We, the Women of the Mountains

Woven by dexterous hands, guided by ancestral spirit - Panchachuli is where heritage becomes hope.

Our Story

Panchachuli began as a visionary journey to empower women in the Kumaon Himalayas through the revival of traditional handloom weaving. Named after the sacred peaks from where the Pandavas are believed to have ascended to heaven, the initiative was born from the heritage of the Johari Saukas—legendary trans-Himalayan traders and artisans of Munsyari.

What started as a small effort to market handwoven pashminas evolved into an internationally acclaimed, women-led enterprise. Supported by philanthropists and driven by the artistry and resilience of rural women, Panchachuli became a symbol of sustainable luxury and self-reliance.

In 2024, after a period of mismanagement under external stewardship, the weaving units were shut down. But the spirit of the weavers endured. Rising to the challenge of rebuilding, the women have now formed Himadri, a cooperative of master artisans dedicated to producing exquisite handwoven textiles using natural fibres and age-old techniques.

As we prepare to relaunch this fall, Himadri represents a powerful return to origins—of dignity, craftsmanship, and the quiet strength of Himalayan women. Join us as we honour this legacy through timeless handlooms and untold stories from the heart of the mountains.

Collaborations

Panchachuli x Hans Himadri Handloom

Comprising of talented artisans, Himadri was formed in 2025 with the mission to promote spinning and weaving as a means of sustainable and dignified employment for rural women of the Kasardevi region. The Cooperative, with the support of the Government of Uttarakhand, aims to train and subsequently employ a hundred women by 2027. Panchachuli Women Weavers will provide Himadri with forward and backward linkages, designs and marketing at local, domestic and international levels.