#Bharal

[tooboredtothinkofaname]

[thegreatprinceoftheforest]

Bharal | John Oates

[inatungulates]

Sichuan bharal Pseudois nayaur szechuanensis

Observed by xrufray, CC BY-NC

[otherworldworldy]

I got a new character who wants to climb the walls and I love him ;3; 💕

[fuckyeahchinesefashion]

OP says her rock climbing teammates are all bharal (blue sheep)

[vind3miat0r]

redacted demon horn hcs i came up with so i dont have to change my demon designs 💕

within every demon race there are horn variations so they dont all end up having same horn syndrome (like same face syndrome in art but with horns 👍)

empathy — most common variation are the ram horns, most rare are the inverse ram horns. empathy daemon's horns will always be small and will always be in the capridae family

sadism — most common variation are the gazelle horns, least common are the curved gazelle horns. sadism demon's horn will always be large and tall

shock — most common variation are the gemsbok horns, least common variation are the four-horned antelope horns. shock demon's horns will always be pointed straight up, as if in "shock"

inchoate — inchoates have multiple horn variations, so it is hard to pinpoint the rarity of each variant. the most common come down to the indian bison horns, bharal horns, and a set of "classic" demon horns with two smaller horns protruding from the base

fear — most common variation are the greater kudu horns, most rare the the blackbuck horns. sizes always vary, and horns will always be swirled in some way, with the exception of the unicorn horn varient

misery — most common variation are the tibetan argali horns, most rare are the bighorn sheep horns. misery demons' horns will always fall in the capridae family

elation — most common variation are the ibex horns, most rare are the red hartebeest horns. sizes can vary, but usually are medium

serenity — most common variation are horns that belong to an animal that are most likely related to bharals, most rare are the fallow antlers. serenity daemons, interestingly, have horn variations that belong to two separate families: caprinae and cervidae. while the cervidae antlers have more variation, the mysterious bharal-like horn variant is still the most common. serenity daemons are also the only daemon race outside of empathy daemons to have digigrade legs

strife — most common variant are the eland horns, most rare are the addax horns (which sometimes results in a strife demon being mistaken for a sadism or fear demon). a more uncommon yet well-known variation is the triple horn set

desire — similarly to inchoate demons, desire demons have a multitude of horn variations, the most common being the markhor horns and "classic" demon horns paired with a small set of ram horns

[fatehbaz]

The [British] annexation of Kumaun and Garwhal [in the "Indian" Himalayas, after 1816] [...] not only heralded new systems of revenue, land ownership, and forestry but also gave rise to novel aesthetic forms of valuing "nature." [...] [S]portsmen like Colonel Fred Markham declared that [...] hunting musk deer [...] and blue sheep [...] in the Himalayas could not be rendered into prose as dramatically as tiger hunting in the plains. Thus, in the mountains colonial writers relied upon the aesthetics of the sublime [...]. [M]usk deer and bharal hunting on the slopes of the Gangotri glacier […] had become a "set-piece" in hunting journals […] by the middle of the nineteenth century. English travelers to the Himalayas considered themselves unique in their inclination to "wander through strange lands for the mere purpose of seeing the country [...]," a trait that was ostensibly beyond the comprehension of "natives". Colonial travelers acknowledged the hill dwellers' love of home but dismissed them for taking "little interest in scenery which threw us into raptures." [...]

