Yak Wool Shawl - Journey

The Changthang Plateau, located in Ladakh, India, is a striking high-altitude expanse that stretches into northern Tibet. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, stunning mountain ranges and extreme climate, this semi-arid plateau sits at an average elevation of about 4,500 meters (14,800 feet).

This wool is sourced from yaks that graze freely. Their herding practices are designed to prevent overgrazing, ensuring the sustainability of the pastures. Yak have been herded for generations, along with pashmina goat and sheep, by the Changpa nomadic families who inhabit the plateau.  Their yaks and horses roam freely for most of the year in the higher valleys, where the abundant grass minimizes the impact on other livestock grazing areas. 

These majestic animals produce about half a kilo of wool each year. The wool is carefully collected, cleaned, carded and handspun into this lofty, soft and incredibly warm fibre.  Half of these single plied spun yarns are then hand twisted into double plies for their warps. Then they are woven on a flying shuttle loom.