Adaption to a changing salt trade: The view from Humla

Throughout Nepal, trans-Himalayan trade is a major economic strategy for many populations, particularly for those inhabiting the northern border areas. Located in the Karnali Zone, the Humla District is situated along an historically important trade route which follows the watershed of the Karnali River and links the lower regions of Nepal and northern India with the plateau regions of western Tibet. In upper Humla both Tibetan speaking Buddhist and high caste Thakuri and Chhetri Hindu populations have engaged in long-distance trade for several centuries. The traditional rationale of this trade system in western Nepal is simply stated: in the high altitude regions of western Tibet, there has been a demand for grains, in particular rice, in exchange for which Tibetan rock salt can be obtained and marketed in the grain-rich areas to the south. The differential in exchange ratios of grain to salt between these two regions represnets a substantial profit, one which has been realised by the development of an extended trade network and complex schedule of movement of men, animals and commodities.