The life and legend of Frederick Wilson (1816-83) [...] reflects the ways in which the "psychological sublime" as it unfolded in the Himalayas was tied to colonial constructions of racial difference. To metropolitan readers and gentlemen sportsmen, Wilson was a self-trained natural historian, a paternalistic employer of natives, and a connoisseur of the wild. [...] He was a guide to famed hunters such as Fred Markham and Robert Dunlop. [...] Wilson's writings reduced paharis from perceiving subjects into unseemly objects of dirt: "Like the inhabitants of most cold, mountainous, and half civilized countries, the Puharies are extremely dirty; dirty in their persons, in their clothes, their cooking, their dwellings, and, in fact, in everything." [...] Although historians have located the major break in systems of land use [in the British-controlled Himalayas] [...] in the advent of scientific forestry in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, [...] new forms of economic exploitation [and racialization, and environmental management philosophies, had already been present earlier] [...]. Wilson's pursuit of hunting as a profession was exceptional among nineteenth-century sportsmen in the subcontinent. To monopolize trade in Himalayan musk pods (the gland of the musk deer) and pheasant hides, he relied on [...] contracts with the subordinated princely ruler [...]. "Shikari Wilson-Hunter and Lumberer" exported bear grease, monal pheasant feather, taxidermied birds, and musk before extracting wood from the forests of the Bhagirathi Valley in the 1860s to furnish the expansion of imperial railway networks. [...] The success of his enterprises relied upon "native" labor and knowledge [...].

---

[Initially,] animals and forest produce [had] effectively remained common property. [But] [a]fter he obtained a contract for the animal trade at a nominal rent from the Tehri Raja Bhawani Shah, who ruled under the paramount authority of the [British] colonial state, Wilson proved able to exploit this [...]. His ability to monopolize the hide trade suggests how the context of colonial domination reshaped the ecology of Garhwal even before the advent of scientific forestry [a particular style of British forest management for the purpose of long-term profit from timber extraction, implemented in the later decades of the century]. Wilson relied upon [...] "lower" caste shikaris and bajgis trained as taxidermists, centralized "bird godowns" for the collection and processing of skins and hides, and a commission agent dispatching time-sensitive orders to distant markets. He managed to dominate the taxidermy trade [...] with the use of arsenical soap as a preservative. A single season could yield "upwards of 500 birds, principally pheasants and partridges," "scores of the deer tribe," enough bears to furnish "upwards of a hundred quart bottles of grease," and four leopards. Musk and monal were his chief products before he successfully petitioned the raja of Tehri for the lease of the Bhagirathi forests in 1858. [...]

---

Wilson dispatched [these animal products] [...] to the imperial metropole [London, etc.] and Himalayan hill stations [where British administrators lived] in unprecedented quantities. We might consider Wilson's role in expanding the trade in monal hides and feathers as an example. The monal pheasant was little known in Britain before the latter half of the eighteenth century, when it was first coveted by East India Company officials. Lady Impey, wife of the the chief justice of Bengal, first housed a monal in her extensive menagerie. The pheasant was subsequently named Lophophorus impeyanus in her honor. With the expansion of the monal trade, the high-ranking colonial official's fascination with this once rare and exotic emblem of oriental riches spread to the metropolitan public. Toward the latter half of the nineteenth century, monals were used to ornament women's bonnets and serve as ornithological specimens. Metropolitan ornithologists [...] singled out Wilson's taxidermied pheasants as objects of praises, creating a demand for them in the process. Over his thirty-year career, Wilson sent an average of fifteen hundred monal skins to Britain yearly. [...]

---

Wilson continued to curate the Himalayan sublime for European sportsmen well into the 1860s. [...] However, by the 1870s, the scale of Wilson's extractive enterprises in the Bhagirathi Valley was gaining notoriety. Writing in Hume's Stray Feathers, Edwin Brooks admonished the wreckage left behind by Wilson's logging operations, writing that "such wanton and wholesale destruction of the timber of a fine valley is not to be met anywhere else upon the face of the earth." Though Wilson defended himself against Brooks by arguing that the destruction of "grand old forests" was a "sad necessity," his lease over the Bhagarathi forests ultimately transferred to the Forest Department. While the advent of scientific forestry in the Central Himalayas heralded a new discourse about the management of nature [still in service of extraction and profit], the demarcation of racial difference remained central to the colonial imagination of Himalayan peoples and places.

