Yes Helping Hand Cashmere: Himalayan Luxury Made by Hand

Grade A & B Himalayan cashmere at 70% less than luxury brands. Our cashmere comes directly from Nepal's high mountains, made by skilled artisans who preserve traditions while creating modern luxury.
What Is Cashmere?
Cashmere is the soft undercoat fiber from Himalayan goats. These goats grow two layers of hair - a coarse outer layer and an incredibly soft inner layer that becomes cashmere.
Key Facts About Cashmere:
- Comes from goats, not sheep
- Only the soft undercoat is used
- Goats naturally shed this fiber each spring
- Takes 4-6 goats to make one sweater
- High-quality cashmere is called pashmina
| Our Cashmere Fact | Detail |
| Source Animal | Himalayan goats (Chyangra) |
| Fiber Collection | Natural spring molting season |
| Goats Needed | 4-6 goats per sweater |
| Annual Yield | 200-300 grams per goat |
| Best Quality Name | Pashmina (Persian for "wool") |
| Cashmere Quality We Have | Ultra Premium (Pashmina) Grade A, Grade B, and minimal Grade C. |
Many people wonder about the difference between various cashmere types. Understanding cashmere grades and micron measurements helps you make informed decisions about quality and value.
Our Cashmere Fibers Sourcing
Our cashmere comes from three main regions in Nepal's mountains. Higher altitude means finer, softer fiber because goats grow thicker undercoats in extreme cold. Nepal's unique position in the Himalayas creates ideal conditions for producing some of the world's finest cashmere.
Our Source Regions:
• Mustang District - Main source, 3,000-5,000m altitude
• Manang Region - Secondary source, 3,500-4,500m altitude
• Dolpo Region - Ultra-premium grades, 4,000m+ altitude.
Other than Nepal we also source from the Himalayas of India, but rest assured all the cashmere are sourced from Himalayas.
| Region | Altitude | Fiber Quality | Access Season | Special Features |
| Mustang | 3,000-5,000m | 14.36 microns avg | April-October | 131,000+ goats, traditional herding |
| Manang | 3,500-4,500m | Premium grades | April-October | Cooperative partnerships |
| Dolpo | 4,000m+ | Ultra-fine 12-15 microns | May-September | Extreme altitude, rarest quality |
Why Our Cashmere Is Special - Himalayan Cashmere
Cashmere at Yes helping hand comes from the highest mountains in Nepal, where extreme cold causes goats to produce the softest, finest fiber. We work directly with herders and use traditional methods.
What Makes Us Different:
- Direct sourcing from 3,000+ meter altitudes
- Traditional hand-spinning and weaving
- Zero chemicals or artificial treatments
- Fair wages for all herders and artisans
- 800+ people employed in our program
When comparing options, it's important to understand natural versus synthetic cashmere. Our commitment to 100% natural fibers ensures you receive authentic quality that synthetic alternatives simply cannot match.
| Quality Factor | Our Standard | Industry Average | Your Benefit |
| Fiber Thickness | 12-16 microns | 14-19 microns | Softer feel, better comfort |
| Fiber Length | 40mm+ | 32-40mm | Stronger, longer-lasting |
| Processing Time | 14-16 hours/piece | 4-6 hours | Superior craftsmanship |
| Defect Rate | Less than 1% | 5-8% | Higher quality guarantee |
Our Cashmere Quality Grades
We offer different grades of cashmere to match your needs and budget. All our cashmere is 100% authentic and ethically sourced.
Our Three Quality Levels:
- Ultra-Premium Pashmina - Finest possible quality
- Grade A Cashmere - Our main collection
- Premium Cashmere - High quality, accessible pricing
| Grade | Fiber Size | Source Altitude | Price Range | Best For |
| Ultra-Premium Pashmina | 12-14 microns | 4,000m+ | $200+ | Special occasions, gifts |
| Grade A Cashmere | 12-16 microns | 3,000m+ | $155 | Daily luxury, main wardrobe |
| Premium Cashmere | 16-19 microns | 2,500m+ | $100 | First cashmere, budget-conscious |
Seasonal Fiber Collection Process
Our ethical cashmere collection follows the natural rhythm of Himalayan goats. We only collect fiber during the spring molting season when goats naturally shed their winter undercoat.
Spring Collection Season (April-May):
- Goats naturally begin shedding their winter undercoat as temperatures warm
- Herders gently comb loose fiber using traditional methods
- No cutting, pulling, or stressing of animals during collection
- Each goat yields 200-300 grams of raw cashmere annually
- Quality assessment happens immediately at collection sites
Why Spring Collection Matters:
- Animals are ready to shed - no discomfort or stress
- Fiber quality is at peak softness and length
- Respects natural goat behavior and biology
- Maintains traditional herding practices
- Ensures the highest grade cashmere fiber
| Collection Month | Goat Behavior | Fiber Quality | Collection Method |
| April | Early shedding begins | Premium quality available | Gentle hand combing |
| May | Peak shedding season | Maximum fiber yield | Traditional collection tools |
| June-March | No collection period | Goats growing winter coat | Rest season, no harvesting |
Cashmere Care Instructions
Proper care helps your cashmere last 10+ years. Nepal's climate requires special attention during the monsoon season when humidity is high. For comprehensive washing, storing, and maintenance guidance, visit our detailed cashmere care guide, where we cover everything from removing stains to preventing pilling.
