Advancing Animal Welfare in Nubri and Tsum

This April, Himalayan Environment and Life Protection (H.E.L.P.), in partnership with Animal Nepal and with support from the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), Tsum Nubri Municipality, and the Gorkha Veterinary Hospital, carried out the second annual Cham Nindgje animal welfare camp. “Cham Nindgje” means loving-kindness and compassion in Tibetan—a fitting name for a program dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the Himalayas.

The camp aims to address the growing issue of feral dog populations in upper Nubri and Tsum by sterilizing and vaccinating both domestic and street dogs and cats. After covering all the villages of Nubri and Tsum in 2023, this year’s camp focused on the lower-entry villages of the conservation area—where many stray dogs originate after being fed by well-meaning tourists before continuing up the trail toward Larkya Pass (5,106m), eventually becoming feral.

Over the course of 8 days in multiple villages across Ward 5 of Tsum Nubri Municipality, our team treated a total of 143 animals, including 29 equines (mules and horses). The camp was a resounding success, thanks to the collaboration and dedication of our partners and the local communities.

As in previous years, we were deeply touched by the bond between humans and their animals. Many villagers consider their dogs and cats as family—not as beings to be discarded—which adds a profound dimension to this work.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, especially Animal Nepal and their committed team of veterinarians, whose skill and compassion made this camp so impactful.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand the project by initiating surveys of feral dogs and wildlife using remote sensing drones and trap cameras in the areas of Samagaun and Samdo. Stay tuned for more updates as this compassionate initiative continues to grow.