Tag Archives: chinese yak cavalry

China has us beat in the yak cavalry department (but maybe not the Canadians)

A recent post by China’s Xinhua/CDN news service detailed the elite yak troopers stationed along the country’s more remote borders.

Fear China's yak mounted cavalry (3)

The Xinjiang Military Region border regiment patrol the Pamir mountain range and the report says that yaks are the only means of transportation available in the area at altitudes above 13,000 feet.  The area the yakmen roam is called “Death Valley” and the “Blood-Stained Path” which probably sounds nicer in Chinese.

Although their webgear and kit looks mad cheap, (almost like its made in China airsoft stuff, right?) you have to admit those leather Type 59 holsters and sweet folding-stocked Type 81s are pretty fly.

Fear China's yak mounted cavalry (1) Fear China's yak mounted cavalry (4) Fear China's yak mounted cavalry (2)

I have to admit, though, it does remind me of the Royal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen of my childhood.

Royal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen