Tibet’s nomadic mountain people known as
Ndrogba or Drokpa occupy the higher reaches of the pleateau, living at heights
beyond 14,000 feet. They are found in all three traditional regions of Tibet:
Amdo, Kham and U-Tsang. They have an estimated population of 2 million and live
in tents made of yak wool and move two to three times a year, following the
seasons. Most are now only semi-nomadic. Their centuries-old way of life is
under threat from China’s “resettlement” policy under which many families have
been relocated to permanent colonies at the edge of cities. These nomads live on the very edge of
ecosystems and their every movement is dictated by the needs of their herds.
Their lifestyles are delicately balanced on the changing seasons. Their world
is a prime example of sustainable pastoralism. At this point they are
vulnerable to socio-politico-economic pressures as well as changing climate
patterns.