---

All text above by: Nivedita Nath. "Imperial Hunting and the Sublime: Race, Caste, and Aesthetics in the Central Himalayas". Environmental History 26 (2021): 301-323. doi: 10.1093/envhis/emaa084. Published April 2021. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Italicized text within brackets added by me for clarity and context. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[toxictigertonic]

wanted to know if you had requests for haddie or taurie to be hit with the kinz-beam yet? :3

Oh everyone will be getting hit with the kinz beam! I'm just making my way down the list that me and my friends made that assigned everyone their respective animals. Haddie is a bharal and taurie is an adder!

[notasapleasure]

Tag meme (sliiightly different. why yes i am procrastinating)

tagged by @elwenyere thank you my lovely!

Last song: Pelican Canyon by Du Blonde and Samuel T. Herring. I am very grateful to @distressednoise for telling me to listen to Du Blonde, though I wish more of it was like this track

Favorite color: *insert Lady Bertilak's speech about green here*

Last book: I'm still reading Peter Matthiessen's The Snow Leopard, an account of his time in the Himalaya with naturalist George Schaller studying bharal, in the wake of his wife's death.

Last movie: I rewatched the short Memory Man last night because I'm gonna try and gif it for the sideblog (@joplinsibtainappreciation)

Last TV show: finished S3 of Only Murders in the Building last night

Sweet/spicy/savory: 1) savoury 2) spicy 3) sweet

Relationship status: married, but we've been together like. twice as long. three times? a while.

Last thing I googled: 'wookieepedia core worlds'. for. reasons.

Current obsession: trying not to let my preoccupation with the fic that needed 'wookieepedia core worlds' references take over my working day

Looking forward to: writing this fic. giffing those gifs. hanging with family tomorrow.

no pressure tagging: @distressednoise @colleybri @boogerwookiesugarcookie @stripedroseandsketchpads @jimtheviking and anyone else who wants to

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

Ladakh, India’s cold desert, is located to the east of Jammu and Kashmir at altitudes between 8,800 and 18,000 feet. This mountain enclave is geographically distinct, with unique climatic and ecological characteristics fostering a rich culture amidst towering peaks. Ladakh is marked by steep cliffs, deep valleys, arid plains, salt flats, and sparse vegetation. Situated between Pakistan and China, it nurtures a population of around 275,000 people, as well as rare and beautiful wildlife such as snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes.

The people and wildlife here depend on the Hindu Kush ranges to the northwest for essential resources. The other mountain ranges surrounding the Ladakh, the Karakoram to the north and the Himalayan to the south, are some of the highest in the world. Together known as the Hindu Kush Himalaya, these ranges are often referred to as the “Third Pole.” They feature the world’s most renowned peaks, clad in over 30,000 square miles of glacial ice — the largest concentration of glaciers outside the Arctic and Antarctic.

High-altitude regions have fragile ecosystems and experience the effects of climate change more acutely and earlier, which also makes them indicators of broader climate trends. This allows scientists to study shifts in weather phenomena, migration, and ecosystem responses along with the tectonic processes involved in the region’s varied geology.

A rich diversity of medicinal plants can be found here, such as Himalayan yew, known for cancer-fighting properties; ashwagandha, used for stress relief; and ginger, valued for anti-inflammatory benefits. Protecting these unique environments is essential to sustaining traditional medicine practices and preserving these invaluable resources.

The area’s unique wildlife play essential roles in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecological balance: Himalayan blue sheep, also known as bharal, graze on alpine meadows, while Himalayan marmots aerate the soil and serve as prey for other species.

The local ecosystems in Ladakh, and the more than 1.2 billion people downstream, depend on glaciers for their freshwater supply. As the permafrost thaws, concerns about potential pandemics from viral spillover have surfaced.

Recently a collaborative effort of Ohio State’s Byrd Center and Chinese Academy of Sciences isolated 33 viruses from ice samples in the Tibetan Plateau, 28 of which were novel and estimated to be approximately 15,000 years old. The runoff from glacier melt has furthered the risk of introducing diseases into vulnerable communities.

