About pashmina and its collection text: Changra Pashmina

In the majestic shadows of Mount Everest and other Himalayas above 2000 meters from mean sea level reside communities of hardworking farmers and their herds of “Changra” (Capra Hircus),” the mountain goats. Mountain Changra, a symbol of resilience and adaptability, is native to the harsh Himalayan weather, developing a unique, incredibly warm undercoat. Each Changra produces only about 90 grams of Pashmina fleece in a year. Pashmina is prepared from the undercoat of Changra and is harvested by the local farmers during the molting season as a sustainable source of income. The inner coat, called diamond fiber or soft gold, provides them insulation to survive in cold weather conditions. Pashmina is renowned worldwide for its exceptional warmth, softness, elegant texture, lightweight, and durability, and it is best suited to prepare scarves, shawls, wraps, and other clothing.
Pashmina symbolizes the country’s rich cultural heritage, a source of livelihood for its people, and a sustainable product that respects and values the environment. Purchasing a pashmina supports the Himalayan farmers who rear Changra to sustain their livelihood. Each purchase helps preserve a centuries-old Himalaya tradition and keeps the story of mountain people, their hardship, the hand that spun the yarn, resilience, and craftsmanship alive.

Fibre Collection

The process commences with collecting pashmina fibers from the underbelly of the Changra, which has adapted to the harsh mountainous terrain and extreme weather conditions. Herders delicately comb the goats’ undercoats during molting when Changras naturally shed their winter coats (January and February). The fiber is collected in the form of balls in sacks and transported to Kathmandu for further processing.