In pictures: Mountain goats flood into Pokhara for Dashain celebrations

Pokhara, October 8 — For Dashain, mountain goats (chyangra) have been brought down from the Himalayan region to Pokhara. Currently, there is a bustling trade of mountain goats in the Simpani area of Pokhara. Locals from Pokhara are visiting Simpani to purchase mountain goats. This year, goats and sheep have been imported from Mustang, Dolpa, Tibet, as well as from the western districts of Darchula and Bajhang.

Traders are selling sheep and goats based on their weight, with prices ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Nepali Rupees. The arrival of mountain goats in Simpani is considered a sign that Dashain is approaching. Traders mention that there are slightly more goats this year compared to last year, and the prices are also somewhat lower.

According to Shambhuraj Pandey, the head of the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Center in Kaski, around 14,000 sheep and goats are expected to be imported into the Pokhara market this year.