Sirmaur: Winter stop for state’s migratory shepherds
As the sun begins to beat down on the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, the landscape of Sirmaur district begins to shift. The fields that once echoed with the gentle bleats of sheep and goats during the winter months now fall silent as nomadic shepherds from Kinnaur, Dodra Kwar and upper Shimla begin their annual migration to the cooler, greener pastures of the high Himalayas.
While not home to a large population of migratory shepherds itself, Sirmaur plays a vital role as a wintering ground, offering a hospitable climate and accessible terrain for these communities to shelter their flocks during the coldest months of the year.
From November through April, the lower-altitude stretches of Sirmaur—from Paonta Sahib to Rajgarh and Shillai—become a seasonal haven for hundreds of Gaddi and Gujjar shepherds, who descend with their flocks from the snowbound highlands.
“For generations, Sirmaur has welcomed us,” says Chering, a seasoned shepherd from Chitkul in Kinnaur, as he prepares to move towards the pastures of Narkanda. “This land gives our animals a chance to survive the winter. Without it, we could not maintain our herds or our way of life.”
The district’s open grazing patches, mild winter temperatures and relative accessibility by foot or trail make it a dependable stop in the long, circular route followed by pastoralists across Himachal’s varied topography.
Shepherds like Himlal from Dodra Kwar and Mohammad Ilyas from Chamba describe the migratory lifestyle as both demanding and deeply fulfilling. With flocks often numbering in the hundreds, these shepherds walk for months across rugged terrain, sleeping under the stars and adapting to every twist in weather and terrain.
“This is not just a job, it’s our identity,” Himlal shares. “Yes, there are challenges—rain, cold, wild animals—but the freedom of the mountains, the bond with our animals, and the pride of sustaining a traditional way of life make it worth it.”
Despite modernisation, Himachal Pradesh still holds an estimated 1.9 million sheep and goats, with 60% reared by migratory pastoralists, according to the state’s Animal Husbandry Department. These shepherds contribute significantly to the state’s wool economy, organic manure supply, and biodiversity maintenance.
The success of this annual cycle depends not just on nature, but also on local cooperation. In Sirmaur, villagers and shepherds have cultivated a largely harmonious relationship, with local communities often leasing fallow fields, sharing resources, or engaging in informal trade. “We sometimes buy milk and wool directly from the shepherds,” says Kiran Devi, a farmer in Ronhat. “They help keep weeds in check and fertilise the land naturally. It’s a win-win.”
The Wool Federation of Himachal Pradesh also plays a vital role in supporting these migratory communities. Temporary collection centers in Sirmaur allow shepherds to sell their wool at fair prices. They are also provided with solar lanterns, first-aid kits, tarpaulins, and veterinary services during their stay.
Awareness and health camps organised by the Animal Husbandry and Tribal Welfare Departments ensure basic healthcare and livestock vaccinations, while mobile units sometimes visit grazing corridors to offer assistance.
While many younger members of pastoral families are opting for formal education and new professions, a growing interest in sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and organic farming has sparked fresh conversations about preserving this lifestyle through innovative models.
Some NGOs and state departments have proposed eco-pastoral tourism, where visitors can accompany shepherds briefly to understand their culture. Others are working on certified organic wool programs to help shepherds earn premium income through green markets.
“In Sirmaur and beyond, there’s new potential if we connect tradition with opportunity,” says a Wool Federation official based in Nahan.
The migratory shepherds of Himachal Pradesh are not just livestock herders—they are custodians of a living cultural heritage. Their intimate knowledge of terrain, weather, medicinal herbs, and animal behavior reflects a wisdom that has been passed down for centuries.
Sirmaur’s role as a supportive host in this journey, though often overlooked, is vital. By maintaining open corridors, ensuring temporary access to pasture, and providing institutional support, the district enables this remarkable tradition to continue—stronger and more respected with each passing year.
As the shepherds now begin their steady ascent back toward the alpine meadows of Kinnaur, Dodra Kwar, and Chamba, they carry with them not only their animals, but the timeless spirit of Himachal’s hills—resilient, proud, and forever moving with the rhythms of the earth.
Himachal Tribune