Our trip to Kutch, Gujarat was the first trip where I went out of Ladakh and boarded a flight, took a train and hailed the buses and taxis. I never dreamt of going somewhere faraway from my native place. It was a fascinating experience for me which I will cherish forever. The time when we visited the Khamir Organisation in Kutch, I realised that there were other people like us who herded sheep and lived a pastoral lifestyle. I was impressed by the way they worked on their looms. They welcomed us with bright smiles and were more than happy to walk us through the whole process at their organisation. They seemed genuinely happy to meet us all when I told them that I too weave and am a nomad from Ladakh.
Tsering Angmo, Weaver
Like Angmo, it was my first trip outside Ladakh. I was nervous about my first flight. It was like a dream for me, it still is and always will be. I went all the way to Kutch. I never went to school but there I saw that educated people were weaving. It was interesting to see that it was a generational business and that it was a family ownership. They had a deep sense of carrying on the legacy of their forefathers. It was also fascinating that more men than women were doing the weaving.
I was the happiest when I saw a herder taking his flock of sheep while we were in Kutch. I never imagined that there were nomads in other parts of the world as well. This trip made me realise the joy of travelling and learning through it. Now, I hope in the future I would be able to travel to more in the future.Jigmet Lamo, Weaver
It has been very beneficial for me working under the Livelihood Initiative of the Jungwa Foundation. The one thing that I am really proud of is that now I can purchase a cooking gas cylinder for the family from the money I earned. Working here also helped me polish my weaving skills. I had forgotten many of our motifs but when I started to weave again, I learnt to weave many new motifs and also the old ones from the women folk of my village in Changthang. Now that I have a source of income, it has surely motivated me to hold on to our traditional pastoral livelihood and also teach them to our children and grandchildren.
Padma Yangzom, Weaver
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INTERGLOBE FOUNDATION
WEAVING LIVELIHOODS, PRESERVING HERITAGE
In the high-altitude nomadic landscapes of Korzok and Tegazung, traditional livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the land itself. For generations, the Changpa people have spun, woven, and crafted textiles from the wool of their indigenous Changluk (Changthangi) sheep — a skill as enduring as the mountains they call home.
In 2018, the Foundation launched its flagship initiative to revitalise these centuries-old weaving traditions while creating sustainable, dignified livelihoods for nomadic Changpa women. At the heart of this work lies bal — the soft, warm wool of the Changluk sheep — spun by hand on the wooden spindle (phang) and woven on the iconic portable backstrap loom (sked thags). In summer, these looms become part of the nomadic camp’s rhythm, set up at the entrance of the rebo (tent) as the women weave under the open sky.
What began with just three weavers has grown into a vibrant network of 30 skilled women, supported by an additional 15–20 herding households who supply the raw wool. Each fleece is scoured, carded, and distributed for spinning, ensuring every stage of the process remains rooted in the community.
Today, the project is more than a livelihood program — it is a living bridge between heritage and opportunity, empowering women to carry forward the skills of their ancestors while building a stronger future for their families.
SHEEP WOOL VALUE CHAIN STUDY
In 2024, the Foundation undertook a comprehensive sheep wool value chain study to map the journey of Changluk wool — from the high-altitude pastures of Korzok to its potential as premium finished textiles. The goal: to understand the processes, people, and opportunities that could transform this age-old craft into a sustainable livelihood source for the Changpa nomads.
The report was launched by the Hon’ble Councillor of Korzok, Karma Namdak, in the presence of Dr. Asif (OSD to the Lieutenant Governor), Dr. Sadiq (AD, Sheep Husbandry – Nyoma), representatives from NGOs including LEDEG, Himmothan (Tata Trust), Nature Conservation Foundation, and WWF, alongside nomadic youth representative Jigmet Tengyur and community weavers from the livelihoods initiative.
Why it Matters
Sheep wool, traditionally woven by the Changpa, is a renewable, sustainable fibre that has supported rural livelihoods for centuries. Yet, in Korzok, much of its economic potential remains untapped.
Key Findings
- Production & Sourcing
- Changluk wool comes from a hardy, high-altitude breed producing a distinctive medium-type fibre.
- The Changpa practise sustainable herding, but most wool is sold raw with minimal local value addition.
