In the treeless regions of the Himalayas, dried yak dung is the primary fuel for cooking and heating.

In the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, elevations often exceed 4,000 meters, which is well above the natural tree line where timber can grow. Consequently, local populations have developed a sophisticated biomass energy system centered on the Bos grunniens, or domestic yak. Research published in journals like 'Energy for Sustainable Development' highlights that yak dung provides approximately 75% to 90% of the total household energy in these remote areas.The efficiency of yak dung as a fuel is rooted in the animal's digestive physiology. Yaks consume hardy, fibrous alpine grasses and sedges that are rich in cellulose and lignin. Because their digestion is only partially efficient at breaking down these tough plant fibers, the resulting manure is highly concentrated with combustible organic matter. Once dried in the sun, the moisture content drops below 10%, allowing it to burn steadily at high temperatures.Scientific analysis shows that yak dung has a calorific value of roughly 12 to 15 megajoules per kilogram, which is comparable to some types of wood. This fuel source is vital for the thermal comfort of the nearly 6 million people living on the Tibetan Plateau. Furthermore, using dung is a carbon-neutral process within the local ecosystem, as it merely releases carbon that the grasses recently captured from the atmosphere. This ancient practice remains the most viable energy solution for nomadic herders today.