The backbone of the Himalayan economy: Why Nepal’s rangelands matter

Nepal’s highland rangelands, locally known as Khark, are among the country’s most valuable yet underappreciated natural assets. Stretching across the Himalayas, mid-hills, and parts of the Chure region, these vast landscapes support traditional livestock production, conserve biodiversity, protect watersheds, and sustain the livelihoods of thousands of mountain households.

Far beyond being open grazing areas, rangelands are complex ecological systems that connect livestock, communities, culture, and the environment. They represent the foundation of Nepal’s mountain economy and play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance in some of the world’s most fragile landscapes. Technically, rangelands include natural grasslands, community grazing areas, shrublands, and open vegetation systems, mainly distributed across high-altitude and mountainous regions. For centuries, these ecosystems have provided nutritious forage, medicinal plants, and essential resources for indigenous livestock production systems.