Heavy snowfall on the India-China border has hindered rescue efforts and left hundred of Yaks stranded since December, with at least 300 having already died from starvation, and 50 others in need of immediate medical attention.
The tragedy is unprecedented, with between 10 and 15 yaks on average dying in similar conditions in the Mukuthand valley each year.
Locals have been using the yaks for meat, milk and transport for thousands of years, and are set to receive compensation of 30,000 rupees per yak with a maximum payout of three yaks per family.