Dharchula Wool Weaving and Pashmina Craft Pithoragarh

Dharchula in Pithoragarh district near the Nepal border has a tradition of fine wool weaving using fibres from local sheep and goats including some Pashmina-producing cashmere goats from high altitude villages. Weavers produce shawls, blankets (daans), and decorative textiles with traditional geometric patterns in natural dyes made from local plants and minerals. The Shauka community of traders and pastoralists maintained historic wool trade routes through mountain passes to Tibet before 1962 border closure. Contemporary weavers supply highland wool textiles to Himalayan craft markets. Women weaving cooperatives have formalised production and linked to fair trade export markets. High-altitude pastoral communities maintain knowledge of wool quality assessment and traditional breed characteristics.