- Processing
- The traditional process — scouring, carding, spinning, weaving — has long been done for personal use, creating warm, durable textiles.
- Processing wool into yarn or finished goods locally could create jobs and reduce rural–urban migration.
- Market Channels
- Around 85% of Korzok’s wool is sold raw to outside buyers, entering the apparel, furnishings, and carpet industries.
- Building a market for Korzok-made finished products could transform the local economy, especially with growing consumer interest in natural fibres.
- Challenges & Opportunities
- Challenges: limited market development, no institutional frameworks for herders/weavers, poor access to capital, lack of quality/design interventions, and little insight into consumer preferences.
- Opportunities: rising eco-conscious consumerism, potential for Changluk wool as a premium medium-type fibre (second only to pashmina for finer fabrics), and the creation of a Weavers’ Facilitation Centre in Leh for training, innovation, and retail (including online sales).
Next Steps
The study identified gaps in the current value chain and opportunities for value addition at every stage. By addressing these, Korzok’s wool sector could become more competitive, resilient, and sustainable.
TRAINING WORKSHOPS - PASSING THE SHUTTLE TO THE NEXT GENERATION
Since 2023, the Foundation has been hosting annual training workshops in Korzok, bringing together weavers and spinners to develop new product ranges while keeping traditional skills alive.
From an initial three pioneering weavers, our network has grown to over 30 skilled artisans spread across the vast Korzok migratory landscape.
What Happens in the Workshops
- Women bring treasured older textiles from their homes, sparking discussions on lesser-known motifs and techniques.
- Sessions blend innovation with tradition, helping artisans adapt heritage designs for contemporary markets.
- Weavers exchange ideas, refine skills, and co-create products that honour their roots while appealing to today’s buyers.
Looking Ahead: The Young Weavers’ Incubation Project
Beginning in 2025, we are launching a dedicated program for younger Changpa women, pairing them with elder weavers for hands-on mentorship.
- – Ensures intergenerational transfer of skills
- – Protects the region’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
- – Opens new livelihood opportunities for the next generation
By weaving together experience and youthful creativity, we aim to keep Korzok’s weaving traditions strong — not as relics of the past, but as living skills with a vibrant future.
CREATION OF A WOOL BANK - SAFEGUARDING SUPPLY, SECURING LIVELIHOODS
In the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of Korzok, weaving livelihoods are directly tied to the health of the herds. But in recent years, climate shocks — from sudden snowstorms to prolonged droughts — have taken a toll. Livestock losses and poor wool yields left many weavers without the raw material they depend on.
To address this, in 2024, the project inaugurated Korzok’s first-ever Wool Bank — a community-managed reserve designed to ensure that weaving never stops, even in difficult years.
How the Wool Bank Works
- Annual Procurement: Wool is purchased every year from herding families at fair prices, ensuring they have a steady income and motivation to continue their traditional herding practices.
- Year-Round Access: Weavers can draw from the Wool Bank whenever needed, ensuring a continuous supply of raw material for spinning and weaving.
- Replenishment Cycle: Wool taken out during the year is replaced with new stock after the annual shearing season, keeping the bank well-stocked for the future.
Why It Matters
- Resilience in Times of Crisis: The Wool Bank protects weaving livelihoods from unpredictable climate events and market disruptions.
- Economic Stability: Herders gain a reliable buyer for their wool, while weavers are assured uninterrupted access to their essential resource.
- Heritage Protection: By guaranteeing raw material availability, the Wool Bank helps preserve the centuries-old weaving traditions of the Changpa women.
Beyond Storage – A Community Asset
More than just a storehouse, the Wool Bank is a symbol of self-reliance and foresight. It strengthens the entire value chain — from the shepherd tending sheep on the high pastures to the weaver at her loom — and ensures that the story of Changluk wool continues to be woven, year after year
PRODUCT DESIGN AND MARKETING - CARRYING THE CHANGPA STORY TO THE WORLD
In the wind-swept high plains of Changthang, weaving is more than craft — it is language. Each motif, each line of colour on the loom tells a story of the land, the animals, and the lives shaped by them. For centuries, the women of the Changpa community have woven these stories into their textiles, using skills learned at their mothers’ and grandmothers’ side.