Recent examples of mega-scale flash floods and landslides underscore the impact of man-made disasters and the urgent need for new policies.

Militarization has occurred in Ladakh due to its strategic location and geopolitical conflicts. Unregulated tourism, construction, global warming, and various forms of pollution are worsening the situation. Snow in the glaciers melts faster as black soot from fossil fuels settle on the snow and ice and absorb the sunlight they would normally reflect.

[inatungulates]

Himalayan bharal Pseudois nayaur nayaur

Observed by fishingcatt, CC BY-NC-SA

[kanika75]

Wildlife of Ladakh Through the Lens: A Photography Adventure

In the heart of the rugged, high-altitude region of northern India lies a land of stark beauty and uncharted wilderness. Ladakh, often referred to as the "Land of High Passes," is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and a rich tapestry of wildlife. This remote area, characterized by its towering mountains, deep valleys, and vast deserts, is not only a haven for adventure seekers but also a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Wildlife of Ladakh and Photography in Ladakh are two intertwined themes that present an unparalleled opportunity to explore and capture the essence of this extraordinary region.

Ladakh’s diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to the harsh climatic conditions. One of the most iconic inhabitants is the elusive snow leopard, a creature that has captured the imagination of many. These magnificent big cats are perfectly adapted to the rocky terrain and frigid temperatures, making them a rare and prized sight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. The high-altitude deserts and rugged mountains provide the perfect backdrop for capturing these predators in their natural habitat.

In addition to snow leopards, Ladakh boasts a wealth of other wildlife species. The Tibetan antelope, or chiru, is another remarkable resident. Known for their grace and speed, these antelopes are often seen grazing on the sparse vegetation of the region. Similarly, the Himalayan blue sheep, or bharal, can be spotted on the steep slopes, their blue-grey coats blending seamlessly with the rocky surroundings. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture these animals in action, from grazing herds to playful lambs.

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the avian diversity in Ladakh. The region is home to several species of birds of prey, including the golden eagle and the lammergeier, or bearded vulture. These majestic birds can often be seen soaring high above the valleys, their keen eyes scanning the terrain for prey. The sight of a golden eagle in flight, set against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped peaks, is a photographer’s dream. Additionally, the tranquil waters of Ladakh’s high-altitude lakes attract migratory birds such as the black-necked crane, bar-headed goose, and ruddy shelduck, offering further opportunities for stunning wildlife photography.

One of the most striking aspects of Ladakh is its ability to change with the seasons. Each season brings its own unique charm and photographic opportunities. In the summer, the landscape is bathed in warm hues, with the alpine meadows coming to life with vibrant wildflowers. This is an excellent time for capturing the contrast between the colorful flora and the arid surroundings. The winter months, on the other hand, cloak Ladakh in a blanket of snow, transforming it into a winter wonderland. This season offers a chance to photograph the region’s wildlife against a pristine white backdrop, as well as the hardy locals going about their daily lives in the extreme cold.

To truly experience and capture the essence of Wildlife of Ladakh and Photography in Ladakh, it’s essential to explore the region’s diverse landscapes. The Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels, offers a unique desert landscape that contrasts sharply with the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Photographers can capture the striking juxtaposition of the camels against the backdrop of the towering mountains, creating images that highlight the diversity of Ladakh’s terrain.

The Changthang Plateau, located in the southeastern part of Ladakh, is another must-visit destination for wildlife photographers. This vast, high-altitude plateau is home to the nomadic Changpa people and their herds of pashmina goats. The goats, prized for their soft and warm wool, are often seen grazing on the sparse vegetation of the plateau. The area is also a haven for birdlife, with several high-altitude lakes attracting a variety of migratory birds. Photographers can capture the unique lifestyle of the Changpa people, as well as the stunning landscapes and wildlife that characterize this remote region.

