The Yeti of the Himalayas

The Yeti, or Abominable Snowman, is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Himalayan mountains of Nepal, Tibet, and surrounding regions. Reported by mountaineers and locals for centuries, it represents one of cryptozoology’s most famous mysteries.

Indigenous Knowledge

The Sherpa and other Himalayan peoples have traditions of the Yeti dating back centuries. They distinguish between different types: the smaller, livestock-raiding Yeti and the larger, more dangerous variety. The creature is treated with genuine fear.

Western Discovery

European interest began with B.H. Hodgson’s 1832 report of a hairy, bipedal creature seen in northern Nepal. Subsequent mountaineering expeditions regularly reported tracks, sightings, and encounters.

The Footprints

Large, human-like footprints in the snow are the most common evidence. Eric Shipton’s 1951 photographs of tracks remain famous. The prints show a distinctive shape unlike any known animal.

The Description

The Yeti is described as standing six to seven feet tall, covered in brown or gray fur. It walks upright. Its face is somewhat human-like. It is extremely powerful and avoids human contact.

The Evidence

Hair samples, footprints, and alleged scalps have been collected. DNA analysis of hair samples has yielded mixed results, sometimes matching unknown species, sometimes showing contamination or known animals.

Assessment

The Yeti remains cryptozoology’s most famous mystery. The remote, harsh environment of the Himalayas makes definitive search extremely difficult. Something unknown may walk the high mountains.