The story of the Himalayan Yak Headbands

Shaggy, hardy and the backbone of Nepali culture, it’s hard to overstate the importance of the yak and their role in Himalayan life.

Distinguished by their handlebar horns and extremely dense long fur, these high-altitude, grass loving animals, have grazed the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau for centuries. With three times the lung capacity of typical cows, yaks take in stride the thin air, rugged terrain and bitterly cold winters.

Milk, meat and droppings

Yaks are a great source of nutrition and heating for the people of Nepal. Their milk, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is used to make yoghurt, butter and cheese, including chhurpi—a hardened yak milk cheese that can be stored for years. Their meat is lean and delicate and contains twice the protein to a similar size piece of chicken. Their dried droppings are an important fuel source and they transport goods across mountain passes for local farmers and traders as well as for climbing and trekking expeditions. Everyone wears yak wool Generally gentle creatures and patient with humans, it’s their super soft wool which is so abundantly warm and luxurious which helps sustain life in the harsh environment. Made into a huge assortment of woolen pashminas, blankets, jerseys, headbands, gloves, and socks, absolutely everyone in the Himalayan region wears yak wool.

From cashmere to wigs

Each summer, yaks shed their downy undercoat which is similar to a soft cashmere. The courser outer hair makes its way into ropes, tents, and even theatrical wigs while yak hide becomes bags and boots. Pran and the women crafters working with Conscious-Trader get their wool directly from the yak herders. The unbleached raw yak wool is made into yarn and then knitted into beautifully soft, deliciously warm head bands. Wide headbands for women and thick headbands are a real favorite. 100% super handmade super soft yak wool Not only are the headbands hand-made by the female crafters to keep their families warm but they also help earn an income. To help put food on the table and send their children to school. The headbands are 100% super soft yak wool and unlike other wool, contain no lanolin, making them much less likely to cause wool allergies. Yak wool also stays warm when wet and is magnificently odorless. While it’s likely you won’t have to wash them often, the headbands clean easily by hand washing and drying flat.

Historically, yaks were essential to the survival of the people of the Himalayas, much like bison were to American Indians. Now, every yak wool thick headband helps improve the lives of people like Pran and her child who have no way of getting their beautifully handmade crafts to market. Greater economic empowerment benefits not only Pran & community but also her child’s future and the people of Nepal. Thank you yaks of the Himalayas.