Chyangra Farming at Lomanthang
Chyangra is a domesticated mountain goat native to the Himalayan region. It is known for producing the world’s most expensive and finest-quality cashmere. The Chyangra Goat gets its name from its habitat in the Trans Himalayan region, referred to as the ‘Chyangra’.
We, as Lomanthang Cashmere Brand, have our own cashmere fiber collection unit in Lomanthang, Upper Mustang. As a Creative Founder Director, I personally visited and surveyed the breeding center at Charang, Upper Mustang, and many chyangra farms in Lomanthang before finally choosing this region. I was so overwhelmed and inspired by all the Himalayan goats and the fine cashmere fibers that founded this brand to support those local people and their livelihood.
Chyangra farming at Mustang is situated in many places in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, but Lomanthang holds major chyangra farms in Upper Mustang. It has particular significance due to its unique environment and cultural heritage. Every household at Mustang is into chyangra farming; they have many chyangra farming cooperatives to graze chyangra goats and other necessary facilities for chyangra farming. As many as 52,000 mountain goats are being reared in different municipalities of Mustang, as per the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Mustang.
As of now, most of the households in Lomanthang are also involved in breeding the Himalayan goats, and there are breeding centers specifically for cashmere Himalayan goats. Breeding practices in high-altitude regions include ensuring that goats have adequate shelter, nutrition, and medical care. Goats in such areas may need special attention to their diet to compensate for the less abundant fodder.
Most of the different village committees work cooperatively, thus relying on chyangra farming for the economies of their local inhabitants. Chyangra farming in Lo Manthang not only sustains livelihoods but also preserves cultural heritage and contributes to the global market for high-quality cashmere. It represents a harmonious blend of traditional farming practices with the challenges and opportunities of modern times.