For those looking to capture the majestic peaks and pristine lakes of Ladakh, the Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes are not to be missed. These high-altitude lakes, with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, provide a serene and picturesque setting for photography. The changing colors of the lakes, from deep blue to shimmering turquoise, offer endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of Ladakh’s natural landscapes. Additionally, the shores of these lakes are home to several species of wildlife, including the kiang, or Tibetan wild ass, which can be seen grazing on the grassy plains.

Photographers visiting Ladakh should also take the time to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. The ancient monasteries, with their intricate architecture and vibrant prayer flags, offer a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Ladakhi people. The Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh, is particularly famous for its annual Hemis Festival, which features colorful masked dances and rituals. Capturing these cultural events and the daily lives of the monks can add a unique dimension to your Ladakh photography portfolio.

When planning a photography expedition to Ladakh, it’s important to be well-prepared for the challenges posed by the high-altitude environment. The thin air and extreme temperatures can be physically demanding, so acclimatization is key. Ensure that you have the necessary permits for restricted areas, as well as appropriate gear to protect your equipment from the harsh conditions. A sturdy tripod, wide-angle lenses, and telephoto lenses are essential for capturing the diverse landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, carrying spare batteries and memory cards is crucial, as the cold temperatures can drain battery life quickly.

Wildlife of Ladakh and Photography in Ladakh offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and capture the untamed beauty of this extraordinary region. From the elusive snow leopard to the graceful Tibetan antelope, and from the soaring golden eagle to the serene high-altitude lakes, Ladakh is a photographer’s paradise. The ever-changing landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage provide endless possibilities for creating stunning and memorable images. So pack your camera gear, embrace the adventure, and get ready to explore the wild and wonderful world of Ladakh.

[vole-mon-amour]

Here's the original and its description:

Don't take off at us for the watermark. That is the sole reason we can carry this footage here for it would otherwise be IPR purloined and placed onto multiple other platforms, ruining our opportunity to bring you an exclusive on this rare occurrence from nature!

Surely one of the most fantastic natural history sequences ever recorded in the annals of wildlife filmmaking! This is the FIRST EVER sequence of a wild Snow Leopard actually making a kill on camera, and what fabulous gymnastics and callisthenics to boot!

Do note the behaviour that you might otherwise miss. It allows us to do even more justice to this fascinating footage, especially as it’s been shot in 4K. There is a lot going on here that we don’t notice on first glance - for example, the way the Bharal still has the strength to attempt to pull itself away from the Snow Leopard, just after the first stage of the fall, and the manner in which the dexterous big cat is able to maneuver its body to help it survive. This footage tells us a lot about the two animals in terms of behaviour and physiology. What drama from the Himalaya!

Not exactly another day in the life of a Snow Leopard, but this young female Snow Leopard, while bruised and battered a tad, returned to feed on the Bharal kill and fully recovered to move on, and continue its unique way of life in the high Himalaya. Hopefully, she will have cubs this year, too. We will follow her and let you know of developments in her life...

We pride ourselves in bringing the best of India and South Asia to the world...

Please see the 16 minute long film on the Snow Leopard at this link, for the full story of this incident:

Here's the full.

Have the decency to post the original instead of stealing a filming of such a rare moment.

[langurecotravels]

Unveiling the Magic of Bhutan: Curated Tour Packages with Langur Eco Travels (bhutanbirdingtours.com)

bird watching, eco travels, eco -friendly tourism, nature tourism places, birding tour

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, beckons travelers with its breathtaking Himalayan beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a unique way of life untouched by the frenetic pace of the modern world. Langur Eco Travels, your trusted partner in crafting unforgettable Bhutan experiences, offers a variety of curated tour packages designed to cater to your interests and travel style.

