If there is one community whose life is deeply intertwined with nature and the majestic mountains of Pakistan, it is the Gujjar Bakarwal tribe. Belonging to the Gujjar ethnic group, the Bakarwal people are renowned as nomadic shepherds who have lived for centuries across the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Pir Panjal ranges. Their identity is shaped not only by their livestock and nomadic tents but also by a way of life rooted in patience, resilience, and harmony with nature.
Life and Migration of the Bakarwal Tribe
The Bakarwal nomads of Pakistan live in complete synchronization with the changing seasons. During summers, they migrate with their herds of goats, sheep, and cattle towards the lush high-altitude pastures of Kaghan Valley, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. When harsh winters approach, they return to the relatively warmer valleys and plains.
This seasonal migration is not merely a choice but an essential part of their existence. The survival of their livestock depends on access to mountain pastures, and thus migration defines their rhythm of life.
Language, Religion, and Culture
The Bakarwal people of Pakistan are Muslims, primarily following the Sunni tradition. Their native tongue is Gojri (or Gujjar language), though many also speak Hindko and Urdu due to interactions in valleys and markets.
Culturally, the Gujjar Bakarwals are known for their hospitality, endurance, and traditional wisdom. Life in the harsh mountains has taught them patience, sacrifice, and strength. From a young age, Bakarwal children learn to herd flocks, navigate treacherous terrain, and embrace the struggles of nomadic existence.
Economy and Livelihood
The Bakarwal economy revolves around livestock. Goats, sheep, and cows are not just a means of survival but the very foundation of their social and cultural identity.
- Goat and sheep farming provides milk, meat, wool, and hides.
- Bakarwal goats are famous for their resilience, strong build, and ability to survive in extreme weather.
- Their livestock supports not only their own families but also the local economy in mountain valleys.
Thus, the Bakarwal shepherds serve as a vital link between nature and regional trade.
Strengths and Resilience
One of the most remarkable traits of the Bakarwal tribe is their unmatched endurance. Despite icy winds, heavy snowfall, steep valleys, and unpredictable mountain weather, their determination never fades.
- They live on simple diets, often based on milk and traditional foods.
- They rely on natural remedies and herbal treatments to cope with illnesses.
- Their traditional geographical knowledge of pastures, rivers, and mountain routes often surprises even modern scientists.
This self-sufficient lifestyle makes them the true mountain nomads of Pakistan.
Challenges Faced by the Bakarwals
Alongside beauty and freedom, Bakarwal life is full of challenges:
- Lack of permanent land ownership means limited access to government facilities and property rights.
- Climate change poses a huge threat—sudden snowfalls, floods, and landslides often destroy their shelters and livestock.
- Access to modern healthcare and education remains scarce, leaving many Bakarwal families behind in development.
These issues place the Bakarwal people at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.
Social and Cultural Role
The Bakarwal nomads of Pakistan are not just herders; they are an essential part of the mountain ecosystem and culture. Their seasonal migration adds rhythm to valley life:
- Their arrival in Kaghan Valley is seen as the symbol of spring and prosperity.
- Their departure signals the onset of autumn.
- Their herds provide meat, milk, wool, and trade resources to local markets.
In essence, the Gujjar Bakarwal culture is the living spirit of Pakistan’s northern valleys.
Conclusion
The Bakarwal community is the very soul of the mountains. Their life teaches us that the bond between humans and nature is not just about survival but about harmony, patience, and sacrifice.
Today, despite the pressures of modern society, lack of resources, and the threats of climate change, their traditions remain alive. The Bakarwals are truly the heirs of the mountains, without whom the valleys of Kaghan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan would lose much of their cultural identity.
For travelers, photographers, and cultural explorers, learning about the Bakarwal shepherds of Pakistan is not just about history—it’s about understanding the deep connection between man, mountains, and migration.