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3-4 hours
No Cancellation
10 people
English, Hindi, Ladakhi
Discover the intricate art of spinning and weaving wool with the women of Shachukul village, nestled deep in the eastern part of Ladakh. This immersive experience introduces you to every step of Ladakhi textile-making—from raw sheep or pashmina wool to hand-woven pieces using age-old techniques. You’ll sit alongside elder women who have practiced these crafts for generations, learning not only the processes but the deeper cultural meaning woven into every thread.
Village: Shachukul (Changthang Region, Eastern Ladakh)
This experience is hosted by the local women artisans of Shachukul, a remote trans-Himalayan village known for its traditional woolwork and strong monastic heritage. The villagers are primarily agro-pastoralists who rear livestock in high altitudes and weave wool for functional and ceremonial use.
In the cold desert of Changthang, textiles are not just crafts—they are essential to survival and cultural identity. Every family in Shachukul has its own loom, and wool processing is still done communally, often accompanied by folk songs. This experience offers a rare opportunity to witness and participate in that living heritage, especially at a time when such practices are rapidly declining due to migration and market pressures.
Warm welcome by host women and a short introduction to the village's wool tradition.
Learn how to clean and card wool, then spin it into thread using the phang. The process is meditative and often accompanied by traditional songs.
Observe how wool is dyed using roots, plants, and stones. The hosts will explain the origin of each color and its symbolic meaning.
Get hands-on experience setting up a traditional ground loom and try weaving a small sample. You'll be guided to create simple patterns using natural-dyed yarns.
End the session with a cup of butter tea and a conversation circle with the women—about life in Shachukul, the importance of wool, and hopes for the younger generation.
Member Since 2025
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