Basic Care Rules:
- Hand wash in cold water with mild soap
- Never wring or twist - gently squeeze water out
- Dry flat on a towel, away from direct sunlight
- Store folded, never hung
- Use cedar blocks to prevent moths
| Care Section | How Often | Nepal Climate Tip | Why Important |
| Washing | After 2-3 wears | Avoid monsoon humidity | Maintains softness |
| Drying | After each wash | Use dehumidifier if needed | Prevents mold/mildew |
| Storage | Off-season | Breathable cotton bags | Prevents moth damage |
| Brushing | After each wear | Gentle, one direction | Removes pills, maintains texture |
Performance & Durability of Himalayan Cashmere
Our cashmere performs better than regular wool and lasts longer than machine-made alternatives. Traditional hand-processing creates stronger, more durable fabric.
Performance Benefits:
- 8 times warmer than regular wool
- Breathes better than synthetic materials
- Gets softer with proper care over time
- Naturally resists odors and stains
- Maintains shape after repeated washing
Unlike synthetic cashmere alternatives, our natural Himalayan fibers provide superior performance that only improves over the years.
| Performance Factor | Our Cashmere | Regular Wool | Synthetic Alternative |
| Warmth-to-Weight | 8x warmer | Baseline | 3x warmer |
| Breathability | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Durability | 10+ years | 3-5 years | 1-2 years |
| Softness Over Time | Improves | Stays same | Decreases |
| Shape Retention | Excellent | Good | Fair |
Pricing & Value - 70% Less than Popular Brands
We offer authentic Grade A Himalayan cashmere at 70% less than luxury brands. Direct sourcing and our social mission model let us pass savings to customers while paying fair wages. Understanding why cashmere prices vary so dramatically helps you appreciate the exceptional value we offer.
Why Our Prices Are Fair:
- No middleman markup - direct from source
- Social enterprise model, not maximum profit
- Traditional methods cost less than industrial processing
- Fair trade practices benefit everyone in the chain
- Volume production keeps individual costs down
| Comparison | Luxury Brands | Our Price | Your Savings |
| Grade A Sweater | $600-800 | $155 | $445-645 (70%) |
| Premium Shawl | $400-600 | $120 | $280-480 (70%) |
| Pashmina Scarf | $200-300 | $60 | $140-240 (70%) |
| Quality Level | Often Grade B is sold as A | Authentic Grade A or Grade B mentioned | Better quality + savings |
Environmental Impact - Less Carbon FootPrint
Our traditional methods have a 70% lower carbon footprint than industrial processing. We use no chemicals, minimal water, and all materials are biodegradable.
Our Green Practices:
- Hand-processing uses 70% less energy
- Natural dyes from Himalayan plants only
- Rain-fed grazing, no irrigation needed
- Zero chemical treatments or synthetic materials
- 100% biodegradable packaging
| Environmental Factor | Our Method | Industrial Method | Environmental Benefit |
| Carbon Footprint | 70% lower | High energy use | Significant CO₂ reduction |
| Water Usage | Minimal (rainfall) | High (processing) | Water conservation |
| Chemical Usage | None | Significant | No soil/water pollution |
| Biodegradability | 100% | Synthetic blends = 0% | No landfill waste |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can your prices be so much lower than those of luxury brands?
A: Direct sourcing eliminates 30-40% markup. We work directly with herders and our own artisans, passing savings to customers while ensuring fair wages.
Q: What's the difference between cashmere and pashmina?
A: Pashmina is the finest grade of cashmere (12-15 microns) from the highest altitudes. All pashmina is cashmere, but not all cashmere qualifies as pashmina.
Q: How long will my cashmere last?
A: With proper care, 10+ years. Our traditional hand-processing creates stronger fabric than machine methods.
Q: Is your cashmere really 100% authentic?
A: Yes. We test every batch for fiber diameter, length, and purity. We guarantee 100% authentic Himalayan cashmere in every product.
Q: Do you use ethical practices?
A: Absolutely. We collect fiber during the natural molting season (no stress to goats), pay fair wages, and support 180+ artisans and their families.
About Our Organization: Yes Helping Hands
Founded in 2011 by Dinesh Kumar Thapa, Yes Helping Hands Organization began with a personal tragedy that became a mission of hope. What started as support for two deaf individuals has grown into an organization empowering hundreds across Nepal and beyond.
Our Founding Story:
- Founded in 2011 in Pokhara, Nepal, after a personal tragedy inspired change
- Started with two deaf artisans - Balika and Balmaya - living below the poverty line
- Expanded from a small shop to an international social enterprise
- Now operates 22+ locations, including international outreach programs
- Transformed from helping a few individuals to supporting entire communities
Our "Each One, Teach One" Program:
- Signature educational initiative where artisans become teachers
- Visitors learn traditional Nepali handicrafts from our skilled artisans
- Every class fee supports education for children of single mothers and differently-abled individuals
- Cultural exchange promotes understanding while generating sustainable income
- Hands-on learning experiences that create lasting impact for all participants
Our Artisan Training Program:
- 6-month comprehensive skill development courses
- Focus on single mothers and differently-abled individuals
- Traditional hand-spinning and weaving techniques
- Quality control and finishing methods
- Fair wage employment upon completion
Artisan Empowerment Components:
- Free training with food allowance during the learning period
- Modern tools combined with traditional techniques
- Ongoing skill advancement opportunities
Ready to Experience the YHH Difference?
Premium Himalayan Cashmere & Handwoven Products
Browse our collection of premium Himalayan cashmere and handwoven products that combine authentic luxury with meaningful purpose. Every piece represents 14-16 hours of traditional craftsmanship by skilled artisans while supporting mountain communities with the world's finest natural fiber.
When you choose YHH cashmere, you're not just buying Grade A quality from 3,000+ meter altitudes - you're joining a movement that empowers 180+ artisans, preserves ancient Himalayan weaving traditions, and builds sustainable communities one handcrafted garment at a time.
Shop our authentic cashmere collection now and experience luxury that transforms lives while delivering the unmatched softness and warmth only true Himalayan cashmere can provide.






