Each family has several hundred goats, all of which need to be moved separately so they don't get mixed up. Scroll through the gallery to see more of Andrew Newey's photographs from the Changthang plateau.
Each family has several hundred goats, all of which need to be moved separately so they don't get mixed up. Scroll through the gallery to see more of Andrew Newey's photographs from the Changthang plateau.
Andrew Newey
Pashmina goats huddle up together in their enclosure after a long, cold day in the mountains.
Pashmina goats huddle up together in their enclosure after a long, cold day in the mountains.
Andrew Newey
Moving thousands of goats over vast distances requires skill and experience if herders are to prevent injury to -- or loss of -- their animals.
Moving thousands of goats over vast distances requires skill and experience if herders are to prevent injury to -- or loss of -- their animals.
Andrew Newey
A village elder wrapped up against the bitter plateau winds.
A village elder wrapped up against the bitter plateau winds.
Andrew Newey
The goats naturally begin shedding their fur in the spring, and herders harvest it using a special comb.
The goats naturally begin shedding their fur in the spring, and herders harvest it using a special comb.
Andrew Newey
A herder returns after clearing the road over the high mountain pass for the following day's journey.
A herder returns after clearing the road over the high mountain pass for the following day's journey.
Andrew Newey
After being combed, the fur is also separated by the herders.
After being combed, the fur is also separated by the herders.
Andrew Newey
Many Changpa women have given up the nomadic life and now spend much of their time weaving at home outside the city of Leh.
Many Changpa women have given up the nomadic life and now spend much of their time weaving at home outside the city of Leh.
Andrew Newey
Pashmina is exported around the world, where luxury retailers sell them for hundred or thousands or dollars
Pashmina is exported around the world, where luxury retailers sell them for hundred or thousands or dollars
Andrew Newey
Because of the vast distances covered by the Changpa when they migrate, the animals have to be moved over two days. Even then, some of the weaker ones have to be carried.
Because of the vast distances covered by the Changpa when they migrate, the animals have to be moved over two days. Even then, some of the weaker ones have to be carried.
Andrew Newey
Loading the yaks begins at first light so the migration can get underway early.
Loading the yaks begins at first light so the migration can get underway early.
Andrew Newey
A young yak after a snowstorm.
A young yak after a snowstorm.
Andrew Newey
A yak caravan winds its way across a valley. Nowadays Jeeps are used to transport the heavy and bulky items, though they are no match for yaks over this rugged winter terrain.
A yak caravan winds its way across a valley. Nowadays Jeeps are used to transport the heavy and bulky items, though they are no match for yaks over this rugged winter terrain.
Andrew Newey
Situated between the Himalayan and Karakorum mountain ranges, the Changthang is the highest permanently inhabited plateau in the world.
Situated between the Himalayan and Karakorum mountain ranges, the Changthang is the highest permanently inhabited plateau in the world.
Andrew Newey
The herders use the least stubborn yaks for transportation.
The herders use the least stubborn yaks for transportation.
Andrew Newey
The plateau's nomadic shepherds also keep yaks and dogs.
The plateau's nomadic shepherds also keep yaks and dogs.
Andrew Newey