Wild Yak (Bos grunniens) The wild yak is a massively-built animal with a drooping head. It has a dense undercoat of soft closely-matted hair that provides it with extra protection during the harsh winter months. The yak has widely been domesticated in all parts of the cold desert region where it is the main beast of burden.

Bharal Credit: Karamjeet Singh

Bharal or Himalayan Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur)
It is a common sight for trekkers to come across the Bharal - the Himalayan blue sheep - grazing in the alpine pastures. However, in spite of of its name, the Bharal is neither blue nor a sheep. It is a cross between a sheep and a goat, but is larger than either. It has rounded and smooth horns that curve backwards. Incredibly sure footed, Bharals usually graze over 14,000 ft coming down lower only in the winters. They move around steep crumbly mountainsides, and move about in large herds. As a result, it is usually only the trekkers who get to see these animals.

Ibex Credit: Unknown

lbex (Capra ibex)
The ibex is a sturdy thick set goat with males having a grey beard and a coarse coat of brittle hairs. The colour of its coat varies from season to season. This animal is found in all parts of the cold deserts usually between the treeline and the snowline. They graze in the early morning and late evenings.

Musk Deer Credit: Mahabir Pun

Deer
Many varieties of deer are found in the lower Himalayas. Especially in the Corbett National Park, numerous varieties of deer may be spotted. As one gains altitude, deer become less common.

Musk Deer
The area around Kedarnath, Garhwal , and parts of Nepal is known for the elusive dog like Moschus Moschiferus or the Musk Deer. The Musk deer is occupies a position somewhere between deer and antelope. Its distinguishing features include dog like canines extending outside the mouth of the male. They are reclusive animals and generally hang out in solitary pairs, keeping to the dense undergrowth. Unfortunately, this elusiveness has not helped them survive in any considerable numbers. The species is hunted forthe muskgland situated below the abdomen of the male. It is an endangered species.