A Journey for Every Dream: Diverse Bhutan Tour Packages

Whether you're a passionate birder seeking rare avian treasures, a culture enthusiast yearning for a deeper connection, or an adventurer craving breathtaking landscapes, Langur Eco Travels has the perfect Bhutan tour package for you:

Classic Bhutan Cultural Tour: Immerse yourself in the heart of Bhutanese culture. Witness vibrant Tsechu festivals, explore iconic Dzongs (fortress monasteries), and delve into the spiritual essence of Buddhism. Hike to remote monasteries, participate in a blessing ceremony, and learn about Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy.

Bhutan Birding Adventure: Embark on a thrilling birding adventure in search of Bhutan's over 770 documented bird species. Explore diverse habitats, from the soaring heights of the Black Mountains to the lush subtropical jungles. Spot the majestic Himalayan Griffon, the elusive Bhutan Nuthatch, and a dazzling array of resident and migratory birds.

Bhutan Wildlife Encounter: Unveil the secrets of Bhutan's diverse ecosystems. Trek through pristine valleys to spot the national animal, the Takin, or encounter the endangered Red Panda. Explore the alpine meadows in search of the majestic Bharal or the elusive Himalayan Wolf. Venture into the steamy jungles to witness the Bengal Tiger or the Clouded Leopard.

Festivals of Bhutan: Experience the vibrant colors and electrifying energy of Bhutan's unique festivals. Witness the masked dances and traditional music of the Tsechu festival, or immerse yourself in the archery competitions of the Paro Festival. Gain insights into the cultural significance of these festivals and connect with the local spirit.

Hiking and Trekking Adventures: Challenge yourself with a trek through Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes. Hike the iconic Jomolhari Trek, offering stunning Himalayan vistas, or embark on the challenging Snowman Trek, traversing the Lunana glacial valley. Our experienced guides will ensure a safe and unforgettable adventure.

Beyond the Package: Crafting a Personalized Itinerary

Langur Eco Travels understands that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for everyone. We offer the flexibility to customize your Bhutan tour package to suit your specific interests, pace, and budget. Here's how we personalize your experience:

Tailor-Made Activities: Discuss your interests with our travel specialists and choose activities that resonate with you. Whether you're passionate about photography, interested in learning traditional crafts, or simply want to relax and soak in the scenery, we can curate an itinerary that reflects your desires.

Accommodation Options: Choose from a variety of comfortable and culturally sensitive accommodations. Stay in charming boutique hotels, experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality in homestays, or opt for eco-lodges nestled amidst stunning scenery.

Travel Style: Whether you prefer a leisurely pace with ample time for cultural immersion or a more adventurous itinerary packed with activities, we can create a tour that matches your travel style.

A Commitment to Sustainable Travel:

Langur Eco Travels is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We minimize our environmental impact, support local communities, and promote conservation efforts. Travel with us and be assured that you are contributing to the preservation of Bhutan's unique culture and pristine environment.

Planning Your Dream Bhutan Trip:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and ideal conditions for most activities.

Visas and Permits: Foreign visitors require a visa to enter Bhutan. We can assist you with obtaining the necessary permits and visas.

Essential Packing: Pack comfortable clothing suitable for the chosen activities and weather conditions. Sturdy hiking boots, a camera, binoculars (for birding and wildlife tours), and a headlamp are recommended.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Bhutan with Langur Eco Travels. Explore breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to start crafting your dream Bhutan tour package!

See more

bird watching, eco travels, eco -friendly tourism, nature tourism places, birding tour

cultural  tours, eco travels, thunder dragon, adventurous, spiritual

birds of Bhutan, eco travels, bird photography, wildlife tours, Buddhism tour

[responsible-treks]

Limi Valley trek with Wild Yak Expedition in west Nepal

The Limi valley (Simikot,Humla) is the only remaining place where you can still witness the vibrant Tibetan and Himalayan culture and lifestyle, due to the matrimonial relationship between Western Nepal and Tibet. Your trek follows the ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route to the border of Nepal and Tibet,China, crossing the Nara La pass (15,000 ft/ 4,620 m) and Nyalu La (16,000 ft/ 4,900 m) with spectacular views of the Himalaya.

