Mountain goats arrive in Pokhara ahead of Dashain

By Our Correspondent,Lekhnath, Sept. 21: With just two weeks remaining for the biggest Hindu festival, Dashain, herds of mountain goats (chyangra) have begun arriving in Pokhara from the Himalayan district of Mustang. 

The tradition of consuming chyangra meat during Dashain remains strong in the region, despite the availability of other meats like goat and chicken throughout the year.

As of Friday, 10 herds of sheep and chyangra arrived in Pokhara, with the sale already underway in Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City-25, Hemja. 

According to local traders, the price of a chyangra this year is between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 50,000.

Pokhara-based mountain goat trader Rishiram Poudel said that he brought 160 chyangras to Pokhara from Upper Mustang for the upcoming Dashain festival.

He noted that the mountain goats are being sold based on weight, with prices starting at Rs. 45,000 and going up to Rs. 50,000.

Another trader, Suk Bahadur Tamang, said that he bought the chyangras at a wholesale price of Rs. 38,000 to Rs. 40,000 and is now selling them at around Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 50,000.

According to him, the price of chyangra this year is slightly lower compared to last year.

Every Dashain, traders bring sheep and mountain goats to Pokhara from various high-altitude districts, including Mustang, Dolpa, Humla, Jumla, Bajhang, and Bajura. 

In the past, these mountain goats were brought making them walk for four to five days. However, this year, most of the livestock have been transported by truck, reducing the travel time and effort.

Despite the early arrival from Mustang, traders from Karnali and Sudurpashchim Province have yet to bring their livestock to the market.

With the festive mood beginning to build, local consumers are now preparing to purchase chyangra meat, a delicacy synonymous with Dashain in the region.