For centuries, Wakhi shepherdesses in Pakistan have undertaken treacherous journeys to remote mountain pastures, herding flocks that sustain their community. This tradition, vital for the community’s transformation, is fading away. BBC 100 Women embarked on one of the last journeys with these shepherdesses to document their way of life.
The trek to the Pamir pastures in the Karakoram mountains of north-east Pakistan is perilous, with steep and winding trails. One misstep can lead to danger, and the women use whistles and calls to guide their sheep, goats, and yaks along narrow paths.In the past, dozens of Wakhi shepherdesses made this journey each summer, leaving men at home to tend to farming. However, today, only seven shepherdesses remain, marking the decline of this traditional way of life.
The women, some in their late 70s, undertake an arduous eight-hour walk each day, facing diverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, and scorching heat. The journey that once took three days now extends to five. As the group acclimatizes to the high altitude, the elderly shepherdesses lead the way, showcasing their resilience. The trek is not without danger, with the constant threat of landslides, and the impact of the sheep’s hooves resonates through the ground.
The income generated from this traditional way of life has played a pivotal role in transforming the community. It has funded healthcare, education, and even the construction of the first road out of their valley.The tradition of Wakhi shepherdesses is fading away, marking the end of an era. The challenges of the journey, coupled with the decline in numbers, signify the changing landscape of this community.
The journey with the Wakhi shepherdesses into the Pamir pastures offers a poignant glimpse into a vanishing way of life. As the challenges of the trek persist, and the numbers dwindle, this documentary by BBC 100 Women captures the resilience and cultural significance of these shepherdesses and the fading traditions of the Karakoram mountains.
