Chyangra Pashmina: Committed to making a positive impact on the Nepali economy and society through high value skills and traditional production methods
Chyangra Pashmina is internationally recognized as cashmere of the highest grade. It is the world’s most revered luxury fiber, sourced from the native Himalayan mountain goats called ‘Chyangra’ (capra hircus laniger) in Nepal. The Chyangra goats are raised high in the isolated Himalayas, at heights of over three thousand meters above sea level.
The ultra-soft cashmere from the inner coat of the Chyangra goats holds a romantic and unique position in the luxury goods industry. It has been popular among the royal and noble dynasties for centuries as the fabric of the finest and most prestigious garments. Spun by hand and woven or knitted into a wide variety of fabrics, this traditional material continues to find new applications while winning the loyalty of new generations of discerning customers.
The Chyangra Pashmina label guarantees an item is made in Nepal and contains a minimum of 51% cashmere from the precious fibers of the Chyangra Himalayan mountain goat.
Environment
We combine traditional production methods, modern machinery and careful, sustainable sourcing to preserve the local environment. Chyangra Pashmina fibers are collected regularly every spring after natural shedding. The goats are not harmed in the extraction process and they grow new layers of wool in the winter that follows.
People
More than twenty five thousand people (the majority being women) are directly employed in the Chyangra Pashmina industry in Nepal. Local and international organizations are committed to the maintenance of high standards of animal husbandry, the maintenance of local craft skills and training in new technical and managerial competencies. A cornerstone of the local economy, increasing production of genuine Chyangra Pashmina is expected to result in an improved quality of life for the people of this under-developed region.
Products
Taken from the under coat of the Himalayan goats, Chyangra Pashmina is so delicate (under 17 microns in diameter) that it needs highly skilled artisans to spin the finest quality of yarn. A skilled spinner can produce only around fifty grams per day. The soft, warm, luxurious and elegant Chyangra Pashmina yarn is woven or knitted into materials and has a wide variety of applications such as shawls, stoles, blankets, scarves, sweaters, cardigans and various accessories. Chyangra Pashmina is a natural insulator: warm in winter and easy to wear in summer. Best of all, articles made from Chyangra Pashmina become treasured possessions that last many years, becoming softer and more beautiful with use. Not all of the fibres used in Chyangra Pashmina originate from Nepal: high quality materials are also sourced from other origins.
The NPIA
Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) is an autonomous and non-governmental non-profit organization and representative body.
Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA) is an autonomous, non-governmental non-profit organization and representative body under which all Nepalese Pashmina entrepreneurs are brought together for the sustainable development of the entire industry. Established in 2000, the association has been actively representing various governmental and non-governmental organizations ever since.
Chyangra Pashmina Products: Chyangra Pashmina is the highest grade, finest cashmere in the world featuring the rare fibers of the Chyangra mountain goats of the Nepalese Himalayas. Inspired by the Nepali culture and tradition, Chyangra Pashmina is created with environmentally-friendly and ethical handmade production processes.
Scarves and Shawls Designed and crafted in Nepal and available in a variety of styles and finishes.
Designed and crafted in Nepal, Chyangra Pashmina scarves and shawls are available in a significant variety of styles and finishes – many offering a unique hand-finished look, and all containing a majority of fine cashmere fiber. Whether worn around the neck or waist Chyangra Pashmina scarves and shawls are both stylish and classic at the same time, accessories for men or women that can be worn on formal or casual occasions.
Blankets and Throws Chyangra Pashmina is a natural insulator that is warm in winter and easy to wear in the summer.
Chyangra Pashmina is a natural insulator that is warm in winter and easy to wear in the summer. Blankets and throws are woven with exacting attention to quality. They become treasured possessions that last for many years, becoming softer and more beautiful with every use.
Knitwear The soft, warm and luxurious cashmere yarn is knitted into various garments such as cardigans and sweaters.
The soft, warm and luxurious cashmere yarn is knitted into various garments such as cardigans and sweaters. Chyangra Pashmina is premium knitwear that is unique in character – designed, manufactured and hand-finished in Nepal. Our designs reflect modern tastes and many are influenced by traditional culture and crafts unique to Nepal.
Certification
The coveted Chyangra Pashmina label indicates the finest quality and adherence to the highest standards of care. Please read these requirements below:
Quality Standards
Fiber Diameter: Should not exceed 17 microns.
Fiber Purity: The yarn should have a minimum of 97% Pashmina fiber.
Fiber Strength: Not specified.
Fiber Composition: If mixed with any other fibers, the yarn should have a minimum of 51% Pashmina content.
Yarn Count: Not specified.
Color Fastness: The fiber should feature durable color fastness.
Harmful AZO Dyeing Usage: The fiber should be free from harmful AZO dyeing.
Fair Trade Group Nepal
For over 21 years, FTG Nepal has been conducting orientation programs, exhibitions, campaigns, tours and more to promote and advocate for Fair Trade. FTG Nepal has been undertaking lobbying activities to influence policy makers to adopt Fair Trade friendly policies; and enhancing the solidarity among fair trading organizations at national, regional and international levels. We have been building the capacity of our members, marginalized producers and communities in creating sustainable enterprises, developing skills and creating economic opportunities through partnership projects, workshops and trainings, expert consultancy services, market facilitation, joint marketing activities and dissemination of information. Member organizations of FTG Nepal are involved in uplifting producers’ economic and social status.
FTG Nepal has been a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since its inception and is also the country network for WFTO Asia. Today, FTG Nepal is one of the strongest country networks of Fair Trade Organizations recognized within the country, and at the International Level. It was formally registered as a non-trading not for profit an NGO in 1996.
