The story of the Changpas of Ladakh

There is no chance that you missed a mention of the Changthang Plateau if you have ever been to Ladakh. Also, there is no chance that you have not heard of cashmere, one of the softest fabric wool in the world. Trace its origin to the very roots and you will find yourself with the semi-nomadic tribe of the Changpas of Changthang Plateau.

The Changpas reside on this high-altitude plateau that sprawls in the western and northern parts of Tibet, and further extends to Ladakh in India. Most of the regions that the Changpas reside in is quite inhospitable and unsuitable for farming. Thus, the primary occupation for the tribe is rearing of yaks, horses and sheep.
Cashmere, also known as pashmina, is majorly sourced from the pashmina sheep that the tribe rears. It is one of the most sought after as well as costliest fabrics in the world, and is mainly sold in the form of beautiful shawls and stoles. The tribe contributes about 50000 kg of pashmina in a year.

The Changpas move from one green land to another to rear the animals, also using them to produce cheese and milk. While the tribe stayed aloof for centuries, they are slowly growing accustomed to regular ways, and visitors now have the chance to stay with them in Ladakh at Tso Moriri.
One can easily find their camps around Korzok, a number of them running homestays in their camps, called Robu, here. Apart from Korzok, the Changpas also inhabit the valleys of Rupshu and Kharnak. The tribe migrates from one meadow to another around four times a year, moving in regions that are anywhere between 12000 to 16000 ft.

You can also attend the annual Korzok Festival in the village, for the Changapas also attend the festival in good numbers.