How does transhumance work among herding communities in Himachal Pradesh?

In Himachal Pradesh, transhumance is a vital practice of seasonal migration that allows herding communities to sustain their livestock by navigating the state's diverse, mountainous terrain.123

This system functions through the movement of herds between higher-altitude Himalayan pastures during the summer and lower-altitude districts during the winter. By shifting locations, pastoralists ensure their animals have access to grazing grounds that are otherwise inaccessible or too cold during certain seasons.14

Key aspects of this practice include:

• Communities: Several groups, such as the Gujjar and the Van Gujjar, are traditionally transhumant. While the Gujjar often herd buffalo and sell dairy products, the Van Gujjar specifically herd buffalo within the state's mountain forests.1
• Logistics: Herders often migrate with their deras (homesteads or camps), moving along established routes to reach appropriate altitude belts.1
• Economic Integration: Beyond herding, these communities are deeply integrated into the regional economy, often selling meat, milk, and wool. Many families also engage in agriculture or other occupations, with some having transitioned to more sedentary lifestyles over time.12

While historically central to the region, these communities face ongoing challenges, including restricted access to traditional grazing lands due to modern forest and wildlife legislation.1