THE ART OF PASHMINA
Where the Himalayas
Meet Your Hands.
For centuries, the artisans of Nepal have transformed the finest Himalayan cashmere into wearable heirlooms. We carry that tradition to you.
OUR HERITAGE
A Story Woven Over Centuries
The word Pashmina comes from the Persian ‘pashm’ — meaning the softest wool. For thousands of years, the high-altitude Himalayan regions of Nepal have produced the finest cashmere fibres in the world. New Himalayan Pashmina House was founded to bring this ancient tradition to Canada — with full transparency, authentic sourcing, and the highest possible quality standards.
THE HIMALAYAS
Born at 4,000 Metres Above Sea Level
The Chyangra mountain goat — found only in the high Himalayan passes of Nepal and Tibet — produces the world’s finest cashmere fibre. At altitudes above 4,000 metres, where winter temperatures drop to -40°C, these goats develop an extraordinarily fine undercoat as nature’s perfect insulation.
This undercoat — measuring just 14–16 microns in diameter — is gently combed (never sheared) by hand each spring. A single Chyangra goat yields only 80–170 grams of this precious fibre per year. It takes the fleece of three to five goats to make a single shawl.
“The rarity of this fibre is not manufactured. It is written into the geography of the Himalayas.”
THE JOURNEY
From Himalayan Pasture to Your Shoulders
The Combing
Each spring, herders gently comb the Chyangra goats by hand — a delicate process that preserves the fibre’s integrity and the animal’s wellbeing.
Fibre Sorting
Master sorters grade each fibre by hand — separating the finest undercoat from coarser outer hair. Only Grade A passes to the next stage.
Hand Spinning
The sorted fibre is washed and hand-spun into yarn on traditional wooden spindles — a skill passed down through generations of Nepalese women.
Natural Dyeing
Yarn is dyed using methods that honour both the fibre and the environment — vibrant colours that hold their richness wash after wash.
Artisan Weaving
Master weavers work on handlooms — creating the precise tension, density, and pattern that gives each piece its character and drape.
Hand Finishing
Every edge is hand-finished. Every fringe is hand-knotted. Every piece is individually inspected before it leaves Nepal.
THE ARTISANS
The Hands Behind Every Piece
NEPAL’S MASTER WEAVERS
Skills Inherited Across Generations
Our artisan partners in the Kathmandu Valley have been weaving pashmina for generations. Many are members of cooperatives that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and the preservation of traditional techniques that cannot be replicated by machines.
When you purchase from New Himalayan Pashmina House, you are directly supporting these families and the living cultural heritage of Nepal.
“A single master weaver can spend three to four days on a single fine pashmina shawl. That time cannot be rushed. That skill cannot be faked.”
— Bikash, Founder, New Himalayan Pashmina House
OUR MATERIALS
The Science of Supreme Softness
FIBRE GRADE
Grade A Himalayan Cashmere
We use only the finest Grade A cashmere — the top 30% of fibres selected from each combing. At 14–16 microns, it is six times finer than human hair.
FIBRE SOURCE
Chyangra Mountain Goat
The Chyangra (Changthangi) goat is native to the Himalayan high pastures of Nepal and Tibet. Its rare undercoat is the source of true Himalayan cashmere.
CONSTRUCTION
Hand-Woven & Hand-Finished
Every piece is hand-woven on traditional looms and hand-finished by master artisans. No two pieces are exactly alike — each bears the subtle mark of human craft.
CARE
Built to Last Generations
Properly cared for, a true cashmere piece does not wear out — it softens, it deepens, it becomes more beautiful with each year. These are investments, not purchases.
ETHICAL SOURCING
Our Commitment to Nepal
Ethical sourcing is not a marketing term for us — it is the foundation of our business. Every partnership we maintain in Nepal is built on transparency, fair compensation, and long-term commitment.
We work exclusively with artisan cooperatives that can demonstrate fair wages, safe working environments, and respect for traditional craft. We visit our partners. We know their names. We understand the conditions under which your piece was made.
We believe the future of luxury depends on knowing that the beauty in your hands came from beauty in its making.
Fair Wage Guarantee
Every artisan partner receives above-market wages with clear, written agreements.
Animal Welfare
Fibres are hand-combed, never sheared — a process that is gentle on the goats and preserves fibre quality.
Sustainable Production
Small-batch production with minimal waste — quality over quantity, always.
Community Investment
A portion of every sale supports artisan training programs in Nepal.
No Child Labour
We audit our partners to ensure all workers are adults, without exception.
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CRAFT
Frequently Asked
What is the difference between cashmere and pashmina?
Pashmina is a specific type of cashmere fibre from the Chyangra mountain goat of the Himalayas. All pashmina is cashmere, but not all cashmere is pashmina. True Himalayan pashmina is finer, softer, and rarer than standard cashmere — measuring 14–16 microns versus 16–19 microns for regular cashmere.
How do I know my piece is authentic?
Every piece from New Himalayan Pashmina House comes with a certificate of authenticity, detailed fibre specifications, and complete traceability information. Our products are Grade A certified and hand-tested for authenticity.
How should I care for my cashmere piece?
Hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent or cashmere shampoo. Lay flat to dry — never hang, as this distorts the shape. Store folded in a breathable bag with cedar blocks to deter moths. See our full Care Guide for detailed instructions.
Will my cashmere piece pill?
Some pilling in the early weeks is completely normal and is actually a sign of genuine, high-quality cashmere — it indicates the fibre is real and natural. Pilling diminishes significantly with washing. Use a cashmere comb to gently remove any pills.
How long will my piece last?
With proper care, a high-quality cashmere piece should last 10–20 years — and often becomes more beautiful with age as the fibres soften and settle. Many of our customers report their favourite pieces are over a decade old.
EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF
Own a Piece of the Himalayan Tradition
Centuries of craft. A lifetime of beauty. Discover the collection that carries this extraordinary heritage to Canada.
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