Yaks and dzos (a crossbreed of yak and cow) are important resources for Tibetans. They can be saddled and or they can be packed to carry the belongings of a nomad family as it moves. The yak is the only animal in Tibet that is strong enough to carry the heavy black tents that weigh almost 200 pounds through the snow-covered mountains. Yaks are also used to carry goods - such as wool, barley, salt and meat - to markets for trade. Male yaks are typically four feet high at the shoulder and weigh between 440 and 550 pounds.

In addition to transportation, yaks provide many other things for the people of Tibet including food, shelter and clothing. Their milk is made into butter, yogurt and cheese. Yak dung is used as fuel for cooking and heat. Their long, coarse black hair is made into rope and woven into cloth that is used to make tents. The soft fur-like wool is woven into blankets. If a yak dies or is killed, every part of it is used. The meat is eaten - an adult male yak can provide between 175 and 275 pounds of meat! The yak hide is made into leather for boots and bags. Nothing is wasted: even the tail is made into a fly swatter. In the early 20th century, white yak tails were imported into the United States for Santa Claus beards.

Horses are also important animals in Tibet. They are more expensive and less hardy than yaks, however, so they are not as common and receive special attention. Horses do not have as much fat as yaks to keep them warm in the cold weather, so Tibetans dress them in colorful blankets. The horses are also fed a special diet and decorated with brightly colored bridals, saddle carpets and tassels. Horses are used for transportation and often trained to race at festival events.

Mules are commonly found in Tibet and are used as mounts and beasts of burden. As pack animals, they can carry goods to a local market or across the country in trade caravans. As farm animals, mules help work the fields by pulling plows and other agricultural equipment.