Alchi Shawl collection

60% Merino Wool
40% Polyester*

*Our weaver uses polyester in many of his creations, this is because he needs to compete with the factory made products.

As all of our products are handmade we welcome custom requirements. All our pieces are available in 100% Merino or Yak wool sourced from the Himalayas.

Dispatched in a maximum of 10 business days. Exchange accepted within 10 days of delivery. Cancellation requests will be accepted strictly within 24 hours of placing the order.

We advise to hand wash with soft detergents and hang dry. These items are delicate and done by hand and not meant to be machine washed or placed in a dryer.

Weaving has been practiced in Himachal Pradesh for at least 5,000 years. The 'Silk Road'' is by far the most famous network of trade routes connecting China, Central Asia, and India. One such trade route, known informally as the 'wool road', connected the plains of the Punjab in India to Tibet, Central Asia and China. This route, and several others, passed through the Kullu and Kinnaur regions of the northern Indian state known as Himachal Pradesh. Two groups of artisans that can be found along this important route are the weavers of Kullu and Kinnaur. Their strategic location on these routes caused their weaving to be greatly influenced by the ancient trade. Their weaving traditions have a long and intertwined history and their shawls are quite famous throughout India; however, their distinct and skilful weaving is nearly unknown to the outside world. The weaving of both the Kinnauris and Kulluvis form an important part of India's cultural heritage and deserve the recognition that is their due for the beautiful works of art.

 The weavers in this region are facing increasing economic hardships due to rapid and unequal changes in India's economy. Traditional weaving all over India is being lost and/or degraded, as weavers find that it is more cost-effective to weave coarser, simpler motifs which are less labour intensive and therefore cheaper and easier to sell in greater quantities.

I've travelled around India for the last two years and Himachal has stolen my heart! The people, culture and handicraft are one of a kind and it doesn't compare to anywhere else I've travelled. I've search high and low for the best quality handloom shawls and I've finally met Balvinder and spent some time with him to see how the entire process works. A simple shawl that involves only weaving can take about one to two days to create and shawls with intricate designs can take months on end. Balvinder’s work has been recognized worldwide and has received numerous awards.

By purchasing the Kullu shawls you help support local villages and keep this beautiful cultural heritage alive.