When the Foundation began its work, one challenge quickly became clear: how to share these deeply rooted traditions with the wider world without losing their soul. The answer lay in a delicate balance — designing for modern markets while keeping the cultural essence intact.
Design as Storytelling
Our design journey begins in the rebo (nomadic tent), where a weaver sits at her portable backstrap loom (sked thags), her hands moving with practiced rhythm. The patterns she weaves are drawn from an ancient visual vocabulary:
- Cholo – the dice, for luck and life’s turns
- Tangri Churi – mountains and water, where the Changpa live in harmony with the land
- Mentok – flowers that bloom briefly in the summer, symbols of beauty in a harsh climate
- Raso – goat’s teeth, a nod to the prized pashmina goats and resilience of herding life
- Bumtsang – the beehive, representing unity and shared work
- Lug Mik – the sheep’s eye, a silent guardian watching over the flock
These motifs have adorned Changpa textiles for centuries, and now, through careful adaptation, they appear on new product lines that speak both to tradition and to contemporary aesthetics.
From Loom to Market
Once woven, these pieces begin a journey far from the high plateau. Some travel to fairs and melas in Leh, others make their way to national platforms such as the National Tribal Fest or exhibitions under the Brand Ladakh initiative.
In bustling craft bazaars and quiet boutique spaces alike, visitors run their hands over the fabrics, drawn first by the texture and colour, and then by the stories they carry.
Craft and Tourism – A Shared Experience
More recently, we’ve found a kindred audience among niche hotels and resorts that celebrate Ladakhi heritage. In these spaces, Changpa textiles are not just displayed — they are explained. Guests learn how a motif like Mentok comes from the fleeting summer blooms or how Lug Mik reflects the pastoral watchfulness that sustains the community. The connection becomes personal, and each piece becomes more than an object; it becomes a keepsake of a place and its people.
Skarda – The Community’s Own Brand
Out of this evolving journey, a new chapter is being written: Skarda, a community-driven brand. In its early years, it will be nurtured by the Foundation, but its future will be in the hands of the weavers themselves. Skarda will carry:
- – The authenticity of Changpa craftsmanship
- – The power of heritage storytelling
- – The promise of sustainable livelihoods led by the community
From the high pastures to the global marketplace, every product is a bridge — carrying the Changpa story from one pair of hands to another, ensuring that each thread, each motif, each piece remains alive in both memory and use.
EXPOSURE TOUR TO KUTCH - LEARNING BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS
For generations, the Changpa women of Korzok have woven textiles almost exclusively for their own use — rugs for the tent floor, blankets for winter, and garments for family members. The idea of creating products for distant markets is a newer chapter in this long tradition, one that requires not only skill but also exposure to how other artisan communities have made this transition successfully.
In 2024, the Foundation organised an exposure tour to Kutch, Gujarat, for the core team of weavers. For many of them, this was their first journey beyond Ladakh — from the thin air of the Changthang plateau to the warm, vibrant craft clusters of Bhuj.
Meeting the Masters of Kutch
Guided by the team at Khamir, the weavers visited textile clusters across Bhuj, where they met fellow artisans whose work, like theirs, is deeply rooted in tradition yet speaks fluently to contemporary markets.
- In the workshops, they examined looms of different types, compared motifs, and learned alternative techniques of weaving and spinning.
- In conversations, they exchanged stories of heritage patterns, dyeing methods, and design adaptations.
- In showrooms, they saw how craft products were displayed, priced, and marketed — lessons in branding and presentation that sparked many ideas for back home.
Inspiration from Desi Oon
One of the most insightful moments came during a discussion with Khamir’s team on their work with desi oon (indigenous wool). The parallels between desi oon and Changluk wool were striking — both undervalued fibres with rich histories, both holding untapped potential for revival in modern markets.
Why It Mattered
The trip was more than just a learning exercise — it was a shift in perspective.
- The weavers returned with new techniques and fresh design ideas.
- They understood that storytelling and branding could be as powerful as the weaving itself.
- Most importantly, they saw that communities like theirs could thrive by honouring tradition while embracing innovation.
The journey to Kutch opened a window to the immense scope and potential of the Changpa weaving project — a vision that now stretches far beyond the mountains of Ladakh.
