GOBI's Cashmere Journey: Arkhangai Province

Culture
05 NOVEMBER 2024
Ariunzul Enkhbaatar
Ariunzul EnkhbaatarHead of Sustainable Development Division
Ariunzul Enkhbaatar
Ariunzul EnkhbaatarHead of Sustainable Development Division
As the Head of the Sustainable Development Division at GOBI Cashmere, Ariunzul is involved in every step of cashmere production and works closely with herders to support good herding practices.

Passionate about Mongolian culture and the lives of the herders who make cashmere possible, she shares stories about their traditions, the craftsmanship behind cashmere garments, and how GOBI Cashmere upholds its commitment to quality.
Author Profile

Mongolia, a country located in the heart of Central Asia, has a diverse and extensive history spanning thousands of years. One of its most cherished traditions is the crafting of cashmere, a material woven deeply into the country’s heritage. The cashmere province of Mongolia, where herders and communities have raised cashmere goats for generations, stands as a beacon of this heritage. GOBI Cashmere UK is dedicated to showcasing the journey of cashmere directly from the source, beginning with the proud Arkhangai cashmere herders and their remarkable lifestyle.

Two herder women, one in a blue deel, carrying milk churns across green pasture with grazing cattle in Arkhangai

The origin tracking of GOBI Cashmere UK products is a testament to our commitment. Every piece receives a score that traces its journey from the cashmere province of Mongolia, detailing even the individual families and Arkhangai cashmere herders. This transparent tracking initiative, "Origin tracking GOBI Cashmere | Sharing Comfort & Joy," allows our customers to experience the dedication and craftsmanship that define cashmere clothing UK collections, with a special focus on the pristine lands of the Khangai Mountains.

Flock of sheep and goats grazing near two white gers on the golden Arkhangai steppe under a dramatic cloudy sky

The Arkhangai Province: Cashmere Heartland of Mongolia

Arkhangai, meaning “Northern Khangai,” is a cashmere-rich province known for its scenic beauty and rich culture. This region, lying in Mongolia's western sector along the Khangai Mountains, is more than just a place; it is a vital contributor to the cashmere province renowned for high-quality cashmere. Among Mongolia's 21 provinces, Arkhangai stands out with its lush landscapes, crisscrossed by rivers, volcanic lakes, and dense forests that foster a thriving habitat for unique wildlife such as snow leopards, ibex, and marmots.

Herd of horned cashmere goats in white, brown and black gathered in a wooden pen under a blue sky

The Birthplace of Premium Cashmere: Arkhangai’s Role in GOBI’s Legacy

The Khangai Mountains provide an ideal grazing environment for cashmere goats. From this picturesque setting, GOBI Cashmere UK sources some of its finest material, featuring the black and brown tones of the Erchim goat breed. These robust animals, named for their strength, develop dense, dark fibers suited to the frigid temperatures of the highlands. In the cashmere province, the colder the climate, the finer the cashmere, making Arkhangai’s chilly winters an asset to producing the high-quality material cherished worldwide.

Low cloud and mist drifting over blue hills and a line of trees in Arkhangai Province

In spring, Arkhangai cashmere herders hand-comb the cashmere from the goats during the natural moulting season. This traditional practice, grounded in Mongolia’s nomadic way of life, exemplifies the skill that cashmere province communities bring to their craft. At GOBI Cashmere UK, we honor this tradition, as our cashmere clothing UK collections are more than products—they are symbols of a lifestyle honed over generations.

Black and white cashmere goat with long curved horns in profile, with the herd grazing on green pasture behind

Next, we’ll explore other regions within cashmere province, taking you on a journey through the roots of Mongolian cashmere heritage. See you soon!

Black and white horned cashmere goat looking towards the camera while grazing on a green meadow in Arkhangai

FAQ

Where is Cashmere located?

Cashmere, as a material, originates from various regions within Mongolia, often termed the “cashmere province” due to their contributions to the cashmere industry. Regions like Arkhangai, near the Khangai Mountains, are especially known for producing high-quality cashmere thanks to their climate and environment, which nurture resilient goat breeds essential to the craft.

Who are the Arkhangai cashmere herders?

The Arkhangai cashmere herders are a proud, nomadic group in Mongolia who have cultivated their lifestyle around the production of cashmere. Living in the mountainous regions of the cashmere province, they raise Erchim goats in natural settings, hand-combing the cashmere during the spring moulting season and honoring traditions that have been part of Mongolian culture for centuries.