The Changpa Nomads of Ladakh, India

The Changpa are a nomadic pastoralist people of the Changthang region in Ladakh, in the northwestern Indian Himalayas. They are of Tibetan stock and speak the Ladakhi language, a Tibetan dialect. Most Changpa live in tents and are nomadic, following their herds of yak, sheep, and goats across the Changthang Plateau.

The Changpa lifestyle has changed little in centuries. They are one of the few remaining genuinely nomadic peoples of the world. The Changpa economy is based entirely on their herds of yaks, sheep, and goats. Yak milk, butter, and cheese form the staple of the Changpa diet, providing them with a valuable source of income.

The Changpa are hardy people, who adapted to the harsh conditions of the Changthang Plateau. They have a deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna, and the traditional medical use of plants.

The Changpa way of life is under threat from the modern world. Their grazing lands are being encroached upon by development, and their traditional way of life is increasingly difficult to sustain. The Changpa are a proud and independent people, determined to preserve their unique culture and way of life.