Apart from Wild Yak Expedition, you will have the chance to spot the elusive snow leopard, bharal (Himalayan blue sheep), jackals, kiang (Tibetan wild ass), and musk deer.

Limi Valley Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu Hotel

Day 2 Restricted area permit and Fly to Nepalgunj Siddhartha Hotel

Day 3 Nepalgunj fly to Simikot Home Stay

Day 4 Acclimatization Hike to Nyinba Valley and trip briefing  in Simikot

Day 5 Drive to Tukling from Simikot Camping

Day 6 Trek from Tukling to Sakya base Camping

Day 7 Explore around Sakya base Camping

Day 8 Trek from Sakya base to Sakya Fu (Photography trip) Camping

Day 9 Explore around Sakya Fu Camping

Day 10 Explore around Sakya Fu Camping

Day 11 Sakya Fu to Geu  Camping

Day 12 Explore around Geu Camping

Day 13 Geu to Chakpalung Camping

Day 14 Chakpalung to Pulgung Camping

Day 15 Pulgung to Tukling Camping

Day 16 Tukling to Jang (hot spring sower and relax) Camping

Day 17 Jang to Halji Home Stay

Day 18 Tukling to Simikot Hotel

Day 19 Fly to Kathmandu Hotel

[cmipalaeo]

A muskox Ovibos is no more a goat than a mountain goat Oreamnos is. They're both members of the bovid tribe Caprini, which is sometimes referred to as the "goat-antelopes" because it includes the goats, sheep, and antelopes most similar to them. "Antelope" doesn't really have a taxonomic definition -- it basically just means "any bovid that isn't a species of cattle, goat, or sheep" (i.e., the familiar domesticated ones and their immediate wild relatives). Several species universally called antelopes, like kudus and elands, are evolutionarily closer to cattle than they are to other things called antelopes like gazelles and impalas.

If you are using the term "goat" to mean "any caprine" then both muskoxen and mountain goats are goats; this is probably how you end up with the solution "muskoxen are goats". If you are using it to mean "any member of the genus Capra" -- which is by far the most sensible definition for the term, as it includes the domestic goat and its immediate wild relatives -- then neither are goats. You could, hypothetically, use "goat" to mean "any caprine that isn't a sheep Ovis" but that doesn't really make sense because why should goats have preference over sheep? Even trying to restrict goat to mean "caprines phylogenetically closer to Capra than to Ovis" isn't especially useful because you end up with a lot of caprines that can't be called either (Himalayan tahrs Hemitragus, chamois Rupicapra, aoudads AKA Barbary sheep Ammotragus, bharals AKA blue sheep Pseudois, etc.)... and, for the record, all recent phylogenies of which I'm aware place both muskoxen and mountain goats outside the clade formed by Ovis + Capra, and under the definition of "goat" meaning "anything closer to Capra than to Ovis" neither are goats. So basically, there is no arrangement, taxonomic or terminological, to get a situation where mountain goats aren't true goats but muskoxen are.

For what it's worth, some recent phylogenies based on nuclear DNA find that the mountain goat and the muskox are each other's closest relatives, so there is that to think about, too, in terms of terminology... though admittedly this is not recovered in other trees (mitochondrial DNA, whole-genome, morphological, total evidence).

Ultimately, the best definition of "goat" is "member of the genus Capra", and we just have to acknowledge that the mountain goat is so-named because it appears goat-like, but in reality is no more a true goat than it is a sheep... and in fact is more distant from true goats than the true sheep are! The same goes for the muskox, just acknowledging that its name suggests its obvious (and ultimately superficial) similarities to cattle. Casually, using the term "goat" to mean "any caprine" gets the point of these animals' relationships across using a familiar species, but could lead to confusion like this.

I have just learned that Mountain Goats are NOT, in fact, actual Goats.