into the mountain pastures. This goes on and on for decade after decade until it is fully programmed into the brains of the yaks and they almost instinctively follow the same pattern year after year. After living almost feral during the late spring and summer, when the humans show up again in the mountain pastures, the yaks are not startled nor spooked. They know it's time to follow the humans back to the village. It doesn't take a genius. Even the yaks can feel the daily temperatures getting colder by the day.

[@him31anshu]

Beautifully documented as always. Those background chantings make me feel I am there, witnessing all this happening. So much of your hardwork behind this, thank-you :)

[@geenaee4772]

Communal living with group interest at heart. Sadhu

[@patriciogarriz7981]

Excellent documental, gracias!

[@hakujiilegonullereyolculuk]

Thanks for this nice video. I greet my brothers and sisters living in the Himalaya..🤗👣🙏✌

[@NicolasDudic-ph4kd]

Wow Absulutely beautiful vidéo 👍 Thank you

[@arupkumarpaul5482]

A dreamlike photography and description